You’ve been avoiding photos, smiling with your lips closed, or feeling self-conscious in conversations. Maybe your front teeth are discolored from years of coffee or tobacco use. Or perhaps one molar is cracked, and you’re worried every bite could make it worse. You know it’s time to do something about your smile, but you’re not sure where to start.
At MR Dental Aesthetics in Beverly Hills, we understand how important it is to feel confident in your smile. Led by Dr. Mahnaz Rashti, our team specializes in custom restorative and cosmetic dentistry, offering both dental veneers and crowns depending on your needs. In this article, we help you understand the differences between these two popular treatments and guide you toward the best choice for your oral health and aesthetic goals.
Overview
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-crafted shells made from porcelain or composite resin. They are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to enhance appearance, correct minor imperfections, and create a brighter, more even smile. Veneers are best for cosmetic issues like discoloration, small gaps, chipped teeth, or slight misalignment. Because they only cover the visible part of the tooth, they require minimal enamel removal and preserve most of your natural structure.
Crowns
Crowns, often called “caps,” cover the entire tooth above the gumline. They restore function, strength, and appearance to teeth that are significantly damaged, decayed, or weakened. Crowns are made from materials like porcelain, metal, zirconia, or a combination, and they are ideal for restoring teeth after root canals, large fillings, or trauma. They are both cosmetic and restorative, making them a versatile solution. However, they’re also more invasive.
Tooth preparation required
Veneers
Veneers require minimal preparation. Your dentist will gently buff the surface of your teeth, removing a thin layer of enamel—usually less than a millimeter—to ensure the veneers sit flush and look natural. This means more of your natural tooth is preserved.
Crowns
Crowns require more extensive preparation. To make room for the crown, a significant portion of the tooth’s outer structure must be filed down. This can involve removing decayed or damaged areas and reshaping the tooth into a base that securely holds the crown in place.
Functionality and purpose
Veneers
Veneers are purely cosmetic. They’re not designed to strengthen or protect a compromised tooth but to mask visual flaws. If your teeth are healthy but you’re unhappy with how they look, veneers offer a quick, minimally invasive solution to enhance your smile.
Crowns
Crowns serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They’re used to restore teeth that are cracked, heavily decayed, or structurally compromised. By fully covering the tooth, crowns add strength, protect against further damage, and restore proper chewing function.
Durability and lifespan
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are durable but still more fragile than crowns. They generally last 10 to 15 years with good oral care, but can chip or crack if you bite hard foods or grind your teeth. Composite veneers are more affordable but may only last 5 to 7 years.
Crowns
Crowns are incredibly strong and built to last. Depending on the material used and your oral habits, they can last 10 to 20 years or even longer. Their full-tooth coverage offers excellent resistance to bite forces, which is especially important for molars and back teeth.
Aesthetic results
Veneers
Veneers excel in delivering a flawless, natural-looking smile. Porcelain veneers, in particular, reflect light much like natural enamel and can be custom-colored to match or improve your existing teeth. They’re ideal for front teeth, where appearance matters most.
Crowns
Crowns also offer aesthetic benefits, especially when made from porcelain. However, because they cover the entire tooth and are thicker, they’re not as translucent. Crowns can still blend beautifully with your smile, especially when placed by a skilled dentist like Dr. Rashti.
Ideal candidates
Veneers
You may be a great candidate for veneers if your teeth are generally healthy, but you want to correct cosmetic flaws. Ideal patients have minor chips, gaps, or stains that do not respond to whitening. You’ll also need good enamel thickness for bonding.
Crowns
Crowns are the better option if you have teeth that are weakened, cracked, heavily filled, or have undergone root canal therapy. They’re also recommended if you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) or bite issues that require more protection.
Cost and insurance coverage
Veneers
Veneers are typically considered a cosmetic procedure, which means most dental insurance plans will not cover the cost. Porcelain veneers can range from $925 to $2,500 per tooth, while composite versions are less expensive but less durable.
Crowns
Crowns are often partially covered by insurance when deemed medically necessary—for instance, to restore a decayed or broken tooth. Costs vary by material, with porcelain and zirconia crowns ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth.
Which is right for my smile?
Choosing between veneers and crowns depends on your unique dental needs and goals. If your teeth are structurally sound and you’re seeking a cosmetic upgrade, veneers may be the perfect solution. However, if you’re dealing with damage, decay, or functional concerns, crowns offer the strength and protection needed to restore oral health.
At MR Dental Aesthetics, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all dentistry. Dr. Rashti takes a personalized, health-first approach to ensure every treatment plan is tailored to your specific situation. Whether you’re looking to brighten your smile or protect a weakened tooth, we’re here to help you choose the right solution for your smile. Schedule a consultation with MR Dental Aesthetics today and take the first step toward a healthier, more radiant smile.
