Dental Health A to Z Discover Plan Careers Shop Subscribe

Home page Dental Health Veneers vs. Crowns: What's the Difference & Which is Better

Veneers vs. Crowns: In This Article

What's the Difference

What Is The Difference
Between A Veneer And A
Crown?

& Which is Better What Is A Veneer?

What Is A Crown?

Which One Is Right For

Written by Whitney DiFoggio BS, RDH You?

Medical Reviewed on Nov 8, 2022 by Dr. Matthew… Which One Lasts

Evidence Based Hannan DDS Longer: Veneers Or
Crowns?

Crowns Vs. Veneers

Cost

Ask Your Dentist

Crowns Vs. Veneers

Recap

Related Articles

5 Ways To
Remove Coffee
Stains on Your
When it comes to repairing or enhancing front teeth, crowns and Teeth
veneers both offer significant advantages. But functionally and
aesthetically, veneers vs. crowns serve two completely different
purposes. Dental crowns (aka “tooth caps”) cover your entire tooth,
Dental Anxiety
while veneers only cover part of them.
(Dentophobia) &
How To
Deciding between crowns vs. veneers on front teeth will be different for
Overcome It
everyone. The biggest factor will depend on if your tooth is healthy or
not, or if it just needs an aesthetic enhancement. One restoration
(dental crowns) repairs broken teeth while also complementing their
Flossing Tricks for
appearance, while the other (veneers) is strictly cosmetic in nature.
Permanent
Retainers

What Is The Difference

Between A Veneer And A Chipped Tooth or

Crown?
Tartar Breaking
Off Teeth?

Crowns vs. veneers on front teeth are two entirely different things, but if
you’re smiling, you won’t even be able to tell the difference in one or the
other. Both of them are crafted to look like natural teeth, both of them What's the Best

complement the appearance of the tooth underneath them, but only Mouthwash?

one of them is necessary for “health” related purposes; the other one is
completely elective.

7 Reasons Why
Your Tooth Hurts
When Biting
Down or Chewing

Although some people call them “tooth caps”, crowns are full-coverage
restorations that act like a tiny little helmet that goes over your tooth.
The protective shell covers the entire tooth surface all the way up to the
gumline, completely sealing it underneath. For front teeth, crowns are
used when the tooth is structurally unsound. In other words, it’s cracked,
has a large cavity, broke off, or you just had a root canal performed
(root canal teeth are extra brittle.) Your tooth needs a crown to keep it
functioning properly. Otherwise, it would just deteriorate and the tooth
would probably have to be extracted.

As far as veneers go, they only cover the front side of your teeth and
slightly over the edges. When you smile, you see this perfect-looking
tooth, but your natural tooth is totally visible behind it. Only your dental
team will be able to tell if it’s crowns vs. veneers on front teeth. From the
outside, they all look the same. And although veneers do cover one side
of your tooth, it’s only to make your teeth look better; they don’t provide
any structural reinforcement.

What Is A Veneer?
Technically speaking, dental veneers are cosmetic restorations that are
placed on teeth on an elective basis. People choose to get dental
veneers to make their smiles look better. They basically mask the
natural teeth behind them, immediately enhancing the overall look and
color of your enamel.

Some people compare veneers to an artificial fingernail, because of

how it goes over the real thing but change the way everything looks. A
thin layer is buffed away before it’s installed. Others say that veneers are
like a thin shell that covers the front of your tooth. Both analogies are
accurate and give you an idea of how your natural tooth is simply
covered on the front, with the veneer masking what’s behind it.

Veneers tend to come in one of three variations: porcelain, no-prep, or

composite (chairside.) Porcelain offers the best durability and aesthetic
results, making them the standard for most smile makeovers.

Advantages Of Veneers:

Addresses your entire smile zone at one time

Makes your smile look gorgeous
Can replace the need for whitening or braces (in some cases)
Tailored to your individual preferences

Disadvantages Of Veneers:

Can be expensive
Are usually non-reversible
You need several of them at a time
Usually isn’t covered by insurance
Budget veneers don’t look as good

What Is A Crown?

Crowns or “caps” are the next-level restoration your dentist uses if your
tooth is too damaged to repair with a filling. Since they go over and
around your tooth, it helps to reinforce any weak or broken structures
underneath. Basically, they distribute pressure so that you can use your
tooth for normal biting and chewing. Without a crown, it’s usually just a
matter of time before a compromised tooth breaks down even more.

Your tooth is typically reduced down to a smaller size before a crown will
fit over it. Otherwise, it would “hit too high” or look too bulky overall.
Reshaping the tooth on the top and each side will allow a crown to slip
over it completely without getting in the way.

There are several different options out there for dental crown designs.
Most crowns on front teeth will probably be full porcelain or zirconia (a
highly durable ceramic) or even carved from a solid block of ceramic if
it’s a same-day design. Whereas porcelain fused to metal or gold
crowns are typically restricted to back teeth.

Advantages of Crowns:

Usually covered under your dental insurance policy

Can be placed on just one or two teeth, instead of several
Protects teeth with cracks or cavities
Enhances the tooth’s appearance while also protecting the weak
structure

Disadvantages of Crowns:

Is more invasive to your tooth than a dental veneer

Typically only placed on one tooth at a time
Used on an as-needed basis, rather than upon request
Could have a visible metal base, depending on the design and
materials used

Which One Is Right For You?

Deciding between dental veneers vs. crowns is actually a fairly
straightforward process for most people. You need a crown if you have
a single tooth that structurally can’t stand up to everyday wear and tear
anymore. The crown protects the tooth when it’s already compromised.
You also need a crown if you recently had a root canal or there was a
really large cavity that bombed out the inside of your tooth. Veneers
can’t help with any of those situations.

