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Veneers vs Crowns – What's the Best Treatment For Me?

Faris Kirmani • Apr 28, 2022

There is no hard and fast rule for what procedure is right for you in the veneers vs crowns debate. As with many dental procedures, it depends on various factors, including your budget, preferences, dental health and cosmetic dentistry goals, to name just a few. But, it's worth taking a closer look at both options to make an informed choice about what's best.

What are veneers and crowns?

Dental veneers and dental crowns are both prostheses used to improve the smile's appearance, but they are two very different treatments. Veneers cover the front surface of a tooth, whereas crowns encase the visible portion of a tooth that sits above the gum line.

Both veneers and crowns are permanent and cannot be reversed as tooth enamel is removed to accommodate them.

What are the differences between veneers and crowns?

Porcelain is the most common material for veneers, whereas crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). Zirconia is another option for both.
Dental veneers are purely a cosmetic dentistry procedure that alters the tooth's appearance, whereas crowns restore health, functionality and appearance.
Dental crowns are also used on top of an implant or as part of a bridge to restore missing teeth
A tooth must be modified to accommodate a crown by removing a significant amount of enamel from the top and sides. While veneers also require the tooth structure to be altered, dentists remove just a thin sliver of enamel from the front of the tooth to ensure they fit flush within the smile.

When are dental crowns used?

A crown is a dental restoration that encases the entire tooth, restoring its natural look, shape, and structure. Also known as caps, they can disguise worn and damaged teeth that may have chips or cracks and reinforce teeth with large fillings or needing added strength after root canal treatment.

Crowns are an option to replace missing teeth when used as part of a bridge or implant instead of dentures.

Who has dental veneers?

A veneer is a cosmetic dentistry solution for people who want to improve the aesthetic appearance of their smile. They are thin shells of tooth-coloured material placed over the front of the teeth to enhance their look and disguise any damage. As well as making individual teeth look better, applying several veneers in a row can significantly improve a crooked smile by presenting a white even smile without undergoing time-consuming orthodontic work.

Am I a good candidate for veneers or crowns?

You will be considered a good candidate for these procedures if you are in good general and oral health with no active signs of gum disease or tooth decay. However, you may not be a good candidate if you clench or grind your teeth (bruxism), as this can cause damage to your dental restoration. Anyone considering treatment with veneers or crowns must maintain good oral hygiene to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Veneers vs crowns - Pros and Cons

All treatments for damaged or unsightly teeth have advantages and disadvantages, which is particularly true when comparing veneers and crowns. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of each one to help you decide which may be more suitable for you.

Pros of dental veneers

Conceal countless imperfections in your teeth, including cracks, chips, gaps, and discolouration.
Can correct mildly crooked teeth, eliminating the need for braces in some cases.
Quickly fix chipped, broken, misaligned, or discoloured teeth.
Easy to maintain and can last up to 15 years with regular cleanings and care
Offer protection from stains and further damage to your teeth

Cons of Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a permanent procedure
Expensive – can cost up to $2,036 per tooth

Pros of dental crowns

Replace missing teeth. If you have a missing tooth or teeth, a dental crown can help replace them so that they look and feel like your natural teeth.
Protect damaged teeth. If you're worried about damaging your teeth further, a dental crown is an excellent way to protect them and prevent further damage from occurring.
A crown can last for ten years on average and much longer if properly cared for.

Cons of crowns

A large portion of a healthy tooth (more than veneers) must be removed to accommodate a crown
The procedure is not reversible
Expensive – A ceramic or porcelain crown can cost up to $2,100.

Veneers vs crowns - Conclusion

While veneers and crowns do a similar job of enhancing the smile, there is a big difference between them, so it's up to you and your dentist to decide what best suits your needs and preferences. In general, dental veneers are better suited for fixing minor damage to teeth, including cracks and chips, and disguising misshapen and discoloured teeth. Furthermore, porcelain veneers only require removing a sliver of enamel from the front of the teeth rather than considerably more of the overall tooth's structure to accommodate dental crowns.

Need more information?

As always, speak to a dentist at our practice who will make sure you are comfortable with the procedure you seek and all related questions/concerns. Call Riverlands Dental today on (02) 4501 7930 and be assured of outstanding natural-looking results.