Veneers vs Crowns: Which one is right for you?

What are dental crowns and dental veneers?

Dental crowns cover the entire tooth to protect and strengthen it, especially if it's cracked or damaged. Veneers, on the other hand, are thin shells placed on the front of teeth to improve appearance by fixing chips, stains, or gaps. Both treatments help restore your smile but serve different purposes.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a protective cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. A crown fixes the tooth's shape, size, and strength for its normal function. They are good solutions for a tooth that is cracked, heavily decayed, or after a root canal treatment to provide support and protection.

They are made from porcelain, zirconia, or metal. Once fitted, the crown feels and works just like a normal tooth, letting you chew and smile confidently.

What are the types of crowns?

Different dental crown materials exist with their individual characteristics.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns

These strong crowns have a metal core with a porcelain surface. They are used for both front and back teeth.

All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns

Ceramic or porcelain construction makes these dental prostheses provide the best natural teeth color match suitable for front teeth replacement.

All-metal crowns

These crowns derive their strength from metal materials which include gold along with various metal alloys and are suitable especially for molar teeth needing extra strength.

Zirconia crowns

Zirconia crowns consist of a robust ceramic material named zirconia. Zirconia teeth merge their robust structure with their natural aesthetic to work well for any tooth type.

Glass crowns

Glass crowns deliver an authentic tooth look while being suitable for any position in the mouth.

What is a dental veneer?

Dental veneers are thin shells that stick to the front of your tooth. They function as a stylish cover-up that conceals both discolourations and cracks and irregular tooth edges while providing a flawless smile.

Dental veneers exist in two forms, which are porcelain and composite resin. These thin shells provide a natural appearance while matching the colour of your surrounding teeth. Dental veneers offer benefits beyond cosmetic improvements because they both restore tooth colour and reshape teeth while closing gaps between teeth.

What are the types of dental veneer?

There are two main types of veneers: porcelain and composite resin. Same functions like aesthetic smile but through different mechanisms.

These thin veneers maintain their strength for more than ten years when you properly maintain them. These veneers appear completely natural because they distribute light in the same way as natural teeth do. The process requires extended time while the price tag tends to be higher. Why do people choose them? People choose porcelain veneers because these durable products deliver flawless results.

The dentist directly applies composite veneers onto your tooth structure. They can be done in one visit and are usually cheaper. They don't last as long as porcelain, but they're easier to repair. So, if you need a quick fix or are on a budget, this might be the way to go.

Which is better? That depends on your needs. Both porcelain and composite materials offer different advantages regarding long-term durability and speed of results. Your smile will express its gratitude regardless of the dental veneer choice you make.

Feature	Porcelain veneers	Composite veneers
Appearance	Very natural	Natural but less realistic
Durability	10+ years	5-7 years
Procedure time	Multiple visits	Single visit
Cost	Expensive	More affordable
Strength	High	Moderate
Repairs	Difficult	Easy
Customization	Fully custom-made	Shaped during procedure
Material	Porcelain	Composite resin
Maintenance	Minimal	Requires more care

What are the differences between dental crowns and dental veneers?

Feature	Dental crowns	Dental veneers
Coverage	Entire tooth	Front surface only
Purpose	Protection and strength	Cosmetic improvement
Thickness	Thick	Thin
Tooth preparation	More trimming	Minimal trimming
Material	Porcelain, metal, zirconia	Porcelain, composite resin
Durability	High	Moderate
Procedure time	Multiple visits	One or two visits
Cost	Higher	Lower (usually)

Crowns cover the whole tooth and are used when it's damaged or weak, like a full shield for protection. Veneers only cover the front and focus on aesthetic appearance, fixing things like stains or chips. Dental crowns are thicker and stronger, while veneers are thinner and require less tooth trimming. Need protection? Go for a crown. Want a cosmetic upgrade? A veneer is your answer.

What's involved with getting a dental crown?

• Your dentist checks your teeth to decide if you need a crown.
• He/she cleans your teeth, and any damaged parts are removed.
• They do Xray analysis of your mouth.
• A temporary crown is put on to protect your tooth.
• The permanent crown is made in a lab, which can take a few days.
• When it's ready, the temporary crown comes off.
• The dentist places the new crown and checks how it fits.
• If it feels uncomfortable, some small adjustments are made.
• The crown is glued on securely with special cement.
• Your bite is tested, and the dentist makes sure everything feels normal.

What's involved with getting a dental veneer?

• Your dentist controls your teeth.
• A thin layer of enamel is removed to prepare the teeth.
• A mold or digital scan is taken to design the veneers.
• Temporary veneers might be placed to protect your teeth.
• The permanent veneers are made in a lab, usually within a few days.
• The dentist removes the temporary veneers at your next visit.
• Your dentist places the permanent veneers for fit and comfort.
• The veneers are glued on, your bite is tested, and you're good to go!

How can I know which one is right for me?

It depends on what your tooth needs. Is your tooth badly damaged or weak? Then a crown is your best solution since dental crowns protect the whole tooth and restores strength.

