Seeking a brighter, more confident smile is a common goal, but navigating the world of cosmetic and restorative dentistry can be complex. As FCA-authorised experts with experience in over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the importance of clear, reliable information, whether for your smile or your UK private medical insurance.
A side-by-side comparison of veneers and crowns, including costs, durability, suitability and long-term value
When it comes to transforming your teeth, two of the most popular and effective treatments are veneers and crowns. While both can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile, they serve different purposes, involve different procedures, and come with different price tags.
Think of it like this: a veneer is like a new, high-quality facade for a building, enhancing its appearance. A crown is more like a new roof and structural reinforcement, protecting the entire building from the top down.
This guide will break down every aspect of veneers versus crowns, empowering you to have an informed conversation with your dentist and make the best choice for your oral health, budget, and aesthetic goals.
What Are Veneers? An In-Depth Look
A dental veneer is a very thin, custom-made shell of tooth-coloured material designed to cover the front surface of a tooth. Its primary purpose is to improve aesthetics, correcting a wide range of cosmetic imperfections with a minimally invasive procedure.
What are veneers made of?
Veneers in the UK are typically made from one of two materials:
- Porcelain: This is the gold standard for veneers. Porcelain has a translucent quality that uncannily mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel. It's highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea, and red wine, and with proper care, it's incredibly durable.
- Composite Resin: This is a tooth-coloured filling material that can be applied directly to the tooth and sculpted into shape by the dentist in a single visit. Composite veneers are generally more affordable than porcelain but are more prone to staining and have a shorter lifespan.
What problems can veneers fix?
Veneers are a fantastic solution for a host of cosmetic concerns, including:
- Permanent Stains: For discolouration that doesn't respond to professional whitening, such as staining from tetracycline antibiotics or excessive fluoride.
- Chips and Cracks: Minor damage to the front of a tooth can be easily masked.
- Gaps: Veneers can be shaped to close small gaps (diastemas) between teeth.
- Minor Misalignment: They can create the illusion of a perfectly straight smile for slightly crooked or misshapen teeth.
- Worn-Down Teeth: To restore the original length and shape of teeth that have been worn down over time.
The Veneer Procedure: Step-by-Step
Getting porcelain veneers is typically a two-visit process:
- Consultation & Preparation: You'll discuss your desired outcome with your dentist. The dentist will then prepare the tooth by removing a tiny amount of enamel from the front surface (usually less than 0.5mm). This is to ensure the veneer sits flush with your other teeth and doesn't look bulky.
- Impressions: An impression (mould) of your prepared tooth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory where your custom veneer will be crafted. This can take 1-2 weeks. You may be fitted with a temporary veneer in the meantime.
- Bonding & Fitting: At your second appointment, the dentist will check the fit and colour of the veneer. After cleaning your tooth, the veneer is permanently bonded into place using a special cement and a high-intensity light to cure it.
Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers
| Pros of Veneers | Cons of Veneers |
|---|
| Excellent Aesthetics: Provide a very natural, beautiful appearance. | Irreversible: A layer of enamel is removed and cannot be replaced. |
| Minimally Invasive: Only a very small amount of tooth structure is removed. | Not a Structural Solution: Cannot fix severely broken or decayed teeth. |
| Stain Resistant: Porcelain veneers resist staining much better than natural teeth. | Cost: Can be a significant investment, especially for multiple teeth. |
| Well-Tolerated: Gum tissue generally tolerates porcelain well. | Potential for Replacement: They do not last forever and will need replacing. |
What Are Crowns? A Comprehensive Guide
A dental crown, often called a "cap," is a restoration that completely covers or encases a tooth or dental implant. Unlike a veneer, which only covers the front surface, a crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth down to the gum line. Its purpose is both restorative—to strengthen a damaged tooth—and cosmetic.
What are crowns made of?
Crowns are available in several materials, each with unique properties:
- All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic: These offer the best natural colour match and are an excellent choice for front teeth.
- Zirconia: A very strong type of ceramic, zirconia crowns are incredibly durable and can be used for any tooth in the mouth. They combine strength with good aesthetics.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): These have a metal shell for strength, covered by a layer of porcelain for appearance. They are very strong but can sometimes show a dark line at the gum over time.
- Metal Alloys (e.g., Gold): Extremely durable and kind to opposing teeth, gold crowns are often used for molars at the back of the mouth where they are not visible.
When is a dental crown necessary?
A dentist will recommend a crown when a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling or veneer. Common reasons include:
- Severe Tooth Decay: To protect a weak tooth after a large cavity has been removed.
- After a Root Canal: A tooth is more brittle after root canal treatment and requires a crown for protection.
- Cracked or Broken Tooth: To hold a severely cracked tooth together and restore its function.
- Severe Wear: For teeth worn down by grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion.
- To Anchor a Bridge: Crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of a gap to support a dental bridge.
- Cosmetic Modification: For a tooth that is so misshapen or discoloured that a veneer is not a suitable option.
