It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to improve your smile or address certain imperfections in your teeth – there are many restorative dentistry treatment options to consider. In fact, chances are you’ve already even researched some options on your own or have spoken with your orthodontist about some potential options to explore.

However, when trying to decide the direction you want to take, you may be a bit confused when hearing terms like veneers and crowns. What exactly are these used for, and are they the right choice for your situation? Let us help you get some perspective on these solutions to make it easier to decide.

Understanding the Difference of Capped Teeth vs Veneers

Having your teeth capped and getting veneers are both different forms of restorative dentistry that serve multiple purposes. However, there are many different situations where one or the other might be a better choice.

Below, we’ll break down the differences between the two options and the various types of each:

What are Dental Crowns?

Capped teeth, as they’re commonly referred to, are also called “dental crowns.” This is a fitting name for these, as they are designed to sit completely over one of your regular teeth.

Dental crowns are used for multiple reasons, but most commonly, they’re put in place to help protect a weaker tooth from breaking apart.[1] If there have been major repairs to the tooth, these caps help to keep everything together, making it much less likely the tooth will become further damaged.

In other cases, dental crowns can be used specifically for cosmetic purposes, helping to keep more uniformity with other teeth.

Different Types of Crowns

There are different types of dental crowns available to be used depending on what they’re for. Below are some of the most common options available:[2]

• Metal: Metal dental crowns can be made up of strong alloys like gold and are typically used in situations where strength and durability are important. These types of dental caps are most commonly used as a permanent solution since individuals can easily bite and chew with them – especially when applied to molars in the back of the jaw.
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel dental crowns have similar durability but are typically a more cost-effective choice when compared to other metals. That being said, these types of caps are usually put in place for a temporary restoration and are eventually replaced by more permanent ones.
• Porcelain: The challenge with metal dental crowns is that they can be quite noticeable when used for front teeth, which many people will want to avoid. Porcelain crowns or porcelain fused crowns are much more natural-looking and can be used to protect certain teeth while being much less noticeable. One of the challenges with porcelain options, however, is that they can be a bit more fragile than other materials, and there are typically few dental insurance coverage options for it.

How Long Do Capped Teeth Last?

Capped teeth can last anywhere between 5-15 years, depending on different variables.[3] Like all dental appliances, their long-term integrity will be dependent on following certain guidelines provided by your orthodontist to ensure they’re properly cleaned and taken care to avoid breaks.

What are Dental Veneers?

Unlike a dental crown that is designed to completely cover and surround a tooth, veneers only cover the front-facing side of an existing tooth. This makes them much easier to put in place and doesn’t require extensive preparation like is necessary when putting in a crown.

Dental veneers are almost exclusively used as a cosmetic adjustment, although they can also be helpful for protecting chipped or slightly broken teeth. They are often used to help fill gaps between teeth and can be used to brighten smiles and add more uniformity to a jawline.

Different Types of Veneers

Like with dental caps, there are different types of dental veneers that can be used in restorative dentistry. Below are some of the most common options:[4]

• Composite: Composite materials can be used for dental veneers, which contain a tooth-colored resin that gets molded to be applied to your teeth. Composite veneers are a fairly cost-effective solution for fixing small chips in a tooth or filling various gaps.
• Porcelain: Porcelain veneers are the most commonly used format as they’re both durable and have a natural appearance. They’re bonded directly to the tooth surface and have a long lifespan.
• No-prep: Most veneers require a certain amount of tooth preparation before they’re applied. This usually involves scraping enamel so that the tooth is smooth and fits the veneer best. No-prep dental veneers are a much less invasive option than traditional veneers and don’t require this preparation ahead of time.
• Removable: Snap-on or “removable” dental veneers are another option that can be used during restorative dentistry. This is a temporary crown solution that uses custom-made trays to fit over all of your current teeth. Many times, this is used to provide a trial of what a permanent solution will look like before fully committing to having them put in place.

How Long Do Veeners Last?

Since not all dental veneers are designed to be permanent solutions, the length of time a veneer is expected to last will vary. Porcelain veneers are expected to last for 10-15 years when properly cared for, while no-prep or composite veneers are only expected to last half this amount of time.

What is the Process for Putting in a Dental Crown?

