Posted by Jen on April 03, 2000 at 22:21:51:

In Reply to: Cosmetic denistry- What cost? posted by David on April 02, 2000 at 09:14:32:

The least expensive option is what you have had done, bonding. Crowns and veneers run about the same price. Veneers maybe slightly less, about $50 less in my area. A crown is basically a metal shell covered with porcelin. The tooth is prepped the same as it would be for a filling, but the crown or enamel of the teeth is reduced to a peg shape. The porcelin crown is then cemented over top of the prepped tooth. This is a two step process. Once the tooth is initally prepped, a temporary crown is made and cemented temporarily until the crown can be fabricated, around 2 weeks. These cost $550 in my area, Michigan.
Veneers are a much more conservative option as a minimal amount of tooth structure is removed. The drill is also used, but 1-2 millimeters are removed from the front or facial part of the tooth only. Where as a crown removes a substantial amount of tooth structure. This is also a two step process, where a temporary is made until the veneers are fabricated, about 2 weeks also. Think of a veneer in the same way as a fake fingernail. It basically covers up the front of the tooth, but can last up to 20 years. The same amount of life as a crown.
The life of each are dependent on the quality of your oral hygiene and professional care. The more diligent you are in upkeep, the longer they should last.