The Crown Procedure: A Two-Visit Process
Similar to veneers, getting a crown usually requires two appointments:
- Consultation & Preparation: The dentist will examine the tooth, often with X-rays. The tooth is then reshaped by filing it down on all sides and the top to make room for the crown. The amount of tooth removed is significantly more than for a veneer.
- Impressions & Temporary Crown: An impression is taken of the prepared tooth and sent to the lab. A temporary crown is placed over your tooth to protect it while the permanent one is being made.
- Final Fitting: At the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is checked for fit, bite, and colour. If everything is perfect, it's cemented permanently into place.
Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns
| Pros of Crowns | Cons of Crowns |
|---|
| Superior Strength: Provides excellent protection for a damaged tooth. | More Invasive: Requires significant removal of the natural tooth structure. |
| Full Coverage: Can fix major aesthetic and structural issues. | Higher Cost: Generally more expensive per tooth than a veneer. |
| Very Durable: Can last for decades with good care. | Potential for Nerve Issues: The extensive preparation can sometimes irritate the tooth's nerve. |
| Versatile: Can be used on any tooth, including molars that take heavy chewing force. | Aesthetics (PFM): Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can show a metal line at the gum. |
Veneers vs Crowns: The Key Differences at a Glance
To simplify the choice, here is a direct, side-by-side comparison of the most important factors.
| Feature | Veneers | Crowns |
|---|
| Primary Purpose | Cosmetic Enhancement: To improve the appearance of the front of the tooth. | Restorative & Cosmetic: To strengthen, protect, and improve the appearance of the entire tooth. |
| Tooth Preparation | Minimal: 0.3mm to 0.5mm of enamel removed from the front surface only. | Significant: 1mm to 2mm or more of enamel removed from the entire tooth surface. |
| Coverage | Covers only the front surface of the tooth. | Covers the entire tooth down to the gum line. |
| Best For | Minor issues: chips, stains, small gaps, slight crookedness. | Major issues: large fractures, severe decay, post-root canal, significant structural weakness. |
| Material | Porcelain or Composite Resin. | Porcelain, Zirconia, Ceramic, Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM), Metal Alloys. |
| Procedure | Less invasive; preserves more of the natural tooth. | More invasive; a larger portion of the tooth is removed. |
| Durability | Good (Porcelain: 10-15 years+). | Excellent (15-20 years+, often much longer). |
| Typical Candidate | Someone with healthy, structurally sound teeth who wants to improve their appearance. | Someone with a compromised, weak, or severely damaged tooth that needs protection. |
UK Costs for Veneers and Crowns in 2026
The cost of dental work is a major consideration for most people in the UK. Prices can vary significantly based on the dentist's location (London clinics are often more expensive), their expertise, the quality of the materials used, and the complexity of the case.
The following are estimated private costs for 2026, based on current market rates and anticipated inflation.
How much do veneers cost in the UK?
- Composite Veneers (Direct): £250 – £500 per tooth. These are a more budget-friendly option but require more maintenance.
- Porcelain Veneers: £700 – £1,500 per tooth. This is the more durable and aesthetic option, reflecting a higher initial investment for a longer-lasting result.
How much do crowns cost in the UK?
The cost of a crown is heavily influenced by the material used.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): £600 – £1,100 per tooth.
- All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain: £800 – £1,500 per tooth.
- Zirconia: £850 – £1,600 per tooth.
- Gold Alloy: £900 – £1,700+ per tooth (cost can fluctuate with the price of gold).
Estimated Private Dental Costs (2026)
| Treatment | Material | Estimated Cost Per Tooth (Private) |
|---|
| Veneer | Composite Resin | £250 – £500 |
| Veneer | Porcelain | £700 – £1,500 |
| Crown | PFM | £600 – £1,100 |
| Crown | All-Ceramic / Porcelain | £800 – £1,500 |
| Crown | Zirconia | £850 – £1,600 |
Is it cheaper to get veneers or crowns on the NHS?
This is a crucial point of distinction. The NHS provides dental care that is clinically necessary to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy.
- Veneers: These are considered a purely cosmetic treatment by the NHS. As such, they are not available under NHS dental provision. You will always have to pay privately for veneers.
- Crowns: A crown can be available on the NHS if there is a clear clinical need for it—for example, to restore a tooth after a root canal or to repair a large fracture. If you qualify, the treatment falls under the Band 3 NHS charge, which is currently £319.10 in England (this figure is subject to annual review and may be higher by 2026). However, the material choices on the NHS may be more limited (e.g., non-precious metal for molars) compared to private options.
Do Private Medical Insurance Policies Cover Veneers or Crowns?
This is one of the most common questions we receive, and the answer requires careful explanation.
Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) does not cover routine, cosmetic, or preventative dentistry. PMI is designed to cover the diagnosis and treatment of acute conditions—that is, unexpected illnesses or injuries that arise after you take out your policy. It is not designed for managing long-term chronic conditions or pre-existing issues.
Therefore, under a standard PMI policy:
- Veneers (for cosmetic reasons) are never covered.
- A clinically necessary crown (e.g., for decay) is not covered.
