Crowns and veneers are both dental restorations, but they differ in how much of the tooth they cover and the situations in which they may be used.
If you are considering crowns or veneers, it is important to understand how they differ in purpose, tooth preparation and suitability. The appropriate option depends on the condition of the tooth, treatment goals and clinical assessment.
What Are Dental Crowns and Veneers?
Crowns and veneers are dental restorations that may be used for different restorative or cosmetic purposes depending on the condition of the tooth.
The main difference lies in how much of your natural tooth they cover. Crowns cover the entire tooth, whereas veneers only cover the front surface. They are used for different purposes, depending on your dental needs.
When Would You Choose a Crown Over a Veneer?
Crowns may be considered when a tooth has significant decay, damage, a large existing restoration or reduced remaining tooth structure. A crown covers the prepared tooth and may be used as part of restorative treatment.
A crown may be considered in situations such as:
- After root canal treatment where additional restoration is indicated
- A cracked or broken tooth
- Extensive decay
- A tooth with a large existing filling or loss of tooth structure
Veneers are thin restorations, often made from porcelain or composite resin, that are bonded to the front surface of selected teeth and may be used to alter their visible appearance.
Veneers may be considered for selected concerns such as:
- Tooth discolouration that is not suitable for, or does not respond as expected to, whitening
- Minor chips or spacing
- Changes to the visible shape or proportions of selected front teeth
You can learn more about restorative options on our Crowns and Bridges page.
How Are Crowns and Veneers Applied?
Both treatments require dental assessment and treatment planning, but the amount of tooth preparation and the treatment process differ.
Dental Crowns
- The tooth is prepared according to the amount of remaining tooth structure and the type of restoration planned.
- Impressions or digital scans may be taken, and a temporary restoration may be placed where required.
- The final crown is fitted or bonded once it has been prepared.
Crowns can be made from materials such as porcelain, ceramic or zirconia, with shade and contour selected according to the individual treatment plan.
Dental Veneers
- Depending on the veneer type and treatment plan, a portion of enamel may be removed from the front surface of the tooth.
- Impressions or digital scans may be taken.
- The veneer is bonded to the prepared tooth surface where clinically appropriate.
Veneers may be made from porcelain or composite resin, with their shade, shape and proportions planned according to the surrounding teeth and agreed treatment goals.
To explore the full range of services offered at Radiant Smiles, visit our Our Services page.
What Can Affect the Longevity of Crowns and Veneers?
Durability depends on materials, oral hygiene habits, and how you use your teeth.
The longevity of a crown varies according to factors such as the restorative material, remaining tooth structure, bite forces, oral hygiene and other clinical factors.
Veneers cover the front surface of the tooth and may chip, fracture or debond over time. Their longevity varies according to material, bite forces, grinding or clenching, oral hygiene and other individual factors.
Regular dental examinations allow the dentist to monitor crowns, veneers and the surrounding teeth and gums over time.
If you are considering either treatment, a dental assessment can help determine whether a crown, veneer or another option may be appropriate.
How Suitability for Crowns and Veneers Differs
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
- Crowns may be considered where a tooth has significant damage, decay, a large restoration or reduced remaining tooth structure.
- Veneers may be considered for selected cosmetic concerns involving the visible front surfaces of otherwise suitable teeth.
Treatment suitability depends on the condition of the teeth, remaining tooth structure, bite, treatment goals and other clinical considerations. At Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora, these factors can be assessed before crowns, veneers or another treatment option is discussed.
Considering a Crown or Veneer?
Understanding the differences between crowns and veneers can help you discuss the available treatment options with your dentist.
At Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora, restorative and cosmetic dental treatments are considered according to individual clinical findings and treatment goals. If you are considering a crown, veneer or another dental treatment, contact us to arrange an assessment.