Below is a walkthrough of what is generally involved when dental crown covers are put in place:

• Dental Inspection and Natural Tooth Preparation – Before you have a crowned place, your cosmetic dentist will assess whether you’re an eligible candidate for various dental treatments. This may mean taking a number of X-rays and doing a full examination of teeth and surrounding areas. In the event that certain tooth repairs or fillings are needed, this will be done first before preparing the area for crown placement. They’ll then prepare the teeth needing a crown by removing a small amount of enamel in the teeth so the crown will fit over it properly.
• Dental Impression – Once your natural tooth has been adequately prepared, dentists will take a mold of the entire tooth using putty or a scanning tool. This will make sure all unique dimensions of the tooth are captured and used to create a custom-fitting crown.
• Temporary Crown Placement – While the lab is finishing production of a permanent dental crown, a temporary one will be put in place to protect the entire tooth and keep a natural appearance while waiting.
• Apply Permanent Solution – After the permanent crown has been prepared, the dentist will arrange a final fitting. During this time, the temporary solution will be removed, and the permanent crown will be put in place. They will then make sure it is properly bonded using dental cement and provide instructions for care.

What is the Process for Putting in Veneers?

Similar to when putting in a crown, porcelain veneers will require a few stages before they can be permanently placed. Below is what this process looks like:

• Initial Consultation – During an initial consultation with your dentist, you’ll be able to discuss the goals you’re trying to achieve with your smile. They will then do an examination of your teeth and overall oral healthcare to help you choose the right solution.
• Tooth Preparation – Depending on the type of veneer you’re looking for, the dentist may begin preparing your natural tooth by removing a small amount of enamel from it so the porcelain veneer can be successfully bonded.
• Color Selection – You’ll have the ability to choose the color and material of your cosmetic veneers to ensure they match other teeth or give you the look you want.
• Custom Molding – As with dental crowns, a mold of your teeth will be taken to make sure the shape of the veneers is perfectly formed for you.
• Bonding – When the veneers are ready, your dentist will make sure they’re permanently bonded.

Which Type of Treatment is Better?

The choice between dental caps or porcelain veneers will depend on your own unique circumstances and the general purpose of their use. Porcelain veneers are typically purely cosmetic and aren’t designed to provide any structural integrity to your teeth. On the other hand, dental caps help to protect compromised teeth while also providing cosmetic benefits.

Porcelain veneers will tend to cost you more when compared with a dental cap since there are limited material types and options to use, so the extent of your dental insurance may come into play. However, your dentist will be able to provide you with all of the pros and cons of your situation to make sure you’re choosing a solution that’s right for you.

If the choice is cosmetic, consider other orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign. Contact Kunik today for a free consultation!

It can be easy to take for granted just how important our teeth are. Most of the time, we don’t really think about them throughout the day until it’s time to brush or floss. But when you start to experience pain when biting down or chewing, it’s typically the ONLY thing you think about.

From time to time, cavities can form in one or multiple teeth that will need to be cared for. While most people have these soft spots when putting pressure on them, others may not even feel them developing at all and only discover them when getting teeth cleaning or an X-ray.

Still, they’re important to deal with to stop them from getting worse and causing increased pain over time. But don’t worry – dealing with cavities isn’t as scary as you might think.

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is a small area of tooth decay on the hard surfaces of your teeth that eventually causes small holes, known as “cavities,” to develop.[1]

If left untreated, over time, these holes will become larger and could go deeper into the various layers of your teeth. This can increase the likelihood of developing an abscess at the root of the tooth, infecting the tissue and gums around it and potentially becoming a dental emergency.

How are Cavities Caused?

Cavities are primarily caused by a build-up of bacteria on the surface of the teeth. Because of the acidic nature of this bacteria, eventually, it will eat away at the enamel that strengthens the tooth and creates a weak spot where a cavity can develop.

The bacteria that naturally live in our mouths need a regular food source. This can be from food particles left over after a meal and a build-up of plaque and tartar on our teeth. Sugar is also a primary food source of bacteria, which is why you hear dentists saying to try to avoid having too many sugary drinks or candy.

Some of the other culprits for developing more cavities are:

• Forgetting to brush or floss regularly
• Fluoride deficiency
• Dry mouth
• Receding gumlines
• Regular consumption of drinks with high sugar content

When Should You Suspect You Might Need a Cavity Fill Procedure?

Although not all cavities may present symptoms when they first develop, there are some signs you can look for that can mean it’s time to consider cavity fillings. Some of the reasons you might suspect you have a cavity include:

• Tooth Sensitivity – When brushing your teeth or even when talking, you might begin to notice general sensitivity in certain teeth, which could be early signs of a cavity developing.
• Pain When Chewing – Putting pressure on your teeth, especially when chewing certain foods, will typically reveal the presence of a cavity. This added pressure will aggravate nerve endings in your teeth if exposed and can cause discomfort when they come into contact with other teeth or food.
• Pain When Drinking Hot and Cold Beverages – The nerve endings underneath the hard surfaces of our teeth are quite sensitive. When the enamel in your teeth begins to decay, it exposes these nerve endings to temperature variances in the liquid we drink. Hot or cold beverages can quickly trigger increased tooth sensitivity when a cavity is present.
• Physical Signs of Damage or Decay – While not all cavities are visible when looking at your teeth, physical signs of tooth damage or decay can and often do mean that a cavity has formed.
• Excessive Bad Breath – We all have bad breath from time to time. However, excessive bad breath could be a sign of increased bacteria build-up and is another sign that you may need a dental hygiene checkup to look for potential cavities.

