Cosmetic and restorative dentistry offers several solutions for improving dental aesthetics and function, with veneers and crowns being two prominent options. While they may seem similar, veneers and crowns have distinct differences in their application and purpose. This guide will delve into their differences, relative merits and is written by our lead Accredited Cosmetic Dentist, Dr Sahil Patel.
What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin laminates, usually made from porcelain, ceramic or composite resin, that are bonded to the facial (front) surface of teeth. They are primarily used for cosmetic enhancement and require precise dental techniques to implement.
Veneers can help with the following dental concerns:
- Discolouration: Intrinstic such as tetracycline staining or fluorosis or extrinsic over time.
- Developmental defects: Hypoplasia, peg laterals, hypocalcification, molar incisor hypomineralisation
- Minor-severe malocclusion including overbites, underbites, overjets, crowding and diastemata (spaces)
- Small Teeth
- Narrow Smile
- Big teeth
- Fractured Edges
- Worn Teeth
Procedure
Tooth Preparation: Minimal enameloplasty is performed, involving the roughening of the front surface and rounding any sharp corners. Note that this is our approach to veneers that aims to preserve your natural teeth so that you have a reduced risk of complications long-term.
Impression and Fabrication: An impression or digital scan is taken for our skilled dental ceramists to fabricate custom veneers.
Cementation: Veneers are bonded using resin cement and a dental adhesive
What Are Crowns?

Crowns are full-coverage restorations that encase the entire visible crown of a tooth. They are used for both functional and aesthetic rehabilitation, especially in cases of substantial tooth structure loss.
Crowns can help with the following dental concerns:
- Extensive damage from tooth decay
- History of root canal treatment.
- Excessive damage from accelerated tooth wear
- Support for a dental bridge to replace an adjacent tooth/teeth
Procedure
Tooth Preparation: Requires circumferential reduction (approximately 1.5 to 2 mm) to accommodate material thickness.
Impression and Temporisation: An accurate impression or scan is taken, and a temporary crown is placed.
Fabrication and Cementation: Crowns are fabricated from materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), zirconia, gold or ceramic, and cemented with specific dental cements.
Key Differences Between Veneers and Crowns
Coverage and Preparation:
Veneers: Limited to the buccal surface, requiring minimal enamel reduction.
Crowns: Encompass the entire tooth, necessitating substantial reduction.
Material Characteristics:
Veneers: Typically made from feldspathic porcelain or lithium disilicate
Crowns: Can be made from PFM, zirconia, or all-ceramic
Functional Application:
Veneers: Primarily for aesthetic corrections with the scope for functional change.
Crowns: Provide structural integrity by bracing the tooth from cracking or splitting.
Longevity and Durability:
Veneers: Generally last 10-15 years
Crowns: Often last 10-15 years
Occlusal (bite) Considerations:
Veneers: Require careful occlusal adjustment to avoid excessive loading.
Crowns: If designed improperly, these can cause damage to adjacent teeth as a result of deflective bite pressure
Consultation with a Dental Professional
Choosing between veneers and crowns involves assessing the structural and aesthetic demands of the tooth, as well as patient-specific factors such as occlusion, oral hygiene, and financial considerations. A thorough clinical evaluation and diagnostic work-up, including radiographs and study models, are essential for informed decision-making.
Ultimately, both veneers and crowns offer exceptional outcomes when applied correctly, enhancing not only the smile’s appearance but also the overall oral health and function.