One of the most frequent questions in aesthetic dentistry: restore a tooth with a veneer or a crown? Both cover the tooth surface, but the coverage and indications differ.
What is a veneer?
A veneer is a thin (0.3–0.7 mm) layer of ceramic or composite placed on the front surface of the tooth. It is used mainly for aesthetic reasons: color, shape, gaps.
- Minimal tooth preparation — most of the tooth is preserved
- Typically on front teeth
- Lifespan 10–15 years
What is a crown?
A crown is a "cap" that covers the entire crown of the tooth. Materials: zirconia, E-max, porcelain-fused-to-metal.
- Significant tooth preparation required
- Placed on cracked, root-canal-treated or heavily damaged teeth
- Preferred for back teeth and large restorations
- Lifespan 15–20 years
Which to choose?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Aesthetic only (color, shape) | Veneer |
| Cracked or broken tooth | Crown |
| After root canal | Crown |
| More than 50% of tooth intact | Veneer may be possible |
| Posterior molar | Crown |
This is a general guide — the precise decision is made after 3D diagnostics and a clinical exam.
Related articles
Aesthetic consultation | +994 10 208 01 04
