What Is Better for Crooked Teeth: Veneers or Caps?

Veneers and caps are both useful in correcting crooked teeth.

Dental veneers are tooth-colored shells that cover the natural tooth while a cap replaces the tooth with a tooth-colored crown. Crowns are used to remove decay, and veneers work for patients with healthy teeth who just want them straightened.

Benefits of Veneers

Tooth-colored veneers are a fitted porcelain shells that go over the patient's original teeth. Cosmetic dentists use veneers to straighten crooked teeth without braces.

Benefits of Caps

A cap replaces the tooth entirety and works for patients with cavities, fractured or chipped teeth. Since the damaged tooth is replaced by a crown, crooked teeth can be straightened with a cap.

Functions

Both look like natural teeth, but will inhibit biting into hard foods. Caps have margins that have to be monitored for decay while veneers don't.

Longevity

Veneers, caps and crowns can last as long as 10 to 15 years, given the patient practices good hygiene and proper care.

Insurance Coverage

If there's decay, insurance companies will most likely cover crowns under the major category. Veneers are elective and therefore not covered by insurance.

References

• Veneers and Caps last 10-15 years