Patients often ask this, usually because they've been told they need a crown when they were expecting a veneer, or vice versa. Both are custom-made ceramic restorations created in a dental laboratory, but they cover different amounts of the tooth and suit very different clinical situations.
What is a veneer?
A veneer covers the front surface and edges of a tooth. . Think of it like a very thin ceramic shell bonded to the front and tip of the tooth. It changes the colour, shape and length of what's visible when you smile.
Because a veneer only covers part of the tooth, it requires less tooth preparation than a crown. Typically a thin layer of enamel is removed from the front surface, and sometimes the edges. This makes veneers a more conservative option when the underlying tooth structure is largely intact.
Veneers are used when:
- The back and sides of the tooth are sound (no large existing fillings)
- The goal is primarily aesthetic: changing colour, shape or length
- The tooth doesn't need structural reinforcement
What is a crown?
A crown (sometimes called a cap) encases the entire tooth: front, back, sides and biting surface. It completely replaces the visible part of the tooth above the gum line.
Because it covers the whole tooth, significantly more tooth structure has to be removed before a crown is placed. This is a more invasive preparation, but sometimes it's the only appropriate option.
Crowns are used when:
- The tooth already has a large filling that extends around the back, a veneer can't be placed over an existing filling and would be too weak
- The tooth is heavily broken down or cracked
- The tooth has had a root canal treatment and needs protection
- Significant changes to the shape or bite are needed that a veneer can't achieve
Can I have a mix of both?
Yes, this is actually quite common when treating multiple front teeth. Where possible I choose veneers to conserve tooth structure, but for teeth that already have large existing fillings or significant damage, a crown is the clinically sound choice. A combination of veneers and crowns across adjacent teeth can be colour-matched beautifully by a skilled dental technician.
How do I know which I need?
The decision is made clinically, based on the condition of the existing tooth structure, how the teeth bite together, and what you're hoping to achieve. A patient who comes in wanting veneers may be better served by composite bonding for some teeth and crowns for others. The goal is always to do the least invasive thing that achieves a good long-term result.