Understanding the Difference
While both veneers and crowns improve the appearance of your teeth, they serve different primary purposes and require different preparation.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells (usually porcelain or E-max) that cover only the front surface of the tooth. They are primarily a cosmetic solution to fix discoloration, minor chipping, or slight misalignment.
- Pros: Less tooth enamel removal, highly aesthetic.
- Cons: Not suitable for severely decayed or weakened teeth.
Crowns
Crowns (or caps) encase the entire tooth. They are used for structural restoration when a tooth is heavily damaged, after a root canal, or to support a dental bridge.
- Pros: Provides immense strength and protection, can dramatically change tooth shape.
- Cons: Requires more significant reshaping of the natural tooth.