Although both options can deliver the same stunning cosmetic results, which treatment is right for you?
If you’re trying to conceal significant tooth damage, dental crowns may be more suitable than veneers. The choice depends largely on how much of the tooth structure needs to be restored—but if you’re torn between crowns and veneers in Birmingham, we’re here to guide you.
Not sure of the difference? In simple terms, a crown covers the entire tooth, while a veneer only covers the front surface. Both can dramatically improve your smile and, when done correctly, can be truly life-changing.
Let’s take a closer look in today’s post.
A dental crown is typically around 2mm thick and fully encases the tooth, acting as a protective “cap.” Crowns are commonly used to restore strength to broken or decayed teeth, reshape worn or misshapen teeth, or simply enhance their appearance.
Dental crowns are highly durable, making them a great option if you suffer from heavy teeth grinding or have severely damaged teeth. They offer a natural-looking result and can be custom-made to match the shape and colour of your existing teeth—giving you a seamless, confident smile. Crowns are especially useful when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure to support a veneer but you still want to achieve a beautiful aesthetic.
In many cases, a crown is recommended when a tooth has been significantly weakened by wear, decay, or trauma. While veneers may be used for cosmetic improvements, crowns provide added strength and protection when more of the natural tooth is missing.
Dental crowns come in various materials, each with its own benefits. Permanent crowns are most commonly made from ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, gold, platinum, or stainless steel. These materials are chosen for their strength, durability, and aesthetic appearance. In some cases, resin crowns are an option—these tend to be more affordable but are generally less durable than other materials.
The type of crown you receive will often depend on whether it’s a temporary or permanent solution. Temporary crowns are usually made from acrylic or stainless steel and are designed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being made.
The process begins with an X-ray to assess the health of your teeth and surrounding bone. Your cosmetic dentist will then numb the area and gently reshape the tooth to prepare it for the crown. After this, a mould of your tooth is taken to ensure a precise fit, and you’ll be fitted with a temporary crown during this initial visit.
At your second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and replaced with your custom-made permanent crown, which is carefully cemented into place. The procedure is straightforward, comfortable, and designed to restore both the strength and appearance of your tooth.
Porcelain veneers are an ideal solution for improving the appearance of teeth that are chipped, discoloured, crooked, gapped, or slightly protruding. Designed to mask imperfections, veneers offer a quick and effective way to achieve a more uniform, attractive smile and boost your confidence.
While their purpose is similar to dental crowns in terms of cosmetic enhancement, the process differs—veneers require minimal enamel removal, making them a more conservative treatment option for transforming your smile.
If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your teeth, both dental crowns and porcelain veneers are popular and effective options. Each can enhance your smile, improve speech, and reduce discomfort while eating—but they differ in how they’re applied and the extent of tooth preparation required.
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells that cover only the front surface of the tooth, requiring minimal enamel removal. In contrast, crowns encase the entire tooth and typically require more reshaping of the natural structure. While both use durable porcelain materials, veneers offer a more conservative approach, especially for cosmetic enhancements.
Veneers are most commonly crafted from porcelain, although some cosmetic dentists may also offer composite resin as an alternative. Porcelain is a strong, natural-looking material that can be precisely shaped and coloured to match your existing teeth. You can choose to have veneers placed on one or several teeth, depending on your goals—and the process is surprisingly simple.
After an initial consultation, the treatment typically involves two appointments. During the first visit, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to plan the shape and placement of the veneers. A small amount of enamel is usually removed from the surface of the treated teeth to ensure a seamless finish. At your second appointment—usually within two weeks—the veneers are securely bonded to your teeth using dental cement, leaving you with a transformed, natural-looking smile.
Veneers are ultra-thin yet durable shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They’re designed to enhance the appearance of teeth that are chipped, uneven, slightly misshapen, or deeply stained—especially in cases where whitening or other treatments aren’t effective.
While veneers don’t replace entire teeth or offer structural support like crowns, they are highly resilient and can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years with proper care. If they do become chipped or cracked, they can usually be replaced with ease.
Dental crowns are typically crafted from durable ceramic material and carefully shaped to resemble your natural teeth. The process begins with a thorough examination—usually involving X-rays—to assess the health and strength of the tooth being treated.
Once confirmed, the tooth is gently filed down to create space for the crown, leaving a solid base to act as an anchor. A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth in the meantime. At your follow-up appointment, the custom-made permanent crown is securely fitted, restoring both the function and appearance of your tooth.
Dental crowns are designed to completely cover and protect a damaged or decayed tooth. They are ideal for teeth that are too compromised to support veneers, as they provide full coverage and added strength.
Made from tooth-coloured ceramic, crowns are typically around 2mm thick, making them highly durable—especially for people who grind their teeth. Despite their strength, crowns are crafted to look just as natural as veneers, blending seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Choosing between veneers and crowns depends largely on the condition of your teeth and the results you want to achieve.
Generally, crowns are recommended for teeth that are severely damaged, have large fillings, cracks, wear, or have undergone root canal treatment. Veneers, on the other hand, are often preferred for cosmetic enhancements since they are less invasive and primarily improve the appearance of healthier teeth.
The main difference between crowns and veneers is their thickness and coverage. Crowns are thicker and cover the entire tooth, while veneers are thinner and only cover the front surface. When deciding which is best for front teeth, it depends on the condition of the tooth. For example, if your front tooth is cracked or significantly damaged, a crown is usually recommended to provide full protection. However, for issues like severe staining or minor imperfections, a veneer may be sufficient to restore your smile.
We always recommend consulting with your dentist or a cosmetic dental specialist to determine the most suitable treatment for your needs. At Edgbaston Smile Clinic, we offer a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments designed to address any imperfections and help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
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