Crowns and veneers are some of the most commonly performed cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. These treatments improve the appearance of teeth and help you regain confidence in your smile. Veneers and crowns serve different purposes, and they require different procedures. Also, the cost of the procedures and recovery time can vary significantly. Many patients feel confused when choosing between veneers and crowns.
Some patients want whiter, straighter-looking teeth, while others need to fix cracked, weak, or damaged teeth. Choosing the wrong treatment can lead to future dental problems. When you have dental flaws or a compromised tooth structure, you should consult your dentist. The dentist will assess the condition of your teeth and recommend the most suitable treatment given your situation. Common differences between veneers and crowns include:
Difference in Purpose of Crowns and Veneers
A common difference between crowns and veneers is their purpose in dentistry. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over a tooth. Dentists use crowns to restore damaged or discolored teeth. The caps protect the broken, cracked, or seriously decayed teeth. Sometimes, after the root canal, the dentist will attach a crown to strengthen the tooth and restore normal function. The crown covers the entire tooth to avoid further decay. It allows the tooth to handle chewing and biting forces more effectively.
Veneers are thin porcelain shells. The dentist places these shells on the visible part of the tooth enamel. Veneers are designed to improve the tooth’s appearance without interfering with its structure. Veneers fix issues like:
- Stains
- Minor chips
- Small gaps
- Uneven shapes
Therefore, you may not be a good candidate for veneers if you have severe tooth damage. Dentists choose crowns when a tooth needs support and durability, and veneers when the tooth is healthy but needs cosmetic improvements. When you understand the purpose of each restoration, you can make the right choice depending on your specific needs.
Difference in Strength and Longevity
Veneers and crowns differ in strength and durability. This difference directly affects how long they last. This difference can also affect the function of these restorations. Crowns are significantly stronger than veneers. This is because they cover the entire tooth. Full coverage allows crowns to protect weakened teeth and withstand the strong biting and chewing forces. For this reason, dentists recommend crowns for molars or cracked teeth.
You may also be a good candidate for a crown if you have undergone a root canal treatment. During a root canal procedure, the dentist removes the damaged part of the enamel. The procedure can weaken the tooth’s structure and make it more prone to breakage. Crowns often last 15–20 years or more with proper care. After placing the crown, your dentist will give you aftercare instructions that you must follow to improve the longevity.
Veneers are thinner and less durable because they only cover the front surface of the tooth. These restorations are primarily designed to improve appearance rather than to restore strength. Veneers work best on front teeth that experience less pressure during chewing. However, they are more likely to chip or crack if exposed to heavy force.
Pressure on the veneers may come from grinding your teeth or biting on hard foods. Before you undergo veneer treatment, you must address your teeth-grinding. Veneers typically last between 10 and 15 years. Your choice between crowns and veneers can affect your long-term oral health.
Difference in Level of Sensitivity After Treatment
Tooth sensitivity occurs when teeth are sensitive to certain stimuli. Incidents of tooth sensitivity can cause sharp or sudden pain in the teeth due to:
- Hot or cold foods and drinks
- Sweet or acidic foods
- Cold air
- Pressure while chewing
You may experience sensitivity after treatment for veneers and crowns. However, the sensitivity of these procedures differs in intensity. Veneers usually cause mild sensitivity. This occurs because the dentist removes a small portion of the enamel. The enamel protects the tooth from external stimuli.
When it is reduced, these sensations can reach the inner layers more easily. Patients may experience brief discomfort in the first few days after veneer placement. Crowns often cause stronger sensitivity because the preparation is more extensive. The dentist removes a portion of the enamel from all sides of the tooth as they reshape it.
Trimming the enamel exposes the underlying dentin. Dentin has tiny channels that connect to the tooth’s nerve. When hot or cold foods pass through these channels, they can cause sharper or longer-lasting sensitivity. This sensation can last for several weeks, especially when chewing or drinking cold liquids.
Sensitivity after veneers or crowns can affect daily life. Patients may feel discomfort while eating or brushing. After the procedures, your dentist can recommend that you avoid very hot or very cold foods until the tooth adjusts. Dentists can recommend protective liners to ease sensitivity after a crown procedure.
Sensitivity can also be avoided by proper bonding and a correct fit. Patients often return to normal comfort within a few weeks. When you understand the differences in sensitivity between crowns and veneers, you can effectively prepare for recovery.
Difference in Cost Between Veneers and Crowns
Another significant difference between crowns and veneers is the cost of the procedures. When choosing a dental procedure, cost is an important factor that most people consider. Veneers are often more costly than crowns. You may spend $1,200 to $3,200 per tooth for veneers in California. The overall cost of the procedure will depend on the number of teeth requiring treatment and the condition of your teeth.
One common cause of high veneer cost is the need for a close, precise preparation. Each veneer is crafted to match the tooth’s color, shape, and translucency. Costs can also be driven by the material used for restoration. Patients often prefer porcelain veneers because they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth.
Another reason veneers are expensive is that most dental insurance plans do not cover them. The procedure is purely cosmetic since it is performed on healthy teeth. As a result, patients bear the entire cost personally.
Crowns are a cheaper option to restore the appearance and strength of your teeth. Crowns cost between $800 and $3,000 per tooth. Because crowns are often medically necessary, dental insurance may cover part of the cost. This makes crowns more affordable for patients who have insurance. Before you undergo the procedure, you must consult your insurance provider to determine whether it is covered.
