Kids dental Crowns vs. Dental Veneers: Finding what Your Child Needs

Dental veneers or kids dental crowns may both be viable solutions to improve the appearance and functionality of adult teeth. However, dental crowns are the best suited for repairing a child’s teeth. Discover why dentists recommend dental crowns for children.

Dental veneers

Dental veneers are thin porcelain or composite resin shells that the dentist will custom-design to fit over the front surface of patients' teeth to improve their appearance. They are a popular choice for those looking to improve the appearance of their smile by addressing mild concerns of misalignment, gaps, chipped or worn teeth, and tooth discoloration. However, it is important to note that dental veneers are not recommended for children and are mainly for patients at least 16 years of age or older.

Dental crowns

Dental crowns, also known as caps, are tooth-shaped restorations that encase the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth. Kids dental crowns improve more than just a tooth’s appearance. Pediatric dentists typically use porcelain, ceramic, or metal materials to preserve the natural tooth structure, restore oral function, and improve the overall appearance of the smile.

Kids dental crowns strengthen and restore teeth that are damaged, decayed, or weakened. They provide a protective layer, preventing further deterioration for many years. In addition, their results often last longer than veneers due to their ability to engulf the entire tooth in a two-millimeter porcelain, composite, or metal casing.

Which is more effective?

The choice between dental veneers and dental crowns ultimately depends on each patient's age and specific needs and goals. Here are a few considerations to help dentists choose an effective option for each patient:

Patient’s age

Dental veneers are not suitable for children. Most dentists recommend that a person be at least 16-18 years old before considering veneers, as the teeth and bites have finished developing by this age.

Restorative needs

If the teeth have extensive damage, decay, or weakened structure, Kids dental crowns can provide a necessary restoration for young patients.

Available tooth structure

Dental veneers require minimal tooth preparation, but enough must be present to apply the thin shells, where crowns cover the entire tooth.

Patient preference

If the patient is eligible for both options, they can consider other factors, such as whether they want their entire smile transformed and their budget, to help make their decision. Still, pediatric dentists recommend kids dental crowns for those under age 16.