Many of our clients at Kensington Square Dental come to us not just for regular cleanings and check-ups but for their cosmetic goals as well. Both are important. Feeling confident about your smile can have a big impact on your life, and we are happy to help our Burnaby clients achieve their best smile.

When thinking about cosmetic dentistry, it’s not uncommon for people to be influenced by what they see on social media. With the increasing popularity of veneers, we’ve had an increasing number of patients asking about this procedure and resolving some of the confusion about what veneers are and when they are a good option, and how they differentiate from dental crowns—another common cosmetic solution.

While both dental crowns and veneers can help to improve the look of your teeth, they actually serve very different functions from a clinical perspective. Each has its own requirements and is better suited to helping different tooth problems and conditions. When deciding which option is best for you, your dentist will consider factors such as tooth health, function, and long-term stability. 

What Is the Difference Between a Dental Crown and a Veneer?

Dental crowns and veneers are often both labelled under cosmetic dentistry, which can create a misconception that these two procedures are relatively interchangeable. Adding to the confusion is social media with influencer and celebrity culture, either providing incorrect information about the procedures they have had done, or not explaining at all. This leaves others to guess or relay incorrect information to their own dentists.  The truth is, dental crowns and veneers entail very different processes and are suitable for different needs.

WHAT IS A DENTAL CROWN

A dental crown covers the entire tooth, much like a protective cap. Crowns are primarily used to restore strength, structure, and function when a tooth has been damaged or weakened, be that by injury or decay. A crown can dramatically improve appearance, but its primary role is to restore and protect your teeth.

WHAT IS A VENEER

A veneer is a thin shell, typically made of porcelain, that bonds to the surface of a tooth. Veneers are mainly used to improve the appearance of teeth that are otherwise healthy, addressing concerns like gaps between teeth, chips, or odd shapes. Because veneers rely on the natural tooth for support, they require a healthy, stable foundation and are therefore unsuitable in most instances of injury or decay.

CAN VENEERS AND DENTAL CROWNS BE USED IN CONJUNCTION

In some cases, a hybrid crown and veneer approach is the best solution. For example, teeth that are structurally compromised may require crowns, while neighbouring teeth that are healthy may only need veneers for cosmetic balance. This hybrid approach allows your dentist to restore function and health while achieving a cohesive, natural-looking smile.

When Should You Get a Dental Crown?

A crown is typically recommended when the health or strength of the tooth is at risk. Common situations include:

• Extensive decay or damage
• Teeth weakened by large fillings
• Cracks that could worsen over time
• Teeth treated with root canals
• Bite issues that place excess pressure on a tooth

When Should You Get Veneers?

At Kensington Square Dental, we never recommend veneers for cosmetic reasons alone. Our approach is rooted in functional dentistry and a commitment to ensuring our patients’ teeth are healthy and strong. That said, functional dentistry and cosmetic dentistry can work together. 

When veneers are clinically appropriate, they can restore strength, improve bite function, and enhance appearance. We believe that patients deserve dental care that supports long-term oral health, while also looking and feeling natural and comfortable. Cosmetic dentistry should never be conducted at the expense of function and health.

Veneers may be recommended to address:

• Persistent staining that does not respond to whitening
• Minor chips or worn edges
• Small gaps between teeth
• Mild shape or alignment concerns

Are Veneers the Best Solution for Cosmetic Improvements?

Veneers have become increasingly popular, and many of us are seeing celebrities and influencers showing off their brilliant new smiles online, but at Kensington Square Dental, we never make recommendations based on trends alone. We love a smile glow-up, but health always comes first. Our priority is always choosing the treatment that best supports function and overall oral health.

Veneers are a somewhat invasive procedure and require the filing down of the natural tooth. For that reason, at Kensington Square Dental, we generally recommend exploring other treatment options when possible, before committing to veneers. Some alternatives to veneers that can still help you achieve the bright, white smile you envision for yourself are:

• Professional teeth whitening for discolouration
• Dental bonding for small chips or shape adjustments
• Orthodontic treatment, such as clear aligners, for alignment issues

What Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Dental Crowns and Veneers?

Ultimately, this is a decision your dentist will make with you. We believe in ensuring our patients fully understand their choices, so with that in mind, we would generally consider a crown to be the better choice when:

• The tooth is structurally compromised
• There is a high risk of fracture
• Bite forces are significant
• Long-term durability is the main concern 

Veneers may be the better option when:

• The tooth is healthy and strong
• The concern is primarily cosmetic
• Minimal alteration of the tooth is preferred
• The bite is stable and functional

Before choosing between a crown and a veneer, it’s important to understand:

• Both treatments require ongoing oral hygiene and regular dental visits
• Longevity depends on care, bite forces, and materials used
• A comprehensive exam is essential to determine the right option
• Choosing a treatment based solely on appearance can lead to future complications

The Right Choice for You Begins with a Dental Assessment

Crowns and veneers are both valuable treatments that can help improve your smile, but they serve different purposes. The right option depends on a variety of factors, including your oral health and long-term goals. The best way to determine whether a crown or veneers will get you the results you want is through a consultation. This allows us to assess your teeth, review your oral history and your goals, then recommend a solution that will protect your smile and support your oral health for years to come.

If you’re considering crowns, veneers, or simply want to explore your options, our team is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. WHAT IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DENTAL CROWN AND A VENEER?

A dental crown covers the entire tooth and is used to restore strength, structure, and function when a tooth is damaged or weakened. A veneer is a thin porcelain shell bonded to the front of a healthy tooth and is primarily used for cosmetic improvements. Crowns protect compromised teeth, while veneers enhance the appearance of teeth that are already structurally sound.