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Illustration comparing a veneer with a crown

Veneers vs. Crowns: What's the Difference?

By Dr. Arvind Sahu, MDS (Prosthodontics)

Coverage and purpose

A veneer is a thin shell bonded only to the front surface of a tooth, mainly used for cosmetic changes like shape, spacing, or discoloration. A crown covers the entire tooth and is generally used when there's structural damage or after a root canal.

How much of the tooth is involved

Veneers require preparing a thin layer of the front surface. Crowns require reshaping the tooth all the way around, since the crown needs to fit over it completely.

Which one fits your case

If the tooth is structurally sound and the concern is purely cosmetic, a veneer is often considered. If there's a crack, large filling, or the tooth is weakened, a crown is generally the more appropriate option. An exam is the only way to know for sure.

Related: Dental Veneers in Ludhiana

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  • Illustration of a woman photographing her smile with a phone1. Front smile
  • Illustration of a man photographing his upper teeth with a phone2. Upper teeth
  • Illustration of a man photographing his lower teeth with a phone3. Lower teeth