On the other hand, you want to go with dental veneers when aesthetics
is your main concern. You just want your teeth to look whiter, straighter,
and properly shaped from one side of your mouth to the other. In that
case, you would want to have however many dental veneers it will take
to cover all of the upper teeth in your “smile zone.”

Typically, that number is somewhere between 6-10 veneers, depending

on how wide your smile is.

Which One Lasts Longer:

Veneers Or Crowns?
If you want to compare crowns vs. veneers on front teeth, the average
life expectancy of either restoration is about the same. Generally
speaking, if you care for your mouth properly, floss around those teeth
every day, and you don’t grind your teeth in your sleep (it could cause
your crown or veneer to break) then you can easily get 7-10 years out of
your restoration before it needs to be updated.

Keep in mind, if you’re getting “same-day” dental veneers, the material

used for those restorations isn’t nearly as durable as porcelain. Same-
day veneers typically last a few years at most before they need to be
changed out.

Since most quality veneers and crowns are made from the same
durable materials, the best way to help your investment last as long as
possible is to floss daily and sleep in a nightguard.

Crowns Vs. Veneers Cost

Which costs more: crowns vs. veneers on front teeth? There are several
variables that will impact the total out-of-pocket cost.

Dental Average Price with Average Price with No

Procedure Insurance Insurance
Dental
typically not covered $925 to $2,500 per tooth
Veneer

Dental $600 to $950 per

$800 to $1,500 per tooth
Crown tooth

Questions To Consider:

How many do I need?

Crowns are usually placed on single teeth here and there. Whereas
veneers need to be placed in sets of several at a time to achieve the
look you’re hoping for. The total number of teeth involved will ultimately
impact the total veneers vs. crowns debate.

Usually, if someone is getting a crown, it’s only here or there on teeth

that they already have problems with. But crowns address the entire
scope of your smile. If you’re someone who shows more teeth when
you’re smiling or laughing, you typically need more veneers than
someone else.

Side note: veneers usually are not recommended on lower front teeth,
because they’re at an increased risk of chipping.

Which type am I getting?

The materials used to make your crown or veneer will impact the total
cost for each restoration. Some may only cost a couple of hundred
dollars, while others are $800 or more. Since many different materials
are available on the market, be sure to ask your dentist about the
pricing tiers for different crowns and veneers.

Even though you probably wouldn’t get one on your front tooth, gold
crowns are a good example. Gold prices go up and down with the
market, which then impacts the price you pay in the dental office.
Similarly, there are different types of ceramic materials that your dentist
or lab has to choose from.

Is it covered by my dental insurance?

As a general rule, dental crowns tend to fall under insurance benefits

while cosmetic veneers do not. There are occasionally exceptions to the
rule, but they’re few and far between. And even if crowns are covered
under your dental insurance, you’ll need to consider your deductible,
co-pay amounts, and annual maximum that’s allowed under your plan.

Are extra treatments necessary?

Custom color-matching, gum lifts, buildups, and sedation are just a few
examples of added costs you might need to consider. These are all
unique to each individual, so you and your dentist will need to discuss
them during your exam.

The number of appointments involved.

Time is money. Especially when you’re having to miss work to get dental
treatment. If your dentist offers same-day treatments like CEREC crowns
or no-prep Lumineers, these crown or veneer variations could save you
an extra trip to the dentist’s office.

Ask Your Dentist

Are you still debating if you need crowns vs. veneers on front teeth?
Don’t overthink yourself. Definitely talk to your dentist. Or when in doubt,
get a second opinion. It should almost always be a clear-cut decision
between which of the two you actually need. A second opinion is a great
way to tap into professional advice when you’re feeling unsure about
your next steps.

Whether you’re seeing a general dentist or one who focuses on

cosmetic services, both should be able to give you an honest opinion
about which restoration is best. Because in reality, a crown can still
enhance the appearance of your smile, but it’s just focusing on one
tooth at a time. Sometimes having your dentist repair a broken or
missing tooth can have a huge impact on your smile overall.

When you visit your dentist, be sure to provide your insurance

information. Their treatment coordinators will work up a care plan that
outlines the fees, copays, estimated coverage, and all of the total costs
involved. You’ll have a great idea of what to expect before committing to
anything. Consult with a local dentist here.

Crowns Vs. Veneers Recap

Crowns vs. veneers on the front teeth are a matter of aesthetics vs.
structural needs. What’s your overall goal? If it’s to repair broken front
teeth, crowns are the answer. Is it to cover multiple healthy teeth to
change the way they look? Then veneers are your go-to choice. And
even if they aren’t covered by your dental insurance, flexible financing
and options like 0% interest are usually available!

Make your inbox smile!

Type your email Submit

I would like to subscribe to the TeethTalk Girl

weekly newsletter and special email promotions.
100% free. Unsubscribe at any. See PRIVACY
POLICY.*

Sources

Written by Whitney DiFoggio BS, RDH

"Teeth Talk Girl," is a registered dental hygienist. She started

her dental health journey on YouTube, educating the public
through videos.

Medical Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Hannan DDS

Dr. Matthew Hannan is a board-certified dentist and

graduate of UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry.

Last updated on November 19, 2022 Here is our process

Recommended reads

Dental Crowns: 5 Types, What is an Overbite & How is Root Canal vs. Extraction:
Procedure & Cost it Corrected? Which is the BEST Option?

About us Terms of Subscribe for dental tips Peace. Love. Teeth.

use
dental health for all
Subscribe! © 2023 Teeth Talk Girl is a State &
Advertising Become A
Lake Marketing, Inc Company. All
Policy Writer
rights reserved. Our website
Contact us Privacy services, content, and products
Policy are for informational purposes

only. Teeth Talk Girl does not

Advertise Press and
provide medical advice,
With Us Media
diagnosis, or treatment.
Donate &
Support