Cosmetic Crowns vs. Porcelain Veneers: When to Choose Each
Choosing between a porcelain veneer and a cosmetic dental crown can feel confusing. Both veneers and crowns improve your smile, but they have different purposes and processes.
Stephen Forrest, DDS, a cosmetic dentist at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry states, “A veneer is a very thin shell bonded to the front surface of your tooth. A crown (often porcelain) covers the entire tooth above the gumline. In general, veneers are mainly for enhancing appearance, while crowns strengthen and protect teeth as well as improve looks.”
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are custom-made, wafer-thin shells of porcelain bonded to the front of your teeth. To place a veneer, your dentist will gently remove about half a millimeter of tooth enamel so the veneer can fit snugly. These shells are usually about 0.3-1.0 mm thick and are made to match the color of your natural teeth.
Veneers hide cosmetic flaws on visible front teeth, such as chips, cracks, stains or uneven spacing. Because they cover only the front surface, veneers require minimal tooth reduction and leave most of your healthy tooth intact.
You might choose veneers if:
- You have minor stains, discoloration, or spots on your front teeth.
- A front tooth is chipped or slightly cracked, and you want a natural look.
- There are small gaps or slightly uneven spacing between your front teeth.
- You want to improve your smile’s appearance without major drilling (veneer prep removes only a thin enamel layer).
Veneers can give you a bright, uniform smile and resist stains (coffee, tea, wine) better than bare teeth. However, they only mask surface issues; the underlying tooth is not strengthened by a veneer.
What Are Cosmetic Dental Crowns?
A cosmetic crown (often porcelain) is a tooth-shaped “cap” that fits over your entire tooth above the gum line. To place a crown, your dentist removes more of the tooth structure on all sides so the crown can fully enclose it. Crowns are used when a tooth is badly damaged, weakened or broken. For example, a crown can restore a tooth after a large cavity is removed, a root canal is done, or when a tooth has a large crack or fracture.
Cosmetic porcelain crowns are made to match your tooth color and shape while also adding strength to the tooth. They are a durable solution for teeth that need full protection. Crowns require two visits: the first visit prepares the tooth and fits a temporary crown, and the second visit bonds the permanent crown.
You might choose a crown if:
- A tooth has a large cavity or a failing old filling that weakens most of the tooth.
- You have had a root canal on that tooth, or it’s severely cracked or broken.
- The tooth needs to endure heavy biting pressure (for example, a back molar).
- You need full coverage of the tooth for strength and protection.
Crowns rebuild a damaged tooth and prevent further decay by covering it completely. They can also improve the tooth’s appearance if it’s discolored or oddly shaped.
What Are the Differences Between Veneers and Crowns?
- Coverage: A porcelain veneer only covers the front surface of the tooth, while a crown covers the entire tooth structure.
- Tooth Preparation: Veneer placement removes a tiny amount of enamel (often under 1 mm) from the front tooth. Crowns require more tooth reduction on all sides (often 1–2 mm on biting surfaces) to make room for the crown.
- Purpose: Veneers are used only for cosmetic improvements – they improve the look of the tooth but do not add strength. Crowns are used for both cosmetic and restorative reasons, strengthening a tooth that is weak or damaged while also improving appearance.
- Longevity: Both veneers and crowns can last many years (often 10–15+ years) if well cared for. Crowns may handle heavy chewing better than thin veneers.
- Insurance: Most dental plans consider veneers elective (cosmetic) and do not cover them. Crowns used to repair damage or decay are often partly covered by insurance.
When Should You Choose Veneers?
You should consider porcelain veneers if your main goal is cosmetic improvement on mostly healthy teeth. For example:
- Stains or Discoloration: Your front teeth have deep stains or uneven color that won’t respond to whitening.
- Minor Chips or Gaps: You have small chips, cracks or gaps in front teeth that you want to hide.
- Shape or Size Issues: Some front teeth are oddly shaped, short, or slightly uneven in size.
- Preserving Tooth: You prefer a less invasive fix. Veneers require removing much less tooth enamel than crowns.
In these cases, veneers can give you a dramatically improved smile by covering the visible flaws on front teeth. Remember, veneers need your teeth to already be strong enough; they work best when your teeth are free of large decay or major damage.
When Should You Choose a Crown?
A crown is the better choice when a tooth needs more support and protection than a veneer can give. Consider a crown if:
- Large Decay or Damage: A tooth has a large cavity or decay affecting most of the tooth.
