September 15, 2025
Dental veneers
Pros
Cosmetic improvement: Excellent for improving the appearance of discolored, chipped, or slightly misaligned teeth.
Conservative: Only the front surface of the tooth needs to be filed down, preserving more of the natural tooth.
Durability: Made of porcelain or composite resin, they are stain-resistant.
Cons
Irreversible: The removal of tooth enamel for preparation is permanent.
Cost: Can be expensive, though often less costly than crowns.
Not for major repair: Not suitable for teeth with significant decay, damage, or underlying structural issues.
Pros
Structural support: The best option for restoring heavily damaged, decayed, or broken teeth.
Durability and longevity: Crowns are a robust solution for restoring tooth strength and function.
Versatile: Can be used to address various problems, from large cavities to root canal-treated teeth.
Cons
Extensive tooth alteration: Requires significant and irreversible removal of natural tooth enamel for proper placement.
Potential sensitivity: Patients may experience temporary sensitivity after the procedure.
Less conservative: Involves more tooth structure removal compared to veneers.
Table of Content
What are veneers?
A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell that is carefully designed to cover only the front surface of a tooth. It is primarily used for cosmetic enhancement, helping to improve the color, shape, size, or alignment of teeth. Compared to crowns, veneers are less invasive because they preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
Before placing a dental veneer, your dentist removes about 0.5 millimetres of enamel from the tooth's front surface. This gentle reshaping provides a slightly rough texture, which allows the veneer to bond securely. Some modern veneer types require even less enamel removal. Since enamel reduction can sometimes cause discomfort, a local anesthetic may be used.
For veneers to be successful, the tooth must have enough healthy enamel to support proper bonding.
Types of veneers
-
Porcelain veneers: Highly durable, resistant to staining, and mimic the natural translucency of enamel. They usually last 10-15 years with proper care.
-
Composite veneers: Made from tooth-colored resin, more affordable than porcelain, but less durable, typically lasting 5-7 years.
Veneers are a popular choice in smile makeovers because they provide dramatic improvements with minimal alteration of your natural teeth.
Steps involved in getting a veneer
-
Tooth preparation & impression: After enamel reshaping, the dentist takes an impression of the tooth using either digital scanning technology or a physical mold.
-
Laboratory work: If the dental clinic doesn't have an in-house lab, the impression is sent to an external laboratory for veneer fabrication.
-
Temporary veneer (if required): Depending on the amount of enamel removed, a temporary veneer may be placed to protect the tooth until the permanent one is ready.
-
Placement of permanent veneer: Once fabricated, the permanent veneer is cemented to the tooth using a strong adhesive and hardened with an ultraviolet (UV) curing light.
After bonding, veneers keep the tooth stable. However, if you grind or clench your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend wearing a night guard to prevent damage.
What are crowns?
A crown, often called a “cap,” is a full-coverage restoration that encases the entire tooth. Unlike veneers, which only cover the front surface, crowns protect and restore teeth that are weak, heavily decayed, cracked, or have undergone root canal treatment.
To prepare for a crown, more of the natural tooth structure must be filed down compared to a veneer. If the tooth has decay, the dentist removes the decayed part first. Sometimes, the tooth may also need to be built up with filling material before the crown can be placed, especially if it is damaged or weakened. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia.
Types of crowns
-
Porcelain crowns: Natural-looking, ideal for front teeth.
-
Ceramic crowns: An Aesthetic, metal-free option.
-
Metal crowns: Extremely durable but less natural in appearance.
-
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns: Blend of strength and appearance, though they may show a dark line near the gum over time.
-
Zirconia crowns: Strong, biocompatible, and aesthetically pleasing.
Crowns are particularly suited for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces, as they offer both strength and protection.
Steps involved in getting a crown
-
Tooth preparation & impression: The dentist reshapes the tooth and takes an impression using a digital scanner or mold.
-
Laboratory fabrication: If the clinic lacks an on-site lab, the impression is sent away for crown fabrication.
-
Temporary crown: A temporary crown is often placed to protect the tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
-
Placement of permanent crown: Once ready, the temporary crown is removed. The permanent crown is carefully adjusted for comfort and bite alignment before being cemented permanently in place.
In some cases, teeth with crowns may shift slightly, which can alter the bite. If this occurs, adjustments are needed to ensure comfort.
