Table of Contents
TL;DR
- Crowns cover the entire tooth and help restore damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth.
- Veneers cover only the front surface of the teeth and are great for enhancing your smile by correcting chips, stains, or gaps.
- Crowns last about 10–15 years and involve more tooth reshaping.
- Veneers are minimally invasive and provide a natural-looking cosmetic upgrade.
- Your choice depends on whether your priority is restoring function (crown) or enhancing appearance (veneer).
- The team at Brooklyn Blvd Dental can help you decide based on your unique smile and oral health needs.
Dental Crowns vs Veneers: The Basics
Deciding between a dental crown vs a veneer comes down to your dental needs and aesthetic goals. Crowns are protective caps used to restore weakened or damaged teeth, while veneers are thin shells that help refine your smile’s appearance.
At Brooklyn Blvd Dental, our experienced team guides patients through this decision every day. We understand it can be confusing, especially when both options seem similar on the surface. That’s why we take time to explain the functional, cosmetic, and financial differences, so that you can feel confident about your choice.
This guide will outline the differences between crowns and veneers, explain how each option works, and which might be better suited to your dental needs.
How Do Dental Crowns Work?
Dental crowns are one of the most common dental treatments for adults over 40. They are often recommended when a tooth is significantly compromised due to decay, cracks, or after procedures like root canals or implants. While they also improve appearance, their main purpose is to protect a damaged tooth by covering its entire structure.
Reasons To Get a Crown
- Restore a weak, severely decayed, or misshapen tooth
- Cover a cracked or broken tooth
- Anchor a dental bridge
- Complete a dental implant
Types of Dental Crowns
- Metal: Durable but less natural in appearance due to its metallic color
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): Durable and natural-looking, but more prone to chipping
- Resin: Affordable but less durable over time
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain: Durable and the most natural-looking
- Pressed ceramic: Stronger than traditional porcelain, and provides for a natural final look, but is prone to chipping (like PFM)
How Do Veneers Work?
Veneers are a prevalent choice for smile transformations, as they help enhance the smile with minimal impact on tooth structure. They are very thin (about 1 mm) and less invasive, covering only the front surface of a tooth. Your dentist will make small adjustments to the enamel, reshaping it slightly to create a smooth surface.
Best Uses for Veneers
- Restoring chipped or broken teeth
- Correcting gaps between teeth
- Camouflaging deep stains that don’t respond to whitening
- Reshaping uneven teeth
Types of Veneers
- Porcelain: Natural-looking, stain-resistant, and long-lasting
- Composite resin: Cost-effective and natural-looking, but likely to stain or chip
Composite veneers typically last 5–7 years. In comparison, porcelain veneers can last about 10–15 years and require only minimal enamel removal.
Crowns vs Veneers: Key Differences
Here’s a side-by-side look at veneers vs crowns:
| Feature | Crown | Veneer |
| Coverage | Entire tooth | Front of the tooth only |
| Purpose | Restore function and strength | Improve appearance |
| Material Options | Porcelain, Metal, PFM, Resin, Ceramic | Porcelain, Composite, Resin |
| Tooth Preparation | Extensive reshaping | Minimal enamel (about half a mm) removal |
| Durability | 10–15 years (depending on care and oral hygiene) | 5–15 years (depending on material and oral hygiene) |
| Average Cost | $800–$2,500 per tooth | $925–$2,500 per tooth |
| Invasiveness | Highly invasive | Minimally invasive |
| Suitability | Damaged or weak teeth/post-implant | Chipped, uneven, or stained teeth that need a cosmetic solution |
| Risks | Gum irritation, chipping (especially in porcelain crowns) | Sensitivity, gum issues, and decay (in vulnerable individuals) |
Dental Crown vs. Veneer: Which Option Is Best for You?
The right choice between a crown vs a veneer depends on your specific dental needs.
Consider a Crown If:
- Your tooth is weak, decayed, or has a large filling.
- You’ve had a root canal or need an implant.
- You’re looking to restore both strength and appearance.
Choose a Veneer If:
- Your teeth are healthy, but you have cosmetic concerns (chips, stains, gaps).
- You want a minimally invasive treatment.
- You’re seeking a natural-looking, long-term aesthetic update.
Choosing What’s Right for You
Ultimately, both crowns and veneers can improve your smile; the right choice just depends on your goals. When it comes to deciding between a crown vs a veneer, your tooth’s condition and what you want your smile to look like are key factors. Crowns are better for restoring function, while veneers are perfect for cosmetic upgrades.
Looking for a Trusted Dentist in Brooklyn Center?
At Dentist Brooklyn Center, we prioritize creating a safe space to address your oral health goals. Our team will explain your options and work with you to find a treatment that fits your needs and smile. We want you to feel comfortable, cared for, and confident every step of the way!
Book your appointment online or call us at (763) 533-8669.
Our Address: 5831 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
FAQs
How do crowns and veneers affect natural tooth structure?
Crowns require more reshaping and reduction of the tooth as compared to veneers. Veneer prep requires a thin layer of enamel to be removed from the front of the tooth, leaving most of your natural tooth intact.
How long do crowns and veneers typically last?
With good dental care and depending on the material as well as preparation, crowns can last for 10–15 years, while veneers last 5–15 years.
Are crowns or veneers more noticeable?
Both are designed to blend with your natural teeth. However, veneers are thinner and tend to look more natural compared to crowns.
Can veneers or crowns be reversed or replaced?
Neither of them can be reversed. Your tooth needs to be reshaped to some extent in both procedures. They can, however, be replaced in case they wear out or get damaged.
When should veneers be considered instead of crowns?
Veneers are the better choice when you have otherwise healthy teeth that might have some flaws, like stains, gaps, or chips. You can also choose veneers if you are looking for a minimally invasive smile makeover.
