If your teeth are chipped, stained, or misshapen, veneers and front teeth crowns are two dental solutions that can help. Of course, both options can improve the look and feel of your teeth, but you should know they are distinct terms, nonetheless.
The main difference between front teeth crowns and veneers is how they cover your teeth. Veneers cover just the front, while front teeth crowns cover the entire tooth.
If you’re unsure which option is best for you, you can reach out via WhatsApp to discuss your case with a professional and get the guidance you need.
This article explains the differences between front teeth crowns and veneers. It covers what they’re made of, how they’re fixed, and how long they last. It also teaches you the uses and costs of each option, as well as what to expect during the process.
| Differences | Front Teeth Crowns | Veneers |
| Purpose | Covers entire tooth and restores shape, size, and function | Bonded to front of tooth to improve appearance and hide imperfections |
| Materials | Made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal | Made from porcelain or composite resin |
| Durability | 10-20 years or more | 10-15 years |
| Cost | $500-$2,000 per tooth on average | $500-$1,500 per tooth on average |
About Front Teeth Crowns
A front teeth crown is a dental restoration that completely covers a damaged or decayed front tooth.
Crowns are typically made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal. And since they’re customised to match surrounding teeth, they’re able to restore the tooth structure, shape, size, and function.
Front teeth crowns can greatly improve your smile, help you chew and bite food normally, and even protect damaged teeth from further decay or damage.
About Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer of material bonded to the front of the tooth for the purpose of improving its appearance and masking imperfections. This dental solution was designed to address various cosmetic issues, and to do so while matching surrounding teeth.
There are several things to note about veneers.
The first thing is that they can hide stains, chips, or gaps between teeth. Also, they are custom-made to match your surrounding teeth, and as such, they’re nearly invisible to the naked eye. To top it off, veneers are resistant to discolouration and wear.
Dental Procedures For Front Teeth Crowns vs Veneers
Are you considering getting front teeth crowns or veneers? Knowing how the procedure is carried out can help you make an informed decision.
Are Crowns the Same As Veneers?
Veneers and crowns are not the same. Crowns cover the entire tooth, while veneers cover only the front surface. But that’s not all the distinction that exists between these two.
There are other characteristics that set them apart from one another. More on that in the section below.
Differences between front teeth crowns and veneers
There are several differences between veneers and crowns. These differences include the following:
1. Purpose
Front Teeth Crowns: Front teeth crowns are designed to restore severely damaged or decayed teeth. They support dental implants or bridges and protect teeth after root canal treatment. This ensures you can enjoy your favourite foods with zero worries.
Veneers: On the other hand, veneers are designed to enhance appearance by hiding stains, chips, or gaps between teeth. They improve tooth shape and size, address minor tooth alignment issues, and ultimately help to produce a brighter, more uniform smile.
2. Materials
Front Teeth Crowns: Front teeth crowns come in three primary materials: porcelain, ceramic, and metal.
Porcelain crowns are durable, natural-looking, and resistant to stains. These attributes make them ideal for teeth with heavy chewing forces.
Ceramic crowns are strong, lightweight, and aesthetically pleasing. This makes them suitable for visible teeth.
Metal crowns, like gold, are durable but less aesthetically pleasing. What’s more? They’re often used for molars.
Veneers: Veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are thin, translucent, and resistant to stains. On the other hand, composite resin veneers are durable, versatile, and affordable.
3. Durability
Front Teeth Crowns: With proper care, front teeth crowns can last 10-20 years or more. No surprise there, as they’re resistant to wear and tear and can withstand heavy biting forces. To add, regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene habits are all that’s needed to extend their lifespan.
Veneers: Veneers typically last 10-15 years or more, depending on materials and maintenance. Although they are less durable than crowns, dental veneers are still a reliable option. Factors affecting veneer longevity include biting habits, teeth grinding, and oral hygiene.
4. Cost
Front Teeth Crowns: In the U.S. and U.K., front teeth crowns can range from $500 to $2,000 and £400 to £1,300, respectively. But in Turkey, you can get front teeth crowns for less. These prices, of course, are on a per-tooth basis and will depend on materials, complexity, and location. Additional costs may include consultation fees, X-rays and imaging, and temporary crowns. It’s worth noting that insurance coverage varies, so be sure to check with your provider.
Veneers: Veneers cost an average of $500 to $1,500 in the U.S. and £600 – 1,300 in the U.K. Like with front teeth crowns, these prices are on a per-tooth basis and can vary based on materials used, complexity of the procedure, and location, as already established. However, insurance coverage is typically limited or unavailable.
It’s worth noting that despite these price ranges, veneers in Turkey have a better price point, and their quality-to-cost ratio is usually higher.
5. Appearance
Front Teeth Crowns: Front teeth crowns can look natural, but may not perfectly match surrounding teeth. They can appear bulky or obvious, and as such, may require careful colour matching.
Veneers: Veneers are highly aesthetic, natural-looking, and customisable. They’re thin and translucent, and this allows them to blend with surrounding teeth and address colour, shape, and size issues.
What’s Better: Crowns or Veneers?
Neither is inherently better. Crowns and veneers serve different purposes. Crowns are better for restoring tooth function and strength, while veneers are the best when it comes to providing relief from tooth sensitivity and enhancing appearance.
FAQs About the Differences Between Front Teeth Crowns and Veneers
- Why are crowns a preferred option for patients with heavily restored teeth? Restoration procedures are great, but they compromise the structural integrity of teeth. Crowns are preferred for patients with these procedures because they provide a protective layer over damaged teeth and even restore and improve their condition. When a tooth has undergone multiple fillings or has sustained significant damage, a crown can help restore its strength, shape, and function.
- Do crowns provide a more natural appearance for heavily damaged teeth than veneers? Crowns offer a more natural-looking restoration, especially for teeth with extensive damage or discolouration. This is because crowns can be custom-made to match the surrounding teeth, while veneers may have limitations in achieving a perfect match.
- Do crowns offer a longer-lasting solution compared to veneers? Yes, crowns generally offer a longer-lasting solution than veneers. This is because crowns are more durable and can withstand greater biting forces, both of which are traits that allow them to stand the test of time. Read our article to learn more about dental crowns’ range of functions.
- Which option is more invasive for front teeth? Front teeth crowns are the more invasive option. This is because they require more tooth preparation and enamel removal to accommodate the crown’s thickness.
- How long do front teeth crowns and veneers last? Front teeth crowns typically last 10-20 years, depending on materials and oral care. On the other hand, veneers last 10–15 years.
- Can front teeth crowns or veneers improve tooth alignment? Veneers can correct minor alignment issues, but front teeth crowns focus more on restoring tooth function and appearance.
Get A Beautiful Smile With Dentspa
Want to say goodbye to stained, chipped, or uneven teeth and improve your smile? Reach out to our experts at Dentspa.
Ours is a team of multi-certified dental professionals who have been in the industry for years. We combine this skilled and experienced team with state-of-the-art dental technology—all so we can deliver amazing results with your front teeth crowns, veneers, and more.
Contact us to schedule your online chat or book an appointment. We can’t wait to help you smile with confidence.