Dental Veneers and Dental Crowns: How Are They Different?

Both dental veneers and dental crowns are popular treatment options for restoring and enhancing smiles. While they may seem similar, they serve different purposes and have different benefits for patients. 

If you’re considering either of these treatments, it’s essential to understand their differences, pros and cons, and which might be the right choice for you.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Cosmetic veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of teeth. Created from either porcelain or composite resin, veneers enhance the appearance of your smile by correcting discoloration, chips, gaps, or minor misalignments. During the veneer procedure:

• A small amount of enamel (usually less than a millimeter) is removed from the tooth’s front surface to allow the veneer to fit naturally.
• Impressions of your teeth are taken and sent to a dental lab for custom fabrication.
• Once complete, the veneer is bonded to the tooth, creating a natural and polished look.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown completely covers a damaged or compromised tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Depending on the patient’s needs, crowns are made from porcelain, metal, ceramic, or resin. When receiving crown restoration:

• Your dentist reshapes a significant portion of the tooth (including decayed or damaged areas) to create room for the crown.
• Impressions are taken to develop a custom crown in a dental lab.
• A temporary crown may be placed until the permanent one is ready.
• The permanent crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth, fully encasing it for protection and aesthetic appeal.

Comparing and Contrasting Dental Veneers and Dental Crowns

Both dental veneers and dental crowns are effective ways to improve your smile, but there are many differences between the two:

• Purpose: Veneers are primarily used for cosmetic enhancement. Crowns can also improve cosmetic appearance but mainly restore function and protection.
• Tooth Coverage: Veneers cover the front surface of a tooth, while crowns cover the entire tooth.
• Tooth Preparation: With veneers, minimal enamel removal is typically needed. Crowns usually require significant reshaping.
• Durability: Veneers are designed to last 10-15 years with ideal oral hygiene, while crowns last 10-20 years on average.
• Suitability: Veneers cover minor chipping, discoloration, or gaps, while crowns restore severely damaged or weakened teeth.
• Invasiveness: The veneer process is typically less invasive than crown treatment.
• Material Options: Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin, and crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, ceramic, or resin.
• Cost: Crowns can be more expensive than veneers, but the price depends on the material used and the patient’s specific needs.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Choosing between dental veneers and dental crowns depends on your specific dental needs:

• Veneers can be a great option if you have minor cosmetic concerns such as discoloration, small chips, or gaps.
• If your tooth is damaged, weak, or has undergone a root canal, a crown can provide better protection and longevity.

You can also learn more about veneers and crowns from the American Dental Association at MouthHealthy.org.

Our expert team will assess your dental health and aesthetic goals to recommend the best options. Request an appointment today to discuss what’s best for your smile and oral health!