Difference in Aesthetic Results Between Crowns and Veneers
Crowns and veneers can improve the appearance of teeth. However, their aesthetic results differ. Crowns improve the appearance of worn teeth, while veneers provide a more refined cosmetic result for healthy teeth. The difference depends on how much of the tooth they cover and what they are meant to correct. Crowns cover the entire tooth enamel.
A crown allows the dentist to reshape the tooth fully. Dentists often recommend crowns for severely discolored, cracked, or damaged teeth. Crowns can conceal stains, cracks, and uneven surfaces since they cover the entire tooth. They also restore worn-down or broken teeth. Crowns are designed to blend in with surrounding teeth.
The materials used for modern crowns match the color of natural teeth. However, their main focus is strength and protection. In some cases, crowns may look slightly thicker than natural teeth.
Veneers focus heavily on appearance. They only cover the tooth’s front surface. This allows dentists to fine-tune color, shape, length, and symmetry. Veneers are ideal for smile makeovers and cosmetic improvements. Veneers provide strong aesthetic benefits, including:
- Brighter and more uniform tooth color
- Improved shape and alignment
- Smooth and natural-looking surfaces
- A more symmetrical smile
Because veneers are thin and custom-designed, they often look more natural in cosmetic cases. They reflect light like natural enamel, creating a polished smile.
Difference in Teeth Condition Needed for Successful Veneer and Crown Procedures
The condition of the tooth before a procedure differentiates between veneers and crowns. Not all teeth are suitable for both treatments. Veneers require healthy teeth. This means the tooth must have enough enamel for the veneer to bond properly. Veneers are well-suited for people who want a cosmetic fix for their smile while preserving their natural teeth. Teeth that are badly decayed, have large fillings or cracks, and are not always appropriate for this restoration.
Veneers are best for cosmetic improvements like masking:
- Slight discoloration
- Small chips
- Minor gaps
- Slight misalignment
Veneers preserve most of the natural tooth structure. If the tooth is weak or badly damaged, a veneer will not provide enough strength or protection.
Crowns are used to restore damaged or weakened teeth. Therefore, the tooth that needs a crown does not have to be in excellent condition. A dentist can place the crown on teeth with large cavities, fractures, or those that have undergone a root canal. Crowns provide full coverage and support for the tooth. A crown may strengthen, shape, and function even when much of the tooth structure is lost.
Before a crown or veneer procedure, the dentist will check the tooth for:
- Enamel thickness
- Decay
- Cracks
Choosing the correct restoration ensures long-term durability, protection, and appearance.
Difference in Impact on Bite and Function
Another difference between veneers and crowns is their impact on bite and tooth function. Crowns cover the entire tooth, while veneers only cover the front. This difference has a direct effect on bite, chewing, and function. Crowns are designed to restore full tooth function. Dentists recommend them for weak or damaged teeth.
By covering the entire tooth, crowns strengthen the enamel. With crowns, a patient can bite and chew their food normally. Bite and function restoration is important for molars and premolars, which handle the most chewing force. When a crown is placed correctly, it distributes pressure evenly across the tooth and surrounding teeth.
Veneers, in contrast, have minimal impact on bite. They are thin shells applied only to the front of the tooth. Veneers are mainly cosmetic and are not intended to restore strength. They improve appearance without changing how the tooth handles biting or chewing. Veneers are best applied to front teeth. These teeth receive less pressure from biting and chewing. Placing veneers on heavily used teeth can cause chipping or breakage.
Difference in Repair and Replacement of Veneers and Crowns
Crowns and veneers differ in how they can be repaired or replaced when damaged. The difference comes from their design, thickness, and how much tooth structure they cover. Crowns can serve you for up to 20 years with proper care. However, habits such as chewing hard objects and grinding teeth can damage crowns. A damaged, chipped, or worn-out crown cannot be repaired.
In this case, the dentist must replace the entire crown. Replacing a damaged crown involves the following steps:
- Removing the old crown
- Cleaning the tooth
- Placing a new crown
Replacing a crown can be costly and requires at least one dental visit.
Veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth. If you have minor cracks or chips on the veneer, the dentist can repair them with dental bonding. For this reason, veneers may be easier to fix for minor cosmetic issues. However, if the damage is severe, the entire veneer must be replaced. Replacing a veneer is less invasive than a crown because it involves less enamel trimming.
After tooth restoration with crowns or veneers, you should avoid extra pressure on your teeth. Also, you should maintain good oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay.
Find an Experienced Dentist Near Me
Veneers and crowns are popular dental restorations. Veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of the tooth. The procedure aims to improve the appearance of the natural teeth. In contrast, crowns cover the entire tooth and restore its strength when damaged or weakened. The crowns protect teeth with large cavities or fractures or those that have undergone root canal treatment.
The differences between these restorations go beyond coverage. Veneers are more expensive than crowns because insurance does not cover the entire cost. Crowns are partially covered by dental insurance if they are medically necessary. This makes the procedure more affordable than veneers.
You should consult your dentist if you have a dental issue that requires veneers or crowns. The dentist will evaluate your condition and help you determine the most suitable procedure. At The Lakewood Dentist, we offer expert dental care for our patients in Lakewood, CA. Call us today at 562-423-1441 to schedule an appointment.