Dental Crowns vs. Veneers: What’s the Difference?
At Four Corners Dental Group, Dr. Pete Higgins, DDS, helps patients understand the difference between dental crowns and veneers. While both options enhance the appearance of your smile, crowns cover the entire tooth, providing protection and strength for damaged or decayed teeth. Veneers, on the other hand, are thin shells that cover the front of the tooth to improve its appearance without altering its structure. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3901 Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502.


Table of Contents:
What is the main difference between dental crowns and veneers?
When should I choose a crown instead of a veneer?
Do crowns and veneers look natural?
Which option lasts longer, crowns or veneers?
We offer a range of restorative and cosmetic dental solutions to help our patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Two of the most popular treatments at our practice are dental crowns and veneers—each serving a unique purpose in restoring or enhancing your teeth.
Dental crowns are a reliable option for patients who have teeth that are severely decayed, broken, or have undergone root canal therapy. A crown acts as a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers the visible portion of the damaged tooth above the gum line. Our experienced team at Four Corners Dental Group uses high-quality materials to ensure your crown restores both the strength and natural appearance of your tooth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
For patients seeking cosmetic improvements, veneers are a minimally invasive option offered by our skilled dentists. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They are ideal for correcting issues like discoloration, minor chips, or slight misalignments. With veneers, our team can help you achieve a bright, uniform smile while preserving most of your natural tooth structure.
The main difference between crowns and veneers at Four Corners Dental Group lies in their coverage and intended use. Crowns encase the entire tooth and are typically used for structural restoration, while veneers cover only the front surface and are mainly for cosmetic enhancements. During your consultation, our dentists will assess your individual needs and help you decide which solution best fits your goals for oral health and aesthetics.
At Four Corners Dental Group, we know that choosing the right dental restoration can make a big difference in your smile and oral health. If you’re considering whether a dental crown or a veneer is best for your needs, our experienced team is here to help guide you every step of the way.
A dental crown is often the best solution if your tooth is significantly weakened, cracked, or contains a large filling. Crowns cover the entire tooth, restoring its shape and providing essential structural support—especially important if your tooth has had root canal therapy, which can leave it more brittle and vulnerable to fractures. If you have severe decay or damage, a crown placed by the dentists at Four Corners Dental Group can effectively restore your tooth’s strength, function, and appearance.
Veneers, on the other hand, are a great option for patients seeking cosmetic improvements, such as fixing minor chips, discoloration, or slight misalignments. Veneers only cover the front of the tooth, allowing for a natural look with less removal of tooth structure compared to crowns. However, they do not offer the same level of protection for teeth that are already weakened or damaged.
Your unique dental needs and aesthetic goals are our top priority. If your tooth requires substantial restoration due to damage, decay, or structural weakness, a crown may be the recommended option. However, if you’re looking for a cosmetic enhancement and your tooth is otherwise healthy, a veneer could be ideal.
We offer expertly crafted crowns and veneers to restore both the appearance and function of your teeth. Our experienced dentists use high-quality porcelain and ceramic materials that are carefully selected to mimic the natural translucency, color, and texture of your enamel. We take the time to precisely match each restoration to your surrounding teeth, ensuring your crowns or veneers blend seamlessly with your smile.
Using advanced dental technology, our team customizes the shape and size of every crown and veneer to fit your unique needs and facial features. Our attention to detail means that most people won’t be able to tell the difference between your natural teeth and your new restorations.
The skill of our dental professionals, combined with top-tier materials and cutting-edge techniques, ensures beautiful, long-lasting results. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and scheduling regular check-ups at Four Corners Dental Group will help your crowns and veneers stay healthy and natural-looking for years to come. If you’re ready to enhance your smile, contact us today to learn more about our crown and veneer services.
We understand that choosing between dental crowns and veneers is an important decision for your oral health and appearance. Many of our patients ask which option will last longer, and we’re here to guide you with professional insight and personalized care.
Crowns are dental restorations that fully cover and protect a tooth, making them an excellent choice for teeth that are weakened, fractured, or have extensive decay. With proper care, crowns placed at our Anchorage and Wasilla offices can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. Their durability comes from the way they encase the entire tooth, offering superior strength and resistance to everyday wear and tear.
Veneers, on the other hand, are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Veneers are a popular cosmetic solution for improving the color, shape, and alignment of your smile. While veneers are strong and beautiful, they generally have a slightly shorter lifespan—usually around 7 to 10 years—since they cover less of the tooth and are more vulnerable to chipping or damage from habits like teeth grinding.
The longevity of both crowns and veneers at Four Corners Dental Group depends on the health of your underlying teeth, your oral hygiene routine, and regular checkups with our dental team. We are committed to helping you protect your investment through preventive care and education. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3901 Raspberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502. We serve patients from Anchorage AK, Downtown Anchorage AK, Midtown Anchorage AK, South Addition Anchorage AK, Fairview Anchorage AK, Abbott Loop Anchorage AK, Eagle River AK, Campbell AK, South Anchorage AK, Chugiak AK, Spenard AK, and surrounding areas.


Additional Services You May Need
▸ General Dentistry
▸ Oral Sedation
▸ Invisalign Dentist
▸ Dental Implants
▸ Dental Bridges
▸ Dental Cleaning
▸ Dental Fillings
▸ Dental Crowns
▸ Dental Sealants
▸ Dentures & Repair
▸ Emergency Dentistry
▸ Mouthguards
▸ Preventive Dentistry
▸ Restorative Dentistry
▸ Root Canals
▸ Teeth Whitening
▸ Veneers
▸ Wisdom Tooth Removal