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When it comes to restoring teeth that are chipped, cracked, discoloured or structurally compromised, dental crowns or porcelain veneers are often the two options that tend to come up most.
On the surface, they might seem fairly similar – both are made using ceramic or porcelain materials, both are bonded to the teeth, and both require some level of reshaping of the tooth underneath. However, there are a few important differences that usually determine which one is more suited to your needs and expectations.
In this blog, we’ll go over the differences between dental crowns and porcelain veneers, including how each procedure works and what to expect for each option.
Dental crowns or porcelain veneers: Understanding each option
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell, custom-made to fit over the front of a tooth. Since veneers only cover the front surface, they’re often used when the structure of the tooth is still largely intact but the appearance needs adjusting. For example, porcelain veneers may be effective for chipped edges, worn enamel, or irregular shape. They can also be used to mask discolouration that doesn’t respond to whitening treatments.
A crown, on the other hand, fully covers the entire visible portion of the tooth. It acts more like a cap, and because of this, it’s often recommended when the natural tooth structure is significantly weakened – which could be due to cracks, large fillings, or even after root canal treatment. A crown offers more reinforcement than a veneer, simply because it surrounds the tooth on all sides.
Even though both are made using strong ceramic or porcelain materials, a crown is usually thicker and more protective, while a veneer is more conservative in how much tooth structure it removes. Which one is recommended will depend on how much of the tooth is still intact, and what the long-term function of the tooth is expected to be.
How each procedure works
For both dental crowns and porcelain veneers, some tooth preparation will be needed. In the case of a veneer, only the front surface of the tooth is shaped, which involves removing a very thin layer of enamel to make room for the veneer.
Crowns involve more preparation because the tooth needs to be shaped all the way around. This usually means reducing the tooth in height and width, so that there’s enough space for the crown to sit over the top without affecting the bite. While this reshaping might sound drastic, it’s typically performed on teeth that already have extensive damage, so it’s more about preserving what’s left than removing parts of a healthy tooth.
Once the teeth have been prepared, the final crown or veneer is made. In the meantime, a temporary version is usually fitted to protect the prepared teeth. Once the permanent piece is ready, it’s bonded in place using a strong adhesive.
What to expect after the procedure for each option
Once the final crown or veneer has been fitted, it’s common to notice a slight difference in how the tooth feels when biting, especially if the tooth has been adjusted significantly. These changes usually start to feel more normal over a few days, but if the bite still doesn’t feel right after that, your dentist may need to make minor adjustments to the surface.
Sensitivity to hot or cold is also fairly common in the early days after treatment. This is more likely if a large amount of enamel has been removed, or if the tooth was already compromised to begin with. Most of the time this sensitivity reduces over time, but if it persists, it’s worth getting it checked.
Essentially, both crowns and veneers should feel stable once bonded. If you notice any movement, discomfort when chewing, or anything that feels loose, it’s important that you go back to your dentist to have it assessed. A properly fitted crown or veneer shouldn’t cause issues with function and shouldn’t feel out of place.
Choosing between dental crowns and porcelain veneers
Ultimately, whether you choose dental crowns or porcelain veneers depends on the condition of the tooth, how much structural support it needs, and what the goal of the treatment is.
If the tooth is largely intact and the issue is more about appearance, like minor chips, discolouration, or a slightly uneven shape, a veneer may be a suitable treatment choice. If the tooth has been heavily filled, cracked, or has had a root canal, a crown is more likely to offer the reinforcement it needs.
Sometimes, both options may even be used together. For example, a patient might have crowns on the back teeth that have been weakened by fillings, and veneers on the front teeth for aesthetic reasons. It’s all about what each individual tooth needs to stay functional and stable over time.
If you’re trying to decide between dental crowns or porcelain veneers, it’s important that the decision is made based on the structural integrity of your teeth and the way your bite functions, not just on appearance. While both options can improve the way a tooth looks, the priority should always be to protect the tooth’s health and prevent future damage.
Get personalised advice with a consultation at Oasis Dental Studio the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne or Pottsville.
To get advice that’s specific to your teeth and bite, you’ll need a detailed consultation with a dentist who understands both the functional and aesthetic side of dental treatment options.
At Oasis Dental Studio, our focus is always on making sure that your teeth are treated in a way that supports their health, function and structure over time. To ensure that you’re choosing the treatment option that is most suited to your needs, we’ll assess the health and appearance of your teeth, discuss your goals and discuss your treatment options. We can then make a plan for either a crown, veneers or a combination of both.
Contact our team today to book your consultation in the Gold Coast, Brisbane (West End), Melbourne (Brighton) or Pottsville.
