Porcelain Crowns vs. Veneers: What’s the Better Choice?
- Oct 1 2025
Modern dentistry offers patients more restorative dental options than ever. For patients looking to enhance their smile and fix dental issues, porcelain crowns and veneers can transform the smile and give you more confidence to show those pearly whites. However, dental patients’ most common problem is determining which option offers them the best outcome for their dental needs.
What Are Porcelain Crowns and Veneers?
Before you can determine which option meets your dental needs, it helps to understand the unique differences between crowns and veneers. A porcelain crown is a cap that covers a damaged, cracked, or weakened tooth. Crowns serve two purposes: to restore the function and appearance of a damaged tooth.
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover the front surface of teeth. They are not necessarily meant for function, but are more of a cosmetic “cover” that can enhance the appearance of the smile, hiding imperfections like discoloration, gaps, or small chips. While a crown covers the entire tooth, veneers only cover the surface of the tooth.
Choosing Between Porcelain Crowns and Veneers
How do you know which option is the better choice? Crowns and veneers each offer specific benefits and drawbacks, depending on the patient’s functional and aesthetic needs. A crown is specifically designed to restore a tooth’s function and appearance. Porcelain is durable, long-lasting, and can help repair cracked, broken, or worn-down teeth. Crowns are the best choice for teeth with large fillings requiring additional support or restoration, protecting teeth following a root canal, or when a patient needs to restore a biting or chewing surface. The porcelain can blend seamlessly with natural teeth, resulting in protection, function, and aesthetics all rolled into one.
Getting a crown involves preparing the tooth for the porcelain cap. Your dentist will need to remove some tooth enamel to make space for the crown and ensure it will remain in place once bonded to the tooth. Filing material may also be necessary to build up damaged or worn areas of the tooth. You need a strong foundation before the crown is put in place. Your dentist may also take impressions of your teeth and place a temporary crown on the tooth to protect it. The final porcelain crown may take a few weeks to craft. When ready, your dentist bonds the crown in place.
Veneers are different. These thin sheets of porcelain are cosmetic-focused. Veneers don’t necessarily restore function or repair significantly broken or worn teeth. Instead, they are geared toward dental patients who want to change the appearance of their overall smile. They are best for patients who wish to hide discoloration, small gaps, minor chips, or slightly misaligned teeth.
Veneers are generally custom-made shells of porcelain covering the teeth’s front surface. Your dentist takes impressions of your teeth and will need to remove some tooth enamel to allow the veneers to fit your unique dental anatomy and bond to the surface of the teeth. A complete set of veneers can also take weeks to fabricate before their final bonding.
The best choice for you depends on your needs. Veneers are the best choice for cosmetic purposes, improving the teeth’s overall shape and appearance. Crowns are best for individuals who need extra protection or increased function, while matching the appearance of existing teeth.
Our Experienced Dental Professionals Can Help You Find Dental Solutions That Meet Your Needs
At Payam Cohen D.D.S, P.C., our caring dental professionals want to work with you to restore your smile and confidence. We evaluate your teeth and craft personalized plans that address your concerns and can meet your functional and aesthetic goals. If you want to learn more about dental crowns and veneers and which is right for your situation, you’ve come to the right place. Contact our office today and schedule an appointment with a sensitive Forest Hills dental provider.
Categories: Veneers