Veneers or crowns: which do I need?

How the two differ, when each is used and what to ask before you decide.

Dr Bill Kalis — Saturday 14 November 2026

A veneer covers the front surface of a tooth, and a crown covers the whole tooth. Veneers are mainly used to change the appearance of healthy teeth. Crowns are used when a tooth is weak, cracked or heavily filled and needs protecting.

I am Dr Bill Kalis, principal dentist at Padstow Dental in Padstow, Sydney. Which one you need depends on the condition of the tooth, not only on how you want it to look.

What is a veneer?

A veneer is a thin layer of ceramic or tooth-coloured composite bonded to the front of a tooth. It can change the colour, shape and length of the tooth. Ceramic veneers usually need a small amount of enamel removed from the front of the tooth.

What is a crown?

A crown is a ceramic cover that fits over the whole tooth, like a helmet. It holds a weakened tooth together and restores its shape. At Padstow Dental, crowns are usually all-ceramic and made from a digital scan, with no impression trays. A crown is about $1,900.

When is a veneer the better choice?

A veneer may suit you when the tooth is healthy and the concern is mainly appearance: discolouration that whitening cannot change, chipped or uneven edges, small gaps or teeth that look too short.

When is a crown the better choice?

A crown is usually the better choice when the tooth has a large filling, a crack, a root canal treatment or heavy wear. In these cases the tooth needs strength as well as a better appearance.

How do they compare?

Veneer

• Covers the front of the tooth

• Less tooth is removed

• Mainly changes appearance

• Not suited to heavy grinding or badly damaged teeth

Crown

• Covers the whole tooth

• More tooth is shaped

• Protects and strengthens

• Suited to weak or heavily filled teeth

Are there alternatives?

Yes. Whitening, composite bonding and tooth alignment can sometimes achieve what you want with less treatment. We discuss these first where they are suitable.

What should I ask before going ahead?

1. How much of my tooth will be removed?

2. What are the alternatives, including doing nothing?

3. How long is this likely to last, and what happens when it needs replacing?

4. Can I see the planned result before anything permanent is done?

5. What is the total cost?

Veneers and crowns are not reversible, because the tooth is shaped to receive them. Results vary between patients.

Fees are a guide only. Treatment costs are confirmed after your consultation.

Common questions about veneers and crowns

Do veneers damage teeth?

A small amount of enamel is usually removed, which is permanent. This is why we make sure a veneer is the right choice first.

Can veneers or crowns be whitened?

No. Ceramic does not whiten, so any whitening is done first.

How many visits are needed?

Usually two: one to prepare and scan the tooth, and one about two weeks later to fit the final veneer or crown.

Will they look natural?

They are colour-matched and shaped to suit your other teeth.

Find out what suits your teeth

Call Padstow Dental on 02 9773 4775 or send us an enquiry.

Written by Dr Bill Kalis, Principal Dentist at Padstow Dental. BDS (Hons), University of Sydney, 1994. Graduate Certificate in Clinical Dentistry, University of Adelaide, 2007. Past State and Federal President of the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry. Dr Kalis is a general dentist with a focus on implant, surgical and IV sedation dentistry.