Veneers or Zirconia Crowns?

Porcelain veneers and zirconia crowns are two different treatments that improve the appearance of teeth, and they cannot always be used interchangeably. A veneer is a thin porcelain shell bonded only to the front surface of a healthy front tooth, and very little of the tooth is removed. A zirconia crown is a strong cap that covers the whole tooth. It requires more reduction, but it protects teeth with large fillings, fractures or root canal treatment. Which one is suitable depends on how sound the teeth are, their colour, their position and the bite.

Key Differences

Coverage: A veneer covers only the front surface of the tooth. A zirconia crown covers the tooth completely.
Tooth reduction: Usually 0.3-0.7 mm for a veneer, mostly only from the front surface. For zirconia, from every surface of the tooth, usually around 1 mm or more.
Which teeth: Veneers are mostly used on front teeth. Zirconia can be used on front and back teeth, in bridges and on implants.
Strength: Zirconia is very resistant to chewing forces and suitable for back teeth. A veneer is durable on the right tooth but does not strengthen a weak tooth on its own.
Appearance: Both can look natural. Porcelain veneers transmit light much like natural teeth and give a very natural result on front teeth. Translucent types of zirconia also look good, and zirconia masks the colour better if the tooth underneath is very dark.
Reversibility: Both are irreversible. The teeth will always need to be protected by a restoration.

When Are Veneers Preferred?

When the teeth are sound and have no large fillings,
When the aim is to correct colour, shape, small chips, gaps or slight irregularities,
When there is no clenching habit, or it is under control.

When Is Zirconia Preferred?

When the tooth has large fillings, fractures or extensive decay,
When the tooth has had root canal treatment and is at risk of fracture,
When the tooth is very dark and cannot be masked with a veneer,
For back teeth, bridges or teeth on implants.

What Is Considered When Deciding?

At the examination, the soundness of the teeth, existing fillings and crowns, tooth colour, gum health, the bite and any clenching habit are assessed. It is also possible to have veneers on some teeth and zirconia crowns on others in the same mouth, with the shades matched to each other.

If healthy front teeth only need to look whiter, teeth whitening should be considered first; if they are crowded, orthodontic treatment should be considered first. Treating more teeth does not mean a better result. A tooth that does not need treatment should not be treated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lasts longer?

Both can last many years when used in the right place. What determines their lifespan most is not the material, but the right indication, gum health and care.

Can a tooth with a veneer later have a zirconia crown?

Yes. If the veneer breaks or a major problem develops in the tooth later, the same tooth can have a zirconia crown. The reverse is usually not possible, because a veneer cannot be placed on a tooth that has been prepared for a crown.

Which is more expensive?

The fee depends on the material, the laboratory and the number of teeth. You can find the amounts in the TDB tariff in our veneer and zirconia fee articles.

Which option suits your teeth can be determined at an examination. For more information see our veneers and zirconia crown pages. To book an examination at our clinic in Güvenevler, Çankaya, call +90 540 640 6006.

This article is for general information only. Diagnosis and treatment decisions are made by your dentist after an examination.