Key difference between crowns and veneers
Understanding the dental crown vs veneer debate comes down to five main factors:
|
Feature |
Veneers |
Crowns |
|
Coverage |
Front surface only |
Entire tooth |
|
Purpose |
Cosmetic improvement |
Restorative + functional |
|
Tooth preparation |
Minimal enamel removal |
Significant reshaping required |
|
Durability |
More delicate, suited for front teeth |
Strong, suited for chewing teeth |
|
Lifespan |
10-15 years |
10-20 + years (depending on material) |
|
Cost |
£1,000 per tooth per tooth |
£600 - 800 per tooth |
Choosing between dental veneers vs implants depends on your dental needs. Dental veneers are ideal for enhancing tooth color, shape, and minor imperfections, giving an instant cosmetic upgrade. In contrast, dental implants replace missing teeth entirely, offering a permanent, functional, and durable solution. Veneers focus on aesthetics, while implants restore both appearance and strength.
Pros and cons of veneers
Pros
-
More aesthetically pleasing over time (don't show a gum margin like crowns sometimes do).
-
Less tooth reduction is required, so more of the natural tooth remains.
-
Minimal tooth movement after placement.
Cons
-
More of the tooth remains exposed to possible decay.
-
Composite veneers are affordable but short-lived (5-7 years).
-
Veneers are not reversible once placed.
-
Often not covered by dental insurance.
Pros and cons of crowns
Pros
-
Covers the entire tooth, offering full protection from decay.
-
Porcelain crowns look and feel natural.
-
Long-lasting and permanent (don't need removal like dentures).
-
Often partially covered by insurance.
Cons
-
Requires more removal of natural tooth structure.
-
It can cause temporary sensitivity to hot and cold.
-
Porcelain is prone to chipping or cracking over time.
-
PFM crowns may show a visible dark line near the gum.
How to decide: Veneers vs. crowns
Choose veneers if: Your teeth are generally healthy, but you want to improve their appearance (whiteness, shape, small gaps, or slight misalignment).
Choose crowns if: Your tooth is weak, cracked, root canal-treated, or significantly decayed.
Combination approach: Many patients choose veneers on visible front teeth for cosmetic appeal and crowns on molars for strength and durability.
Are veneers and caps the same?
No. While the term “caps” is often used to describe crowns, they are different from veneers. Crowns/caps cover the entire tooth, whereas veneers only cover the front surface.
So, veneers vs caps = cosmetic vs restorative.
Alternatives to veneers and crowns
If you want a non-invasive solution that doesn't involve reshaping your natural teeth, consider:
-
Clear aligners: Gently straighten teeth and correct bite issues without removing enamel.
-
Retainers: Help maintain proper alignment after orthodontic treatment.
These are often considered as a first step before committing to permanent treatments like veneers or crowns.
Protect your natural teeth first
Explore aligners and retainers as a simple, non-invasive way to get a straighter smile.
Final thoughts: Choosing between veneers and crowns
When it comes to veneers vs crowns, the right choice ultimately depends on your individual priorities and dental needs. Veneers are ideal if your teeth are generally healthy but you want to improve their appearance by addressing issues such as discoloration, chips, or minor misalignment. On the other hand, crowns are better suited for restoring strength, function, and aesthetics in teeth that are weakened, damaged, or treated with root canals.
Both treatments can deliver long-lasting and natural-looking results, but factors such as your dental health, smile goals, and budget will guide the decision. Before committing to either option, it's worth considering more conservative alternatives like aligners or retainers, which can help you achieve a straighter smile without altering your natural tooth structure.
Frequently asked questions
References
Epstein, M. A., Chalhoub, A., & Emami, E. (1995). Clinical evaluation of restored maxillary incisors: Veneers
vs. PFM
crowns. Journal of the American Dental Association, 126(3), 369-375.
https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.1995.0201
Hwang, J.-J., Azernikov, S., Efros, A. A., & Yu, S. X. (2018). Learning beyond human expertise with generative
models
for dental restorations. arXiv Preprint arXiv:1804.00064. https://arxiv.org/abs/1804.00064
Sailer, I., Gottner, J., Känel, S., & Hämmerle, C. H. F. (2021). Ten-year clinical comparative study of ceramic
and
composite veneered metal crowns. International Journal of Prosthodontics, 34(1), 40-47.
https://doi.org/10.11607/ijp.6767
Share This Article
Subscribe our newsletter
By clicking subscribe, you agree to our Privacy Policy and opt in to receive communications from Caspersmile. You can unsubscribe at any time.