How Does a Dental Filling Procedure Work?

Depending on the extent of a cavity, the procedure for filling it may vary. However, the process is typically as follows:

1. Examination and Local Anesthesia

A dentist will take the time to do a full examination of your teeth and gums. In the case that a cavity has formed, the dentist will then prepare the area for dental fillings and repair the necessary teeth. To do this, they will apply a local anesthetic to the affected area to numb the root of the tooth and surrounding gums to alleviate any pain or discomfort when receiving your dental fillings.

2. Decay Removal

Before a cavity can be filled, any tooth decay needs to first be removed so it can’t spread any further after the dental fillings are placed. This is typically done with a scraping tool or a high-speed dental drill. This process not only helps to get rid of any additional tooth decay but it also helps create an optimal shape in the tooth for the cavity filling to adhere to.

3. Applying Dental Filling

A dental filling procedure uses a mixture of filling material, typically made of amalgam or composite fillings, that apply in liquid form and then harden when bonded with the tooth. Depending on the type of filling chosen, dentists will gently apply various layers of the filling material to make sure there are no gaps and provide a strong connection.

4. Bite Alignment Adjustments

After the dental filling procedure is completed, your dentist will likely need to make a couple of adjustments to make sure you have an even bite. In some cases, your bite may feel off at first. This is common and simply means that some of the cavity filling material will need to be removed. Your dentist will then do a couple of short rounds of find adjustments using scraping tools or a drill until your bite feels natural after the tooth fillings.

5. Polishing

To keep a natural look after a dental filling procedure, your dentist will likely polish your new tooth fillings as well as the surrounding teeth.

Types of Dental Fillings

Amalgam fillings can be made up of different components depending on the application and the types of teeth they are being applied to. Below are some of the common cavity filling types:[2]

• Cast Gold Fillings – While being a more expensive choice than other amalgam filling types, cast gold doesn’t corrode or break down after regular use. These cavity fillings will often last 20 years or longer before needing to be repaired or replaced.
• Silver Amalgam Fillings – Silver amalgam fillings are the most cost-effective cavity filling types that can last for 15 years or more. However, one of the primary setbacks with using silver cavity fillings is that they have been known to expand or contract when exposed to major temperature variances.
• Composite Fillings – Many modern amalgam fillings use composite materials to help create a better look and feel, just like natural teeth. While not as strong as metal, composite fillings can be more easily formed in teeth and can still create a strong bond with teeth to close off a cavity.
• Ceramic Fillings – Ceramic fillings offer a balance between gold and composite fillings. They are molded in the same way as metal dental fillings but more closely match the natural look of your teeth. Similar to silver cavity fillings, ceramics will last around 15 years before they need to be repaired or replaced.

How Long Will a Cavity Filling Take to Complete?

The length of time it takes for cavity fillings will depend on the location of the tooth and the extent of any decay that has been discovered. Typically, most standard amalgam fillings will only take around 20 minutes to complete, while preparation before and after that may add some time to the process. Most visits to the dentist for amalgam fillings won’t be more than an hour in total length.

In the event that multiple cavities are discovered, your dentist may recommend multiple visits to have them cared for to help reduce the likelihood of too much swelling in the gums or jawline, to help spread out the costs of fillings, and to avoid needing to apply too much local anesthesia.

Let Kunik Create The Smile You’ve Always Wanted

Your oral health impacts your health overall. If you want to turn your smile around and correct alignment issues, contact Kunik today for a free consultation.

Making a regular visit to your dentist’s office is an important part of keeping your oral health in good shape. But while scheduling a checkup or cleaning is essential to give you a bright smile and help you avoid painful cavities, the out-of-pocket expenses they require can be a major deterrent for many people.

Having dental insurance can provide the financial cushion that many people need when maintaining a balanced oral healthcare routine. However, like every form of insurance, there is still a cost associated with it.

To help you decide whether or not dental insurance is right for you, we’ve provided all the details you need to make an informed decision.

How Much is Dental Insurance on Average?

The average monthly dental insurance premium cost in 2024 in the US is roughly $40 a month.[1] These costs have been calculated by looking at ten of the most commonly used dental insurance providers and range from $19 a month to around $87 a month.

