· Kensington Dental Care
Veneers vs. Crowns: Which Is Right for You?
The difference comes down to how much of the tooth is actually damaged — here's how to tell which you need.
Both restore a tooth’s appearance and function, but they cover different amounts of the tooth — and that difference usually decides which one is right for your situation.
Veneers
A thin shell covering only the front surface of the tooth. Best suited for cosmetic concerns on a tooth that’s otherwise structurally sound — chips, gaps, discolouration, minor shape issues.
Crowns
A full-coverage cap that encases the entire tooth. Recommended when a tooth has significant structural damage — after a root canal, a large filling that’s compromised the tooth, or a crack that puts the tooth at risk of breaking further.
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The deciding factor
Ask: is the problem mostly cosmetic, on a tooth that’s otherwise strong? A veneer likely fits. Is the tooth itself structurally weakened or heavily damaged? A crown is the safer, more durable choice — covering only the front wouldn’t protect the rest of the tooth from further damage.
Cost and process
Veneers are generally less expensive and require less tooth preparation. Crowns cost more but offer full protection for a compromised tooth — the trade-off reflects how much more the tooth actually needs.
Not sure which one your tooth calls for? Book an exam and we’ll assess the extent of the damage before recommending either option.
For more on this, see our crowns and bridges page.