Short answer
A veneer covers only the visible side of the tooth and is used mainly for cosmetic reasons. A crown covers the whole tooth and is used when the tooth is weakened, fractured or has had a root canal. Both are permanent: once prepared, the tooth will always need a restoration.
| Veneer | Crown | |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Front surface | The whole tooth |
| Main use | Cosmetic | Rebuild and protect |
| Preparation | Minimal | More extensive |
| Typical teeth | Front teeth | Any |
How to decide
If the tooth is healthy and you only want to change its shape or color, a veneer preserves more of the tooth. If a lot of the tooth is missing or it has had a root canal, a crown protects it better. Before either one, it’s worth asking whether whitening would be enough.
For information only. This is general information and does not replace an evaluation. The right treatment depends on your case and is determined by your dentist after examining you. Updated: 2026-11-01.
Porcelain veneers