What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?
Crown (“cap”): a full-coverage restoration made of porcelain, gold, or porcelain fused to noble metal. It is indicated to protect teeth that have been compromised by decay, root canal treatment, large restorations, or when the desired esthetic effect cannot be attained by placing a veneer. Veneer: a thin shell of porcelain bonded to the outer surface of the tooth (enamel) to correct worn enamel; to improve the color of teeth darkened by coffee, tea and cigarettes; to create ideal tooth shape; to esthetically straighten teeth that are too crowded or “gappy”. Veneers are very conservative restorations that are placed over teeth to improve esthetics. Crowns and veneers are usually placed in just two visits, and because they are both made of porcelain, they will never stain and will retain their whiteness – permanently!
