What’s the Difference Between Crowns and Veneers? 

Crowns and veneers are two of the most common dental restorations, so much so that many people use the terms interchangeably or assume that they’re the same thing. However, crowns and veneers are different and don’t serve the same function.

Dentist Irma Francisco, DDS, regularly uses veneers and dental crowns at her San Jose, California, practice to help people improve their smiles and protect their teeth.

Keep reading to learn more about dental crowns and veneers, how they differ, and how to determine which one is right for you. 

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged or severely decaying tooth. Once placed, the crown restores your tooth’s shape, size, and appearance, allowing you to bite and chew more comfortably and helping reduce the risk of tooth loss.

We commonly recommend crowns to:

• Protect cracked or damaged teeth
• Support a tooth after root canal therapy
• Cover large fillings
• Improve the cosmetic appearance of teeth

Crowns are often bonded to molars, the teeth at the back of the mouth, but they can be used on almost any tooth. We offer several types of crowns, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and porcelain-fused-to-metal.

What are veneers?

Veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain or ceramic that are bonded to the teeth at the front of your mouth. They’re typically not used to address significant tooth damage or decay, like crowns, and are instead used to improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile. 

You may benefit from veneers if you have:

• Stained or yellow teeth
• Minor cracks or chips in your teeth
• Small gaps between your teeth
• Slightly uneven, asymmetrical, or misshapen teeth

Before applying veneers, we remove a thin layer of enamel, about half a millimeter thick, from each of your teeth. This enamel won’t grow back, but removing it is necessary to ensure a strong bond with the veneers. 

Porcelain veneers reflect light similarly to tooth enamel, so they look natural and blend in with your smile.

Key differences between crowns and veneers

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between crowns and veneers:

Tooth coverage

A crown envelopes your entire tooth, providing a protective barrier, while veneers only cover the front of a tooth to improve its appearance.

Restoration vs. cosmetics

Crowns are typically used to provide structural support for weak, damaged, or decaying teeth. Veneers, on the other hand, are often used to improve the symmetry or overall appearance of your smile. 

Application process

Before receiving crowns or veneers, we numb your mouth and carefully shape your tooth or teeth. With veneers, we shave a thin layer of enamel to ensure a strong bond. Crowns may involve filling cavities or reshaping the tooth. 

Durability

Crowns and veneers typically last 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer, with proper care. However, both types of restoration experience daily wear and tear due to biting and chewing, so they often need to be replaced or repaired at some point.

Which option is right for you?

The best way to determine whether a crown or veneers are right for you is to undergo a comprehensive oral exam that includes dental X-rays. After gathering the information those provide and discussing your goals and budget, we can make personalized treatment recommendations.

Whether you have a damaged molar or simply want to improve the symmetry of your smile, we can help. Contact us today by calling the office or booking an appointment online.