Crown vs veneer: what's the difference, and which do you need?

Crowns and veneers are both thin porcelain restorations that are bonded to a tooth and look completely natural. The confusion comes from the fact that both can change a tooth's colour and shape. The difference is how much of the tooth they cover — and therefore what they're for.

A veneer covers the front

A veneer is a shell that covers only the visible front surface of a tooth, usually less than a millimetre thick. It needs minimal preparation — sometimes none — and is the right choice for a tooth that's structurally sound but discoloured, chipped, slightly crooked or oddly shaped. Porcelain veneers on the Gold Coast typically cost $1,200–$2,200 per tooth; composite veneers $400–$900.

A crown covers everything

A crown caps the whole tooth above the gum, all the way round. It restores strength as well as appearance, so it's what a tooth needs when it's cracked, heavily filled, worn down, root-canal treated or broken. It involves more preparation and costs a little more — typically $1,500–$2,500 — but it's what protects the tooth from fracturing.

The simple rule

If the problem is purely how the tooth looks, a veneer is usually enough — and it preserves far more of your natural tooth. If the tooth is weak or damaged, it needs a crown, and putting a veneer on it would be a false economy. Not sure which describes your tooth? We'll tell you plainly at a consultation, and show you why on the X-ray.