Veneers vs. Crowns: Is there a difference?

Veneers vs. Crowns Is there a difference new

A perfect smile is the key to feeling confident. Therefore, many people improve their appearance by getting veneers or implanting crowns. However, contrary to popular belief, many must learn the difference between the two procedures.

Therefore, it is essential to understand the differences between the two approaches to determine the best option for you and your unique needs and desires for a perfect smile.

Are veneers and crowns the same?

Veneers13 new

Veneers and crowns are two distinct dental treatments. Veneers are thin shells designed for cosmetic enhancement that cover the front surface of teeth with minimal enamel loss, while crowns cover them completely.

Crowns improve aesthetics by correcting issues like staining or minor chips in teeth. On the other hand, bridges are tooth-shaped caps spanning all visible portions of a tooth, thus providing better aesthetic results than veneers alone.

Crowns serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Often used to support severely damaged teeth or those needing structural support, crowns involve considerable tooth reduction.

As a rule, veneers focus on aesthetics with minimal tooth alteration; crowns offer more comprehensive cosmetic and functional restoration but involve greater tooth reduction.

What are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are a slim layer of porcelain fitted to the surface of your teeth. They are primarily used for cosmetic purposes to cover discoloration and chipped or crooked teeth. Compared to other dental procedures, the process is less invasive and requires little to no recovery time. 

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns cover the entire tooth, unlike veneers. Patients must also file down more of the tooth for the crown to fit snuggly around the tooth. Crowns are an excellent alternative for people who have experienced decay and injury to the tooth, such as chipping and cracking.

What’s the difference between a veneer and a crown?

What's the difference between a veneer and a crown

Dental veneers and crowns are both dental restorations used to improve the appearance and function of teeth, but they serve different purposes and involve varying levels of tooth preparation. Here are the key differences between veneers and crowns:

1. Veneers Vs. Crowns: The Purpose:

  • Veneers: Veneers are generally used for cosmetic reasons constructed of either porcelain or composite materials; veneers are thin shells placed over the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance by altering its color, shape, size, or alignment.
  • Crowns: Crowns serve both functional and cosmetic purposes. They encase all visible portions of damaged or weakening teeth to provide support, restore its appearance and functionality, and restore appearance and functionality.

2. Veneers Vs. Crowns: Tooth Preparation:

  • Veneers: Minimal tooth reduction is necessary when placing veneers, typically consisting of extracting only a thin layer of enamel from each front surface tooth – this procedure is less invasive than crown preparation.
  • Crowns: As a crown covers the entirety of a tooth, more tooth structure must be extracted to accommodate its secure fitting. In order to do this, additional reduction is often necessary.

3. Veneers Vs. Crowns: Strength and Durability:

  • Veneers: Crowns are more durable than veneers and designed primarily to enhance aesthetics. While durable, crowns may not be appropriate for teeth with significant structural damage or wear.
  • Crowns: Crowns provide greater strength and protection for weakened or damaged teeth, withstanding the forces associated with biting and chewing more effectively.

4. Veneers Vs. Crowns: Indications:

  • Veneers: Veneers are designed for cosmetic issues like staining, minor chips, small gaps, and irregular shapes; however, they should not be used on teeth suffering extensive damage or decay.
  • Crowns: Crowns may be necessary when there has been extensive damage, a large filling, cracks, or following root canal therapy, or when teeth used for chewing require restoration.

5. Veneers Vs. Crowns: Coverage:

  • Veneers: Veneers cover only the front surface of a tooth and do not extend onto its sides or back surfaces.
  • Crowns: Crowns cover and protect every visible portion of a tooth, providing comprehensive coverage.

6. Veneers Vs. Crowns: Tooth Preservation:

  • Veneers: Veneers provide greater tooth preservation as they require less removal of natural tooth structure.
  • Crowns: Crowns may require further tooth reduction, compromising tooth strength.

AspectDental VeneersDental Crowns
PurposeCosmetic enhancementCosmetic and functional repair
Tooth ReductionMinimal enamel removalSignificant tooth reduction
StrengthLess durable, primarily cosmeticStronger, for structural support
IndicationsCosmetic concerns (stains, chips)Extensive damage, large fillings
CoverageFront surface onlyEntire visible tooth surface
Tooth PreservationMore tooth preservationLess tooth preservation

Related: Porcelain Veneers Cost Full Mouth

Veneers in Turkey before and after

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Veneers vs. Crowns: pros and cons

Now that we know the differences between veneers and crowns let’s look at each’s pros and cons.

Veneer Pros

  • There is less filing of the tooth compared to crowns. 
  • It is more aesthetically pleasing in the long run as the veneers fit right up to the gum line. 
  • There is no movement of the actual teeth.

