Both veneers and crowns want to achieve the same goal: dental restoration. Both cover your existing tooth, and both improve its function and appearance. However, the one significant difference is how much of your original tooth remains once you choose either a crown or veneer. 

A veneer is a thin porcelain shell that adheres to the front of your tooth. A crown covers the entire tooth – double a veneer’s thickness. There will be situations where one is more beneficial than the other. If you’re not sure which route to go down, then read on. Here are some of the situations where a less invasive veneer could be better for you:

Your Teeth Are Sound

If you’ve maintained a reasonably thorough oral care regime, then porcelain veneers could be a better option for you. Teeth with minimal decay and plenty of structure can be suitable candidates for the less invasive veneer. As long as there is enough surface for a porcelain veneer to adhere to, then you may find it’s an option your dentist is more than happy to recommend.

You Have Slight Malpositioning

Teeth are not always perfectly straight, and there are many reasons why that might be the case. While braces are an excellent option for minor and major malpositioning, veneers can be an excellent option, as well. Veneers are durable and provide many different cosmetic benefits. They’re also an instant fix, unlike braces that take several months to correct the problem. Discuss this option with your dentist to see if it’s right for you.

You Have Minor Chipping or Cracking

Chipped and cracked teeth are a common problem in the general population. Injuries, fillings, biting, and excessive grinding can all lead to an unsightly and sometimes painful chip or crack. If it’s not too severe – and mostly cosmetic – then your dentist may recommend veneers over a crown. A crown may only be necessary if the crack impacts the structural integrity of your tooth.

Your Teeth Have Permanent Staining  

Over 40 million people used whitening products in 2018, highlighting the popularity and necessity of them. However, not all stains will shift quickly or at all with in-chair whitening or over-the-counter products. Sometimes, permanent stains require porcelain veneers. The thin shell adheres to the front of your tooth, giving it a bright,  white new look.

You Have Small Gaps

Teeth don’t always grow correctly into position at the right size, which means many people have gaps. Those gaps can cause confidence and self-esteem issues. While a crown could be suitable for significant gap problems, a veneer is often ideal for those smaller gaps.

When to Consider Crowns Instead of Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a fantastic treatment option for many aesthetic conditions. However, sometimes a tooth has more problems than you may have thought, and a dentist has to bring out the big guns. 

Crowns are often more suitable for badly broken or damaged teeth, and for any teeth where a root canal is also a necessity. The crown can protect the tooth from further damage, keep it intact, and prevent an extraction. Crowns are also a better option for those who have bruxism – a condition that causes you to grind your teeth. 

If you’re not happy with your smile, or you have oral health concerns, then talk to your dentist. They can recommend either veneers or crowns to take care of the problem. Veneers are a valid option for all manner of cosmetic and aesthetic issues.