What is the difference between veneers and crowns, and how do I know which one I need?

A veneer is a thin layer of ceramic, typically between 0.3 and 0.7 mm thick, that is bonded to the visible front surface of a tooth. Because so little tooth structure is removed, the natural tooth remains largely intact beneath it. This matters because enamel does not regenerate, and every millimetre preserved is a long-term investment in your dental health.

A crown, by contrast, encases the entire tooth. It requires reducing the tooth on all sides, often removing a significant portion of healthy enamel and dentine. Crowns are the right solution when a tooth is cracked, severely decayed, has already lost most of its structure, or has undergone root canal treatment that left it fragile. In those situations, a crown restores both function and appearance at the same time.

The decision comes down to the condition of your teeth. If your teeth are healthy but you want to correct shape, colour, minor spacing, or proportions, veneers are the appropriate and far less invasive option. If a tooth is structurally compromised, a crown protects it while also improving its appearance. At our clinic we always recommend the most conservative option that achieves your aesthetic goal, and we never reduce a healthy tooth more than strictly necessary.

During your consultation, we use intra-oral scanners and digital imaging to assess each tooth individually before recommending veneers or crowns. You see the plan, and you approve it before any preparation begins.