Both dental veneers and crowns enhance your smile, but they serve structurally different purposes. Choosing between them depends on how much natural tooth structure needs to be preserved or protected.
| Feature | Dental veneers | Dental crowns |
|---|---|---|
| Primary goal | Primarily cosmetic (improving color, shape, minor gaps). | Restorative & protective (covering damaged, weak, or root-canal-treated teeth). |
| Coverage | Thin porcelain shells bonded only to the front surface of the tooth. | Caps that encase the entire visible part of the tooth 360 degrees. |
| Tooth reduction | Minimal shaving of enamel (approx. 0.5 mm). | More extensive reduction to accommodate cap thickness. |
Consult your dentist to evaluate your bite strength and aesthetic goals before making a choice.
This article is for general information and does not replace a clinical examination. If you have pain, swelling or bleeding, book an appointment so we can look at the tooth.