Veneer cons 

  • You cannot reverse veneers. 
  • Not covered by insurance 
  • Veneers only cover the front part of the tooth. 

Dental Crowns Pros

  • Look and feel like a natural tooth. 
  • Porcelain may break over time. 
  • Patients may experience tooth sensitivity. 

Dental Crowns cons 

  • The tooth is heavily filed to make room for the crown. 
  • Porcelain may become fragile and break over time. 
  • Considered to be more of an aggressive procedure 
  • •Patients may experience tooth sensitivity. 

EMAX Veneers vs. Crowns Veneers

EMAX veneers Zirconium veneers
materials Lithium disilicate

Glass-ceramic
Zirconium oxide
appearanceExcellent translucency Different shades
StrengthDurable More durable
AdvantagesHigh translucency and brightness

More natural look

They are thin (thickness 0.3mm)
High strength

Come in various shades that can match your natural teeth

Dental Implants in Turkey Before and After

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What is the price of veneers vs. crowns? 

The average price of each tooth can vary depending on the region you live in. However, patients can expect to pay around $1000 per tooth. Turkey is a popular destination for patients wishing to get veneers or crowns. They offer low prices without sacrificing dental integrity and professionalism.

A comparison table showing the cost of different types of dental veneers in Turkey

Dental TreatmentUSAUKAustraliaCanadaTurkey
Zirconium Crowns$1,000 – $2,500+£500 – £1,500+AUD 1,500 – AUD 2,500+CAD 1,000 – CAD 2,500+$100 – $1,000+
Porcelain Veneers$1,000 – $2,500+£400 – £1,000+AUD 1,000 – AUD 2,000+CAD 800 – CAD 2,000+$200 – $800+
Laminate Veneers$800 – $2,000+£300 – £800+AUD 800 – AUD 1,500+CAD 600 – CAD 1,500+$150 – $600+

Veneers vs. crowns, which is better

Veneers vs. crowns, which is better

To determine whether veneers or crowns are the better choice for you, consider the following factors:

Choose Veneers If:

  1. Improve teeth appearance for minor issues like stains, chips, or misalignment.
  2. Preserve natural tooth structure with minimal tooth reduction using veneers.
  3. Enhance smile aesthetics, especially for front teeth covered by veneers.

Choose Crowns If:

  1. Address extensive tooth damage with crowns for cosmetic restoration and functional support.
  2. Strengthen weakened teeth and provide structural support with crowns.
  3. Ensure complete tooth coverage, including the sides and back, for optimal restoration and protection of posterior teeth.

Which one should you choose? 

While crowns are typically used to fix broken or weak teeth, veneers, on the other hand, are installed for more aesthetic purposes. However, depending on the individual, you may choose between the two procedures depending on your unique circumstances.

Final thoughts 

As you can see, both dental procedures are viral amongst patients who have experienced tooth injury or decay. Therefore, before choosing either method, you must speak with your dentist directly to form an educated opinion.

It is also worth looking at different regions worldwide, as you will find that the prices of crowns and veneers will vary depending on where you search. Ensure to ask many questions and take your time before deciding this is what you would like to follow through with. 

Frequently asked questions

Your choice between veneers and crowns depends on your unique dental needs and goals. Veneers are best for minor cosmetic enhancements, while crowns provide both cosmetic restoration and functional support. Consult a dentist to help decide the most effective choice for your situation.

Crowns are typically more expensive than veneers due to their comprehensive coverage and functional restoration. Veneers are primarily cosmetic and require less tooth reduction.

Yes, crowns are generally stronger than veneers because they provide structural support and coverage to the entire tooth. Veneers are thinner and designed primarily for cosmetic purposes.

Crowns tend to be more durable and longer-lived than veneers; with proper care, crowns can last 10-15 years or more while veneers may only last 7-15 years.

Porcelain veneers and crowns are stain-resistant, but composite veneers can be more prone to staining, especially from dark-colored foods and beverages. Regular dental hygiene helps maintain their appearance.

Veneers are thin shells used for cosmetic purposes, covering only the front surface of teeth with minimal enamel removal. Crowns, or dental caps, encase the entire visible portion of a tooth for both cosmetic enhancement and functional support, requiring significant tooth reduction.

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This article was Medically reviewed by DT. Emrah Yesilyurt

About the author

Binsy George
Binsy George

Binsy brings over 13 years of expertise to the HayatMed Clinic Blog. With a passion for healthcare communication, she has crafted insightful articles that demystify complex medical topics, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Her wealth of experience ensures that each blog post is a reliable source of knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of health and medical advancements.

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