Dental veneers or dental crowns: what is the difference, and when is each recommended?

A veneer and a dental crown are not two interchangeable options for the same treatment. A veneer mainly covers the visible surface of a tooth that retains sufficient healthy structure, whilst a crown covers the tooth circumferentially and is used when it requires a more extensive structural restoration. 

The choice depends on the amount of healthy tooth structure, occlusion, the position of the tooth and the aim of the treatment.

The key difference lies not only in the appearance of the restoration, but in the amount of tooth structure that needs to be restored. When the tooth is healthy and the aim is primarily aesthetic, a veneer may be considered. If the tooth is significantly damaged and needs protection, the dentist may recommend a crown.

Both are custom-made prosthetic restorations, designed to restore the appearance and, within the limits of their respective indications, the function of the tooth. However, the way in which they cover the tooth and the amount of tooth structure required to support them differ.

What is a dental veneer?

A dental veneer is a thin restoration, usually made of ceramic, which is primarily bonded to the outer surface of the tooth. It is mainly used on the front teeth to improve the colour, shape, size or proportions of the teeth visible when smiling.

Veneers may be recommended when the tooth retains sufficient healthy enamel for bonding and does not require a complete structural restoration. Depending on the tooth’s initial position and the planned outcome, preparation may be minimal, but the treatment should not automatically be described as ‘no-prep’.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a restoration that covers the visible part of a tooth circumferentially. Its role is to restore the shape, strength, function and appearance of a tooth that has lost a significant amount of structure.

Crowns can be made from various types of ceramic or zirconia, with the choice of material tailored to the tooth’s position, masticatory forces and aesthetic requirements.

A crown fitted onto a natural tooth should be distinguished from a crown on an implant. In dental implant treatment, the crown replaces the visible part of the missing tooth and is secured to the implant by means of a prosthetic component.

Veneers may be considered for:

• changing the colour of certain teeth when teeth whitening cannot achieve the desired result;
• correcting the shape or size of teeth;
• closing small gaps between teeth;
• restoring chips or limited loss of tooth structure;
• correcting uneven dental proportions;
• restoring teeth affected by certain forms of wear;
• aesthetic improvement of slightly misaligned teeth, provided that the occlusion and the amount of preparation required allow for this approach.

Veneers are not a substitute for orthodontic treatment in cases of severe crowding or occlusal problems. Sometimes, the dentist may recommend aligning the teeth first, in order to minimise the amount of tooth structure removed and achieve a more stable result.

Crowns may be recommended in the following cases:

• teeth with extensive tissue loss caused by decay;
• teeth that are fractured or at high risk of fracture;
• teeth with very large fillings;
• teeth affected by severe wear;
• teeth that have undergone root canal treatment and require additional protection;
• replacing old crowns that no longer fit properly;
• reconstructing the visible part of a tooth as part of dental implant treatment.

A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment does not automatically receive the same type of restoration in every situation. The recommendation depends on the tooth’s position, the amount of remaining tooth structure and the stresses to which it is exposed.

Generally speaking, a veneer requires less preparation than a crown, as it mainly covers the visible surface of the tooth. The exact amount of enamel removed depends on the tooth’s position, its original colour, the thickness of the ceramic and the desired result.

A crown requires the tooth to be prepared across several surfaces in order to create the space needed for the restoration and a shape that provides stability. For this reason, a crown is recommended when the benefits of a full restoration justify the removal of a larger amount of tooth structure.

Both the preparation for veneers and that for crowns are, in most cases, irreversible. Therefore, the decision must be made following a comprehensive clinical and functional assessment, not solely on the basis of aesthetic preferences.

The dental prosthetist examines each tooth individually, as well as its relationship with the gums, neighbouring teeth, the bite and the smile as a whole.

Remaining tooth structure

The quantity and quality of the enamel and dentine are important criteria. A veneer requires a healthy tooth structure and a suitable surface for bonding.

If the tooth is affected by extensive decay, a fracture or a very large filling, a veneer may not provide the necessary protection. In such situations, the dentist may recommend a restoration that covers a larger part of the tooth.

Gum health

The gums must be healthy prior to prosthetic treatment. Inflammation, bleeding, gum recession or periodontal disease can affect the planning, impression-taking and integration of the restorations.

If there are any active gum or periodontal conditions, these will be treated before the final veneers or crowns are fitted.

Occlusion and bruxism

The way the teeth come into contact with one another influences the choice of restoration, as well as its material and shape. Incorrect contacts or excessive forces can increase the risk of chipping, fracturing or detachment.

In the case of bruxism, the dentist may recommend adjusting the treatment plan and wearing a protective mouthguard once the restorations are complete.

Tooth position

Teeth that are severely crowded, rotated or protruding may require too extensive a preparation to be corrected using veneers alone. In such cases, orthodontic treatment may be recommended prior to prosthetic restoration.

Pre-aligning the teeth may allow for the preservation of a greater amount of tooth structure and the creation of restorations with more natural proportions.

Both veneers and crowns are long-lasting restorations, but they cannot be considered permanent for the rest of one’s life. Their longevity depends on several factors:

• the material and technique used;
• the amount of healthy tooth structure;
• the quality of the fit and cementation;
• occlusion and the intensity of masticatory forces;
• the presence of bruxism;
• oral hygiene;
• gum health;
• regular dental check-ups;
• habits such as biting hard objects.

Over time, veneers and crowns may need to be repaired or replaced. Regular check-ups allow the edges of the restoration, the gums, the bite and the tooth underneath to be checked.

Yes. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, some teeth may be fitted with veneers, whilst others may require crowns. Veneers can be used on teeth that retain sufficient healthy structure, whilst crowns can restore more severely affected teeth or back teeth subjected to greater chewing forces.

The restorations are designed together so that the shape, colour, proportions and contacts between the teeth are integrated into a harmonious result.

Treatment begins with a consultation and a comprehensive assessment. Depending on the complexity of the case, the treatment plan may include medical photographs, radiological investigations, intraoral scanning and digital occlusion analysis.

The stages may include:

1. assessment of the health of the teeth and gums;
2. analysis of the bite and the position of the teeth;
3. determining the necessary treatments prior to the prosthetic stage;
4. planning the shape and proportions of future restorations;
5. simulation of the result, where appropriate;
6. controlled preparation of the teeth;
7. fabricating and testing temporary restorations;
8. manufacturing veneers or crowns in the dental laboratory;
9. aesthetic and functional assessment;
10. cementing permanent restorations;
11. regular follow-up.

In complex cases, the dental prosthetist may collaborate with specialists in orthodontics, periodontology, endodontics or implantology. The aim is to select a solution that combines aesthetics, function and the preservation of dental tissues.

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• Makhija SK, Lawson NC, Gilbert GH, Litaker MS, McClelland JA, Louis DR, Gordan VV, Pihlstrom DJ, Meyerowitz C, Mungia R, McCracken MS; National Dental PBRN Collaborative Group. Dentists’ choice of materials for single-unit crowns: Findings from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. J Dent. Dec 2016;55:40–47. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2016.09.010. Epub 28 September 2016. PMID: 27693778; PMCID: PMC5125852.
• Veneers vs. Crowns: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?, Written by Marjorie Hecht, Edited by Claire Brocato, Medically Reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS, Last medically reviewed on 16 August 2019, Healthline
• Difference Between Veneers and Crowns, Medically Reviewed by Robert Brennan, DDS on 27 April 2023, Written by a WebMD Editorial Contributor