--- title: PORCELAIN VENEERS VERSUS DENTAL CROWNS description: Deciding which treatments will provide the best results for patients isn’t always straightforward, particularly when choosing between crowns and veneers. image: https://blog.ddslab.com/hubfs/Images/Blog_Images/Blog_Hero_Images/Blog_PORCELAIN%20VENEERS%20VERSUS%20DENTAL%20CROWNS.jpg --- [![DDS Lab | Full-Service Dental Laboratory](https://blog.ddslab.com/hubfs/01%20DDS%20Lab%20Identity/DDS%20Logos/DDS%20Lab%20Logo%202021.png)](https://www.ddslab.com/) - [Home](https://www.ddslab.com/) - [Products](https://www.ddslab.com/dental-lab-products/) - [Digital Services](https://www.ddslab.com/digital-services/) - [Education](https://www.ddslab.com/dental-education/) - [Send a case](https://www.ddslab.com/send-a-case/) - [Blog](https://blog.ddslab.com/) - [About](https://www.ddslab.com/about-dds-dental-lab/) - [Contact](https://www.ddslab.com/contact-dds-dental-lab/) Dental Technology # PORCELAIN VENEERS VERSUS DENTAL CROWNS Deciding which treatments will provide the best results for patients isn’t always straightforward, particularly when choosing between crowns and veneers. [Mario Abreu](https://blog.ddslab.com/author/mario-abreu) Sep 18, 2017 --- A clinician’s goal is to provide patients with optimal outcomes. Deciding which treatments will provide the best results for patients isn’t always straightforward, particularly when choosing between crowns and veneers. This decision has become even more important with the growing popularity of zirconia and pressable lithium disilicate restorations. Veneers are a popular, frequently-requested restoration choice. They have the ability to last for years. Suitable candidates for porcelain veneers include patients with generally strong, healthy teeth, free from large fillings or areas of decay. A candidate’s teeth may exhibit slight malocclusion, might be mildly discolored or unevenly spaced. teeth that are less attractively-shaped or teeth that display small signs of tooth decay on the proximal or labial surfaces can often be addressed with porcelain veneers. While veneers are a popular choice, there are cases when dental crowns may prove to be a better option. There are several factors which will indicate the choice of dental crowns:   ## **Lingual Surfaces** Teeth that are suitable for veneers should have good lingual surfaces. If these surfaces expose any dentin or exhibit signs of decay, then [crowns](https://blog.ddslab.com/types-of-all-ceramic-crowns)may be a more suitable choice.   ## **Occlusion** People with [bruxism](https://blog.ddslab.com/the-function-of-bruxism-appliances) who either clench or grind are unlikely to be suitable for veneers. Carefully selected crowns may be a better option and will provide longer-lasting restorations. When vertical dimensions are to be increased, or if the occlusion must be significantly changed, then crowns may be suitable. Veneers require relatively good occlusal stability to achieve the best outcome.   ## **Signs of Active Caries** Although veneers can be placed when tooth decay is present but not severe, the presence of active and more significant caries could mean crowns are a better choice. With dental crowns, the margins are more likely to be placed sub-gingivally, providing more resistance to caries than margins of veneers.     ## **Worn Tooth Enamel on Labial Surfaces** Occasionally, teeth may have thinner-than-normal enamel or significant enamel erosion. In these situations, crowns may be a better choice  for treatment. When properly etched, dental enamel provides the best retention for veneers.   ## **When Teeth are Significantly Rotated** Teeth that are significantly rotated, or where the occlusal relationship is abnormal, may achieve a better occlusion with dental crowns. Porcelain veneers can be good when teeth do not have to be significantly repositioned. When porcelain veneers are used on adults with stable teeth and no abnormal oral habits, there should be minimal tooth movement and minimal changes to the occlusion. The most advanced materials can produce near perfect esthetic appearances that will last for many years. However, while prepping for veneers is relatively straightforward, the technique for successfully fitting them requires close attention to detail, as veneers take on some of the colors of the tooth stump. The final color of the veneer can be adjusted with dental cement, but this can lead to difficulties in exactly matching a veneer to natural teeth. In contrast, crowns block out the tooth stump color and can be much easier to match. The[introduction of zirconia](https://blog.ddslab.com/high-translucent-zirconia-benefits) and lithium disilicate has made it easier to match veneers and crowns situated adjacent to each other. During a smile makeover, this advance makes it easier to achieve an excellent outcome, even when combining different restorations. Veneers can be a wonderful choice for some patients, but [crowns](https://www.ddslab.com/crowns-and-bridges/all-ceramics/zirconia-ht-high-translucent/) may, under certain circumstances, provide a better and more-predictable outcome. With the materials and techniques available today, patients can look forward to enjoying highly esthetic restorations that should provide years of reliability. Please be reminded that should you wish to discuss a case in more detail, our experienced technical team is here to assist you. **[Click here to schedule a consultation with our technical team »](https://go.ddslab.com/schedule-a-consultation-with-an-expert)** [![Crown and bridge material guide - complimentary comparison chart](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1775100/63e073cd-2317-4e37-8b2a-7f5a6db22235.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1775100/63e073cd-2317-4e37-8b2a-7f5a6db22235)   Reference:  [http://www.dentaleconomics.com/articles/print/volume-105/issue-7/science-tech/crowns-versus-veneers.html](http://www.dentaleconomics.com/articles/print/volume-105/issue-7/science-tech/crowns-versus-veneers.html) [Dental Technology](https://blog.ddslab.com/topic/dental-technology) [Tips & Tricks](https://blog.ddslab.com/topic/tips-tricks-in-dentistry) ## Similar posts Dental Technology ### [SCREW-RETAINED VERSUS CEMENT-RETAINED RESTORATIONS](https://blog.ddslab.com/screw-retained-versus-cement-retained-restorations) Screw-retained or a cement-retained restorations each have advantages and disadvantages. Your choice of which restoration will best suit the patient... Wadih Dagher Oct 26, 2018 Tips & Tricks ### [MOST COMMON TECHNIQUE FAILURES RESULTING IN REMAKES AND ADJUSTMENTS](https://blog.ddslab.com/most-common-dental-technique-failures) Poor impressions and incorrect shades are two of the most common failures resulting in remakes and adjustments, and there are many others. Read more... Bill Warner Oct 22, 2018 Dental Technology ### [SCREW-RETAINED IMPLANT CROWN](https://blog.ddslab.com/screw-retained-implant-crown) Most implant dentists are concerned with providing their patients with a long-lasting and reliable restoration. However, the long-term success of a... Houssam Sahwil Apr 27, 2017 ### **Stay up-to-date with the latest in dental news by signing up for our newsletter!** By subscribing, you'll receive regular updates on advancements in dental technology, tips for restoring a healthy smile, and news about our laboratory. 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