Veneers vs. Crowns: what’s the difference?

Many options for cosmetic dentistry are available in the dental industry. The evolving range can help you find solutions to correct misaligned and imperfect teeth. In the UK, veneers and crowns are proving an increasingly popular choice for dental restoration.

What most people want to know is what's the difference between the two and which is the right choice.

Both veneers and crowns change the appearance of broken or damaged teeth, and they both help you achieve the look you want. The main difference is that a veneer covers the front of your tooth, while a crown encases the irreparable or weakened tooth underneath.

Deciding between veneers and crowns is based largely on the state of your natural teeth and what you hope to look like, which should be discussed with your orthodontic treatment provider.

To help you get a sense of which option might be best for you we’re looking at the differences in treatment between crowns and veneers, as well as comparing differences in the cost.

Composite veneers, porcelain veneers and dental bonding: understanding what they are

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are aesthetic reconstructions made from a thin layer of ceramic or resin. Their function is purely aesthetic and they are used to correct defects due to irregularities in size, colour or shape of your natural tooth.

The advances in design materials and technology mean dental veneers are becoming thinner and more realistic, with depth measuring up to 0.3 mm, which avoids having to shave too much of the teeth underneath.

Porcelain and composite veneers are the two most common types you’ll probably hear about. The veneer is applied to the front of your teeth using a bonding agent to enhance their appearance.

Depending on which type you opt for, the veneers may be made from different materials and follow a different production process.

What is dental bonding?

Dental composite bonding is more of a restorative process to the tooth that remains; its often used to fix cracks or chipped teeth instead of covering or encasing it as is the case with veneers and crowns.

Composite veneers: what are they?

Composite veneers are made from inorganic or organic materials - such as ceramic or resin as mentioned above. They can be made in a variety of colours to match your teeth. The benefit is that there are two types of process for application: direct composite veneers and indirect composite veneers.

How do veneers work?

It usually takes less time for the dentist to apply them if using direct composite veneers. The process is not as invasive as others, with the dentist etching the enamel on your teeth lightly to help adhesion before applying the direct composite resin straight to your teeth. They then work to shape the tooth in situ. 

Indirect composite veneers are prepared externally at a dental lab or by your dentist's office after taking a 3d scan, mould or both for your veneers to be produced. They may etch your teeth and give you temporary veneers while you wait for yours to be custom-made.

A light is used to harden the adhesive in both cases of indirect and indirect composite veneers, and the dentist will ensure they fit well and tidy up any stray edge upon adhesion, finishing with a polish.

Benefits of composite veneers:

• Made of resin

• Best to cover broken and discoloured teeth due to their thickness

• Require little enamel removal

• Cheaper cost than porcelain

• Quicker to fit if using the direct version

Remember!

Regular dental hygiene appointments and cleaning regimes at home are essential to keep your veneers for the maximum duration.

Porcelain veneers

In contrast, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and create a model of your mouth for the correct sizing and shape of the veneers if opting for porcelain. A specialist called a ceramicist builds your veneers using thin porcelain to match your shape and teeth colour.

Benefits of porcelain ceramic veneers:

• Longer lasting due to more durable ceramic material

• Long lifespan, 10-15 years

• Completely custom-made

• Less likely to stain

What’s the process for veneer dental treatment?

Getting veneers fitted should always start with a consultation with your dentist. They’ll discuss the aspects of your teeth's appearance that dissatisfy you and make suggestions on the types of options between veneers, or crowns.

If opting for veneers, your dentist will take a mould or take a digital scan which may then be sent to a lab for your new teeth to be made.

When you see the professional dentist they should also schedule a time to prepare your teeth, as they typically need to remove the same depth from your real teeth to accommodate the thickness of the veneer to be placed on top of your tooth.

Finally, veneer placement may happen in a separate appointment, depending on the type you choose, as indirect veneers typically take several weeks to complete, so they're made to fit perfectly from the custom mould made for you.

What are crowns?

Crowns are used for cases of dental damage that are considered more serious. They’re a tooth-shaped cap, or tooth covering that can help to restore teeth. Just like veneers, the professional dentist would need to remove a small amount of enamel before bonding your new crown.

You may consider some of the following reasons for crowns instead of veneers:

• To cover a tooth treated with a root canal

• To cover a cracked tooth

• To restore a worn-down tooth

• To protect a cracked or weakened tooth

• To cover a severely stained tooth

What are dental crowns made of?

There is a huge variety of options when it comes to the material crowns are made of, we list some of the most common ones below.

All-resin crowns

These types of crowns are generally less expensive than porcelain, but they have one of the shortest lifespans before needing to be replaced.

Pressed ceramic crowns

Similar to the strength of a porcelain and metal crown, but with the inner made from melted ceramics, pressed to make a strong inner core.

All-porcelain or ceramic crowns

For people that don’t want pressed metal crowns and a more realistic appearance of tooth enamel.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal

These crowns combine metal durability and strength with a porcelain outer layer.

Metal crowns

Made from a mix of metals and most durable, withstanding wear, biting and chewing pressure over time.

What's the main difference between a veneer and a crown?

Crowns provide cover for the whole tooth, while veneers are placed on top covering just the front of your tooth.

What’s important in both cases is maintaining your teeth and excellent oral hygiene!

Flossing, brushing, checkups and regular hygiene appointments to achieve maximum longevity regardless of which one you choose.

So, how much do veneers cost?

Average dental veneer costs range from £500 to £1,500 per tooth. Prices may vary depending on the state of your natural teeth and the preparatory dental work needed before fitting. Your dentist can talk to you about your individual needs, how many veneers you need and what material they’ll use.

Another important consideration is the varying quality of material used also affects the price. Composites are a cost-effective investment; costing on average between £350-450 per tooth and last 5-10 years. Porcelain veneers are typically more expensive, with a starting point of £700-1100 per tooth, but a longer lifespan. 

So, if you’re ready to try composite veneers, and get a natural-looking smile transformation book your consultation with us today.

You can also connect with us on WhatsApp if you have any questions before booking.