Porcelain veneers and crowns are both used to enhance the beauty and function of your teeth—but in different ways.
Knowing how these treatments differ—especially in terms of coverage, durability, and when to use them—can help you choose the one that fits your needs.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells, usually made from porcelain, that bond directly to the front surface of the natural tooth. Dentists use veneers to fix small cosmetic concerns, mainly on front teeth.
Common reasons for veneers include:
- Stains or discoloration that whitening can’t fix
- Minor chips or worn enamel
- Small gaps between teeth
- Slight misalignment
Veneers are a cosmetic treatment. They do not change the structure of the entire tooth. Dentists remove a small amount of enamel before attaching the veneer, but the tooth remains mostly intact. Veneers are often recommended for front teeth, where less biting pressure occurs.
What Are Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth, not just the front. Dentists use crowns to restore severely damaged or weakened teeth. Crowns are also used after root canals or to support large fillings.
Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. To fit a crown, the dentist must remove a significant portion of the natural tooth. This allows the crown to fully cover it.
The process often takes two visits. During the first visit, the dentist prepares your tooth and places a temporary crown. The permanent crown is cemented in place at the second visit.
Veneers vs Crowns: How They Compare
Here’s how these two treatments differ in key areas:
- Coverage: Veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth. Crowns encase the entire tooth.
- Tooth preparation: Veneers require less removal of the natural tooth. Crowns require more reshaping.
- Function: Veneers solve cosmetic issues. Crowns repair structure and function.
- Durability: Crowns are stronger. Veneers can chip under pressure, especially without proper care.
- Appearance: Both offer a natural appearance when done well.
Veneers Are the Right Choice When Addressing Aesthetic Issues
Porcelain veneers are an extremely popular cosmetic dentistry option. The thin porcelain shells bond to the front surface of the teeth to conceal minor aesthetic imperfections and create a more beautiful smile. Depending on your specific needs, you may opt to have a single veneer placed over an abnormal tooth or a set of veneers placed over all of the teeth that show when you smile.
One of the advantages of veneers is their versatility. The restorations can be used to camouflage numerous types of dental flaws, including the following:
- Tooth stains or discoloration
- Small chips or cracks
- Minor gaps or spaces between the teeth
- Uneven tooth edges
- Short or irregularly shaped teeth
- Worn teeth
Veneers are a very strong, lasting option. They can last seven to 10 years or longer, based on how well you care for them.
Crowns Are the Right Choice to Rebuild Damaged or Weak Teeth
Crowns are a reliable solution to fundamental issues with tooth structure. They are often used to rebuild teeth that are badly broken, cracked, or chipped, or teeth that have undergone a root canal.
A crown encases the entire exterior of the tooth to keep it intact, protect it from further damage and restore normal biting and chewing function. Although metal or amalgam crowns are sometimes used on back teeth, crowns can also be crafted from tooth-colored ceramic materials to recreate the appearance of a natural, healthy tooth enamel and blend in with the surrounding teeth.
Like veneers, crowns are built to last. As long as they are properly cared for, your crowns can last many years.
How to Care for Veneers and Crowns
With proper care, both veneers and crowns can last many years. Maintaining them is similar to caring for your natural teeth. It’s important to brush twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and to floss gently at least once daily, especially around the treated area. Good oral hygiene helps prevent plaque buildup and protects the edges where the restoration meets the natural tooth.
Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, pens, or fingernails, as this can increase the risk of cracking the porcelain. It’s also important not to use your teeth to open packaging or bite into overly hard foods, as this can place too much pressure on both veneers and crowns.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential. These visits give your dentist a chance to monitor the condition of the restoration and identify any early signs of wear or underlying problems. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend a custom night guard to protect your veneers or crowns from excess pressure.
While porcelain itself doesn’t decay, the natural tooth below or around it still can. Keeping the area clean helps prevent tooth decay from developing beneath the restoration, which could lead to more serious issues later on. Taking care of your dental work in this way helps extend its lifespan and supports your long-term oral health.
Find the Solution That’s Best for Your Needs and Goals
Regardless of whether a crown or veneer is more appropriate for your dental needs, a stronger, more attractive smile is only a few dental appointments away!
To learn more, please request an appointment at The Center for Dental Excellence today.