VENEER VS CROWN
VENEER
CROWN
BASIC CONCEPT
A thin restoration covering primarily the visible surface of the tooth
A full-coverage restoration surrounding the prepared tooth approximately 360°
COVERAGE
Primarily the front/visible surface
Approximately 360° coverage around the prepared tooth
PREPARATION OPTIONS
No-prep, minimal-prep, or conventional preparation depending on the case
Circumferential tooth preparation is required
TOOTH REDUCTION
Generally less tooth reduction; sometimes little or none
Generally requires substantially more tooth reduction
TOOTH PRESERVATION
Generally preserves more natural tooth structure
More natural tooth structure must be prepared to provide full coverage
RESTORATION THICKNESS
Relatively thin ceramic restoration
Greater restorative material thickness with full coverage
MATERIALS
Modern dental ceramics; material selected according to the case
Modern dental ceramics including zirconia when appropriate
RETENTION
Relies heavily on adhesive bonding to the tooth
Preparation geometry provides mechanical retention in addition to cementation or bonding
DEBONDING / LOOSENING
Can debond or become loose and may require rebonding or replacement
Can also lose retention, but the full-coverage preparation provides additional mechanical retention
CHIPPING / FRACTURE
Possible; the restoration is relatively thin and depends on adequate support, bonding, material selection, and bite
Possible; greater material thickness and full coverage allow a more robust restorative design when needed
GRINDING / HEAVY BITE
Requires careful case selection because heavy grinding or clenching can place additional stress on the thin restoration and bonding interface
Full coverage and greater material thickness may be more appropriate when greater strength is required; zirconia may be considered
MARGINS
The transition between the veneer and natural tooth may sometimes be noticed or felt by the patient
The circumferential margin and full-coverage contour create a different transition around the tooth
SENSITIVITY
Possible; generally less tooth preparation with conservative designs
Possible; greater tooth preparation creates greater pulpal and sensitivity considerations
KEY BENEFIT
Preserves more natural tooth structure while providing significant cosmetic change
Provides 360° coverage, greater material thickness, and additional mechanical retention
KEY CONSIDERATION
Thin bonded restoration requiring appropriate tooth structure, bite, and case selection
Requires substantially more preparation of the natural tooth