- Root Canal or Big Filling: You’ve had a root canal on that tooth, or it has a very large filling, making the tooth fragile.
- Cracked or Broken Tooth: The tooth is cracked, broken or worn down significantly. A crown can hold it together.
- High Bite Forces: The tooth bears heavy chewing forces (like molars or for people who grind teeth). Crowns can better withstand these stresses.
- Support for Other Teeth: You need to add strength to a tooth that will anchor a bridge or hold partial denture. Crowns can handle these demands.
If your tooth needs a full wrap-around cover for strength, a crown is likely the right choice. Crowns rebuild and reinforce compromised teeth while also restoring your smile’s look.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks?
- Veneer Advantages: Veneers require minimal enamel removal, so they preserve most of your natural tooth. They look very natural on front teeth, often blending seamlessly with gums (no metal line). Porcelain veneers resist stains well and can give a uniformly white smile. They keep your tooth structure mostly intact.
- Veneer Drawbacks: Veneers only cover the front of the tooth, so the rest of the tooth is still exposed to decay. They do not strengthen a tooth or fix deep damage. Because they are cosmetic, they are rarely covered by insurance. Porcelain veneers typically last about 10–15 years, and eventually they will need replacement. Composite resin veneers cost less but wear out sooner (5–7 years). Veneers are irreversible: once enamel is removed, you will always need some kind of restoration.
- Crown Advantages: Crowns cover the whole tooth, protecting it from decay and adding strength. Modern porcelain crowns can match your natural tooth color, hiding cracks or discoloration. They are more durable for heavy-use teeth and last many years. Since crowns restore tooth health (not just appearance), insurance often helps pay for them. Crowns can save a tooth that might otherwise need extraction.
- Crown Drawbacks: A major downside is that crowns require removing more of your tooth (sometimes a lot of enamel) to fit. After a crown, the tooth may feel sensitive to hot or cold for a time. Porcelain crowns can chip or crack over time (though they are very strong). If a crown has a metal base (PFM), a thin dark line may show at the gum line after years. Crowns typically cost more per tooth than veneers and involve a longer procedure, but they may be needed for severe problems.
Caring for Veneers and Crowns
Once you have veneers or crowns, caring for them is very much like caring for natural teeth. Brush twice daily and floss every day. Pay extra attention to the gumline around each restoration, as plaque can collect there and cause decay in the exposed tooth. Use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Avoid hard or chewy foods (like ice, hard candy or popcorn kernels) that could chip porcelain.
If you grind or clench your teeth at night, ask for a custom night guard. This will protect veneers or crowns from breaking under excessive force. Note that you cannot whiten veneers or crowns with bleaching products, so pick their shade carefully at placement.
Regular check-ups and cleanings are important. Your dentist will check that your restorations fit well and examine the tooth underneath for any issues. Proper care and routine dentist visits help make your new veneers or crowns last for many years.
Choosing the right cosmetic restoration is a personal decision. Talk with your dentist about your goals and dental health. Together, you can decide whether a porcelain veneer or a crown will give you the best long-term results for a healthy, beautiful smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers usually last between 10 and 15 years with proper care. Good oral hygiene, avoiding hard foods that can chip them, and regular dental visits can help them last longer.
Do veneers ruin your natural teeth?
No, veneers do not ruin your natural teeth. However, placing veneers does require removing a thin layer of enamel, so your teeth will always need to be covered with a veneer or another restoration after preparation.
Are crowns stronger than veneers?
Yes. Crowns cover the entire tooth and add strength, making them better for teeth that are cracked, broken, or have large fillings. Veneers are for cosmetic improvements only and do not strengthen a tooth.
Can I whiten my veneers or crowns?
No, veneers and crowns do not respond to whitening treatments. Choose your preferred shade before placement, as their color will remain the same over time.
How do I choose between a veneer and a crown?
If your tooth is healthy but looks stained, chipped, or uneven, a veneer is a good option. If your tooth is damaged, cracked, or weakened by decay or a root canal, a crown will protect it while improving appearance.
Does dental insurance cover veneers or crowns?
Most insurance plans consider veneers to be cosmetic and do not cover them. Crowns are often partially covered when needed to restore tooth function or health.
Ready to Love Your Smile Again?
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Stephen Forrest at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center today. Our team will help you choose the best option for your smile goals and long-term dental health. Call now to get started on the confident, healthy smile you deserve!