But if your teeth are healthy and you just want to improve their appearance, like fixing a stain or chip, a veneer is the way to go. It's less invasive and focuses on appearance.

Still not sure? Your dentist will guide you after checking your tooth's condition. Crowns offer protection; veneers give a cosmetic boost. Simple!

How much do crowns and veneers cost in Turkey? Which one is more expensive?

It's hard to give exact prices. For accurate costs, you need to visit a dentist for an exam. Why? Because several factors affect the price. Procedure type (crown or veneer), the material or brand types used, and extra treatments needed all play a role in price.

Crowns are generally more expensive than veneers. Why? Crowns cover the entire tooth and require more material and work. Veneers only cover the front, making them less invasive and usually cheaper. However, high-quality porcelain veneers can sometimes cost more.

The best way to find out is to research, consult us. Your tooth's condition and the materials chosen will ultimately decide the price!

Is it better to get crowns or veneers?

Yes, it is better to get them.

Choice depends on your special needs. In case of a damaged tooth, a dental crown might be a better solution. It covers the whole tooth and adds strength. If you have a healthy tooth and you just want to improve your tooth's appearance, a veneer is a good choice for you. It only covers the front and fixes things like chips, stains, or gaps with minimal changes. Crowns protect; veneers enhance. Your dentist will guide you based on your tooth's condition!

What are the Pros and cons of veneers and crowns?

Cons and pros of veneers

Pros

• Less tooth removal is needed.
• They look very natural and match your teeth.
• Great for cosmetic improvements like chips and stains.
• Resistant to discoloration, especially porcelain veneers.

Cons

• Less durable than crowns.
• Not suitable for severely damaged or weak teeth.
• Repairs can be difficult if they crack.

Cons and pros of crowns

Pros

• Provide full protection for damaged teeth.
• Strengthen weak or cracked teeth.
• Last longer with proper care (10+ years).
• Suitable for both function and appearance.

Cons

• More tooth structure is removed during preparation.
• Can feel bulky if not fitted correctly.
• May cause sensitivity initially after placement.
• Cost is generally higher than veneers.

Aftercare dental crown and veneer

You should follow your dentist's advice after the treatment. We are also leaving some important care steps for you below.

• Brush your teeth every morning and night.
• Floss to keep your gums healthy.
• Don't bite on hard stuff like ice.
• Stop chewing on things like pens or nails.
• Eat carefully with crunchy or tough foods.
• Use a soft toothbrush.
• Avoid grinding your teeth.
• Wear a night guard if you grind while sleeping.
• Be careful with hot or cold drinks.
• Try to drink less coffee and tea.
• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups.
• Tell your dentist if something hurts.
• Stay away from sticky candies.
• Follow your dentist's advice.
• Use a mouthguard if you play sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, veneers or crowns?

It depends on what your tooth needs. If your tooth is healthy but looks imperfect (maybe chipped or stained), veneers are better. They cover only the front, giving a natural, clean look without much drilling.

But if your tooth is weak, cracked, or badly damaged, crowns win. They wrap the entire tooth like armour, restoring both strength and function. Crowns handle tough jobs, like heavy chewing, much better than veneers.

So, which one? Veneers for beauty, crowns for protection. Your dentist can help you choose the best option!

Which treatment is more durable, dental crowns or dental veneers?

Dental crowns are more durable and have a long lifespan (10 to 15 years, or more with good care). Crowns are a good choice for heavy chewing.

Dental veneers are designed especially for aesthetic appearance. They are thinner than crowns. They last about 5-10 years. Biting into something too hard? That could crack a veneer faster than a crown.

So, if durability is your top priority, crowns are the stronger option. But with proper care, veneers can still hold up beautifully for many years!

Do I feel pain during the dental crown or dental veneer procedure?

No, you won't feel pain during the procedures because a local anaesthetic keeps everything numb. At most, you might feel a little pressure when the teeth are being prepped or when the crowns and veneers are placed. But pain? Nope, it's not on the menu.

Afterward, there might be slight tenderness. Think of it like the way your skin feels after a day in tight shoes! Noticeable but nothing serious. Most of the time, over-the-counter painkillers, like ibuprofen, handle it easily.

The best part? That mild sensitivity usually vanishes in a few days. People often say the whole process is much easier than they expected. If your pain is constant or increases, contact your dentist due to possible complications.

How long does the treatment take for dental crowns and dental veneers?

These treatments usually take 2 visits over 1 to 2 weeks. Each visit lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. First visit is for tooth preparation and the second for fitting the crown.

Who is a candidate for Crowns and Veneers?

• Teeth with large cracks or fractures (crowns).
• Severely decayed teeth that need full coverage (crowns).
• Discolored teeth resistant to whitening (veneers).
• Chipped or worn teeth with minor damage (veneers).
• Teeth with large fillings that need extra strength (crowns).
• Uneven or irregularly shaped teeth (veneers).
• Teeth weakened by root canal treatment (crowns).
• Teeth with small gaps or spacing issues (veneers).
• Patients wanting both protection and cosmetic improvement (either).

If you have any questions, please contact us.