Toothy Decisions: Braces, Crowns or Veneers?

Vanilla, chocolate or strawberry?  Such a decision is posed to those seeking sweet delights, great in immediacy, but when enjoyed in abundance leads to toothache or deterioration.  Those who address a rotted or unhealthy tooth can choose a crown or veneer.  Yet those solutions can’t ‘fix’ an imperfect smile, one marred with crooked, spaced or cramped teeth; for such, braces provide solution and peace of mind.

What’s the best solutions for you, associated costs and supplemental information regarding veneers, crowns, and braces?

Crowns

Crowns or ‘caps’ completely encapsulate the natural tooth to rectify a cracked or rotted tooth.  Crowns typically cost an upward of $1,000 but check with local dentists and oral surgeons for pricing and insurance coverage.

Crowns last anywhere between 10 to 15 years or longer, depending on composition and exacted ongoing hygiene.  Today, dentists make the process more convenient by creating crowns in the office.  In some cases, temporary crowns are fixed until dentists may order permanent fixtures from labs.

Veneers

Veeners, like crowns, address an otherwise cracked, chipped or rotted tooth.  However, consumers make the commitment due to aesthetic appeal, achieving a ‘Hollywood’ smile.  Dentists craft the look by chipping away at an existing tooth’s surface, fixing a porcelain veneer or mask.

Pricing varies depending on dentist assessment and a consumer’s budget.  Some treatments cost over $15,000 considering some need 10 or more veneers to ‘achieve a bright smile.’  Don’t estimate through online literature; find what veneers cost in NYC (or in your area) from an approved professional.

Braces

Traditional braces, with metal squares and wires, are still effective in treating slight to severe malformations of the mouth.  However, modern-day braces offer more alternatives than years ago.

Firstly, Invisalign, equally as expensive as ongoing traditional treatment (possibly $9,000 or more), is removable, making it easy to maintain hygiene and appearance.  Secondly, braces fixed on the inner portion of the mouth, entice those who want the effectiveness of metal without the visual obstruction.   Also, braces featuring square-less wiring (made able with dental staples), presents another option to teens or adults seeking to lessen the visual presence of dental corrections.

Plans and Private Dentistry

For years, dentists, much like firemen, addressed issues as they were introduced, a reactive position.  However, modern-day dentists adopt a proactive position in offering a number of solutions to consumers, especially those who may not have gotten proper treatment as children (due to parents’ limited funds or technology of the era).

Today, consumers take advantage of insurance plans and private-practicing professionals who offer payment plans to patients who desperately want to change their look and levels of confidence.

A number of today’s adults (finally) get to realize what it’s like to smile rather than attempt to hide a mouthful of crooked, cracked, or rotting teeth.  Today’s dentistry creates awe in the field of science (Titanium microtubes made a huge impact on dental implant procedures.) while influencing lives in simple ways, such as improving a smile.

What’s the right dental wonder for you – crowns, veneers, or braces?  Now, you know more about each but contact a professional for added information.

Robert Ander has a passion for dental health. He frequently writes about general care and innovative solutions to common problems.