With age comes wisdom. That’s what most people who are fortunate enough to live that long should know. Another thing you can expect is damage to your teeth. The years will add stains from drinking, smoking, and eating, which will ultimately affect your smile. There are, however, ways to restore your smile to look better than new. Two popular options people are using are veneers and crowns. The following are some basic details about what sets them apart.

Dental problems can either be cosmetic or medical. Patients can choose either option, depending on which best suits their situation. Basically, a crown will form a casing that wraps around the tooth that’s being repaired. Veneers are typically a very thin pieces of porcelain, only half the thickness of a crown. They’re used to cover only the fronts and sides of the damaged tooth.

Discoloration is a common problem among most adults, and chipped teeth are also common. If your teeth do not have extensive structural damage, then it probably doesn’t need a crown. They’re typically reserved for dental repairs that are more complex. The thin layer of a veneer might be what you would choose if that thin layer is supposed to cover tooth decay or staining.

Installing a veneer does not require any of your teeth to be removed. This thin layer is supposed to be attached to the fronts and sides of the tooth. However, for the more complex crown procedure, the bulk of the tooth will need to be removed so that it can fit perfectly. Dentists will typically not require a crown unless the damage is extensive.

Because crowns are a more detailed procedure, they will inevitably cost more. When either one is considered medically necessary, dental insurance will usually cover the costs. It’s always important to do your research. Make sure that you get a procedure that is most appropriate by consulting with your dentist. If your choice does not work out, it may cost more to repair correctly.