The Exception: Dental Add-Ons and Cash Plans
Some of the best PMI providers offer optional dental and optical cover as an add-on to a core health insurance policy, for an extra premium. These add-ons are separate from the main policy and have their own set of benefits and limits. They may provide cover for:
- Routine care: Check-ups, cleanings.
- Restorative work: Fillings, crowns, root canals.
However, even with these add-ons, there are often annual financial limits, and purely cosmetic treatments like veneers are almost always excluded. A crown might be partially covered if it's clinically necessary, but you must check the policy wording carefully.
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can be invaluable here. We help you navigate the complex world of private health cover, clearly explaining what is and isn't included, and finding a policy or add-on that genuinely meets your needs, saving you from any unwelcome surprises.
Durability and Lifespan: Which Lasts Longer?
Your new smile is an investment, so understanding its longevity is key.
Lifespan of Veneers
- Composite Veneers: With good care, they typically last between 5 to 7 years before they may need polishing or replacement due to staining or chipping.
- Porcelain Veneers: These are much more robust. You can expect them to last 10 to 15 years, and often even longer.
Lifespan of Crowns
- All Types: A well-made and well-cared-for crown can last 15 to 20 years or more. It's not uncommon for gold or PFM crowns on back teeth to last for decades.
Factors That Affect Longevity
The lifespan of both veneers and crowns depends heavily on you. To maximise their life, you should:
- Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
- Attend Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist and hygienist as recommended.
- Wear a Nightguard: If you grind your teeth (bruxism), a guard is essential to protect your restorations.
- Be Mindful of Your Diet: Avoid biting down on very hard things like ice, boiled sweets, or opening packaging with your teeth.
- Limit Staining Foods/Drinks: While porcelain is stain-resistant, the cement used can stain at the edges over time.
Which is Better for You? Making the Right Choice
The decision between veneers and crowns should always be made in consultation with a qualified dentist. However, here’s a simple guide to help you understand which might be more suitable for your situation.
You might be a better candidate for VENEERS if:
- Your primary goal is to improve the cosmetic appearance of your teeth.
- Your teeth are healthy and structurally sound, with no large fillings or decay.
- Your concerns are relatively minor, like stains, small chips, or slight gaps.
- You want the most conservative, least invasive option that preserves the most natural tooth.
Example: Sarah, a 30-year-old marketing manager, was self-conscious about a small chip on one front tooth and some yellowing on the adjacent one. Her teeth were otherwise healthy. Her dentist recommended two porcelain veneers to create a symmetrical, bright, and natural-looking smile.
You might be a better candidate for CROWNS if:
- Your tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or weakened by a large filling.
- You have had a root canal treatment on the tooth.
- Your tooth is severely worn down from grinding.
- Your tooth is so misshapen or poorly aligned that a veneer cannot correct the issue.
Example: David, a 55-year-old, had a large amalgam filling from his youth that had failed, causing a large piece of his molar to break off. The tooth was weak and vulnerable. His dentist recommended a durable Zirconia crown to restore its shape, strength, and function for chewing.
Beyond the Smile: Health, Wellness & Private Medical Insurance
Your oral health is a window to your overall health. Neglecting it can have wider implications, while investing in it brings benefits far beyond a confident smile. It’s all part of a holistic approach to wellness.
At WeCovr, we believe in empowering our clients to take control of their health in every aspect. While a private medical insurance UK policy focuses on covering unexpected illnesses and injuries, it forms the cornerstone of your personal health strategy, giving you peace of mind and fast access to specialist care when you need it most.
To support your wellness journey, WeCovr clients who purchase PMI or Life Insurance gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. We also offer discounts on other types of cover, helping you build a comprehensive protection portfolio for you and your family. We are committed to not just being a broker, but a long-term partner in your health and wellbeing.
Can I get veneers or crowns on my UK private medical insurance?
Generally, no. Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) is for acute medical conditions and does not cover routine or cosmetic dentistry. Veneers are considered cosmetic and are never covered. A clinically necessary crown is also not covered by a standard policy. However, some providers offer optional dental insurance add-ons which may contribute a limited amount towards the cost of a necessary crown, but you must check the policy details carefully.
Is the procedure for veneers or crowns painful?
No, the procedures themselves should not be painful. Your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to completely numb the tooth and surrounding area before any preparation work begins. You might feel some minor sensitivity or gum tenderness for a few days after the procedure, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
Do veneers and crowns ruin your natural teeth?
They don't "ruin" the teeth, but they do require a permanent alteration. For a veneer, a thin layer of enamel is removed. For a crown, a more significant amount of the tooth is removed. This means that once a tooth is prepared for a veneer or crown, it will always need to be covered by one. The underlying tooth is not ruined; it is simply reshaped to accommodate the restoration, which then protects it.
How do I find the best private medical insurance in the UK?
The best way to find the right private health cover is to use an independent, FCA-authorised PMI broker like WeCovr. A broker works for you, not the insurance companies. We can compare policies from across the market, explain the complex terms in plain English, and find a plan that fits your specific needs and budget, all at no extra cost to you.
Ready to take the next step in securing your health? Get a fast, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts help you compare the UK's leading private medical insurance providers.