Porcelain veneers and dental crowns can address tooth flaws and discoloration. However, dental crowns also serve a restorative purpose by protecting and strengthening a vulnerable tooth. Porcelain veneers are thin shells that the dentist bonds to the front of one or more of your teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. These shells are typically used to address tooth gaps, chipped or broken teeth, deep tooth stains and misshapen teeth.
A dental crown is a "cap" that goes over the entire tooth structure to protect it from further damage and decay. Crowns are often best for cracked, severely worn or broken teeth and may be used after a root canal or large filling. These caps can hold a dental bridge in place and help avoid a tooth extraction. Dental crowns require more tooth preparation than porcelain veneers because they are thicker and are placed over the whole tooth instead of the front portion.