This being said, the dental insurance cost you’ll expect to pay will depend on a number of different variables. You’ll want to make sure you get a variety of quotes to make sure you have a good understanding of the amount of coverage your dental insurance premiums will cover, if your plan covers orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign, and how much you can expect to pay throughout the course of a year.

What Factors Will Impact The Average Cost of Dental Insurance?

When deciding on whether or not dental insurance is affordable for you, you’ll want to keep in mind that there are a number of factors that will impact how much you can expect to pay.

Below are some of the variables that will come into pricing your dental insurance:

Where You Live

Not all areas in the US will have the same cost of living expenses and have certain health insurance coverage limitations. Due to this fact, the cost of dental insurance can vary depending on where you live. Premium amounts can also be dictated by the number of dental insurance providers competing in a service area.

Typically, the more options you have when choosing a provider in your area, the more affordable your dental insurance rates will be.

If You Have Employee Benefits

Employee benefit plans are one of the best ways you can acquire dental insurance along with other healthcare insurance options.

Many employers will format their dental services benefits so that they are contributing a portion of the premium costs for them and health insurance month-to-month. This will help you save on the costs for you and your family and potentially give you access to higher dental insurance coverage brackets you may not be able to afford on your own.

Dental Insurance Deductible Amounts

Most dental insurance plans will require you to pay a deductible amount for certain elements of coverage. You’ll have the ability to request higher or lower deductible amounts when receiving quotes. However, the amount you set will dictate the cost of your monthly dental insurance premiums. Higher deductible amounts will lead to

Your Number of Dependents

Your dental insurance premium amounts will also depend on the amount of dependents you’re looking to cover. Typically, the more dependants you add, the slightly discounted your dental insurance costs may be. Many times, you’ll find that there are plans specifically formatted for families vs. individuals to help adjust coverage options and premium amounts so that they stay affordable.

Established Copays

A copay is a fixed dollar amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket when getting a certain dental service. This could include a dental checkup or cleaning, although it could also be in place for basic cavity-filling procedures. Similar to your deductible amount, the higher your health insurance copays, the lower your monthly premium and the other way around.

Annual Maximum Benefit Amount

All dental insurance plans will have a maximum amount allotted for certain elements of coverage. For example, when you choose a certain dental insurance plan, you may be limited to $2500 for any major dental work coverage or only be covered for up to $500 in dental exams throughout the course of a year.

Again, these amounts can be raised or lowered based on the affordability you’re looking for in your monthly health insurance premium costs.

What Does Your Dental Insurance Cost Cover?

One thing to keep in mind about dental insurance, especially when comparing coverage amounts against healthcare plans, is that overall coverage amounts tend to be more limited in scope and are typically capped in various categories. It’s very rare to find a dental insurance plan that covers absolutely all the dental services you might need or provides unlimited coverage amounts.

That being said, many plans do offer a range of options and will typically group their dental services into full and partial coverage categories. For example, there are many dental insurance plans that will cover 100% of the cost of routine checkups, teeth cleanings, and any X-rays needed. They may also provide full coverage for minor dental procedures like filling a cavity, although this coverage will likely be capped to a certain amount per year and per dependant.

When it comes to more costly dental procedures, such as when complicated oral surgery is needed, getting fitted for dentures or bridges, and receiving dental implants, coverage levels will vary considerably from one provider to the next.

Many times, you’ll have the ability to add or increase coverage for these types of procedures. However, they’re likely to make a considerable impact on your total premiums while also only covering a portion of your total out-of-pocket expenses.

What are the Different Types of Dental Insurance Plans?

Depending on where you live, you may come across different acronyms used to explain the type of dental insurance you’re researching. These types of plans will differ in how they are constructed and may or may not be most suitable for your own situation.

Below are some of the common dental insurance plan types:

• Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) – A PPO dental plan is one of the most flexible insurance plans you’ll find. These dental insurance plans will allow you to choose any dentist that you prefer but will provide preferential rates if you only use a dentist that’s part of a dental preferred provider organization network. These plans will likely work on a deductible that will be required out-of-pocket before you’re able to use any of your coverage amounts.
• Dental Health Maintenance Organizations (DHMO) – DHMO plans require you to use only a dentist that’s part of your provider’s network. Your copayments for services rendered are usually quite affordable, and many plans won’t have an annual deductible. Being able to take part in a DHMO plan, however, will generally require you to receive a referral to use a specialist.
• Direct Reimbursement Plans – Employers sometimes provide a direct reimbursement plan for dental coverage as an extension of employee benefits. In these situations, you’ll be responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses when going to the dentist. However, the amounts paid will be reimbursed to you directly from your employer. However, employers will usually limit the amount of reimbursement in a given year.