Should You Get Porcelain Veneers or Porcelain Crowns?

If you’re looking to improve your smile, you may have come across porcelain options like veneers and crowns. But how do you know which one is right for you? Whether you’re hoping for a brighter smile, a straighter look, or need to strengthen worn-down teeth, understanding the difference between porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns should be your first priority.

Let’s take a look at their differences, when each of them is recommended and how your dentist will help you decide.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of your teeth. They’re often used for cosmetic reasons to improve the shape, colour, and alignment of your teeth.

Recently, veneers have been a popular dental aesthetic treatment by people who want an elevated look for their teeth. Basically, if your teeth are healthy but you are not happy with how they look, porcelain teeth veneers might be a great option.

What Can Veneers Fix?

• Discoloured or stained teeth that don’t respond to whitening
• Small gaps between teeth
• Slightly crooked or misshapen teeth
• Chipped or worn edges

How Do They Work?

To place a veneer, your dentist will lightly shave down a small amount of enamel from the front of the tooth, just enough to make room for the thin layer of porcelain. Once the veneer is bonded on, it blends in beautifully with your smile while keeping most of your natural tooth structure intact.

Note: Dentists only recommend getting veneers when your tooth is healthy underneath but you want to improve its appearance.

What Are Porcelain Crowns?

A porcelain tooth crown, on the other hand, covers not just the front part, but the entire tooth. This acts like a cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth to protect it and restore its shape and strength.

Porcelain crowns are both cosmetic and functional, and are often used when the tooth can no longer support a filling or a veneer.

When Is a Crown Needed?

• When a tooth is badly broken or worn down
• After a root canal treatment
• To hold together a cracked tooth
• When there’s very little natural tooth left
• To cover and protect a large filling

What’s the Process?

Crowns require more reshaping than veneers, as they need to cover your damaged tooth. Your dentist will reduce the entire tooth in size to make room for the crown, which is then custom-made to fit over it. Once cemented in place, the crown strengthens the tooth and improves its appearance, restoring the tooth back to its shape and function.

Note: Crowns are ideal when the tooth is already weakened or structurally compromised.

Porcelain Crowns vs Veneers: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the key differences can help you feel more confident in choosing the right treatment. Check the table below to see a clearer view of their differences:

So, when it comes to porcelain crowns vs veneers, the decision often depends on your existing tooth condition and your goals for treatment. However, you will always be guided with your dentist to reach a more informed decision.

Our dental team at Whitehorse Dental is all for our patients’ well-being, where we take the extra mile to offer guidance to our patients who are looking to keep their teeth healthy.

How Can Our Dentists Help?

At Whitehorse Dental, your dentist will carefully assess your teeth before making any recommendations, ensuring you get the best options that will suit your needs and goals. Here’s how the decision typically works:

If your teeth are healthy but you want a better smile:

You will likely benefit from porcelain teeth veneers. Veneers keep most of your natural teeth and offer excellent cosmetic results with minimal reshaping. But,

If your teeth are weak, broken, or heavily filled:

You may need a porcelain tooth crown. Crowns don’t just look good; they also offer protection to the tooth and stop it from breaking down further.

Sometimes, a tooth might look fine on the outside but be weak underneath due to past fillings or damage. In these cases, a veneer may not hold well, and your dentist will recommend a crown instead.

As one of our dentists would say, “At the end of the day, it’s not just about looks—it’s about making sure your tooth stays strong for years to come.”

Some patients ask whether a weak tooth can be strengthened without a crown. Unfortunately, if there is not enough healthy structure remaining, a crown is the most reliable option. Otherwise, the tooth may eventually need extraction and replacement with a dental implant.

Let’s Choose What’s Best for You

When it comes to improving your smile, both porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns have their place, but the right option depends on your unique dental needs. To help you find the best one, we encourage our patients to consult with a qualified dentist first to give you an in-depth understanding of your oral health’s condition, and weigh your treatment options.

For patients in and around Blackburn, VIC, our team at Whitehorse Dental is here to assess your teeth properly. Book a consultation today and let’s create a treatment plan that keeps your teeth looking great and feeling strong for years to come.