If you’re looking to repair a chipped tooth, refresh deep stains, or restore a tooth that’s been through a lot, two common options are veneers in Calgary and dental crowns. Both can improve how your smile looks – and how your teeth function – but they differ in how much of the tooth they cover, when they’re recommended, and what the process feels like. Below, we’ll walk through the essentials in friendly, plain language so you can feel confident about your next step in Calgary, AB.
Quick overview: what each option covers
Veneers in Calgary are thin, custom shells – most often porcelain or composite – that bond to the front surface of a tooth. Think of them as a façade that changes color, shape, and minor alignment while preserving most of what’s underneath. Because a veneer only covers the front, our general dentist usually strategically removes a small amount of enamel to make room for a natural-looking result. That removal is irreversible, which is why an exam is key before deciding.
Crowns (sometimes called “caps”) are full-coverage restorations that surround the entire tooth above the gumline. They’re commonly recommended when a tooth is structurally compromised because a crown can help protect what remains and restore strength for chewing.
When veneers may be a good fit
Veneers can be a thoughtful choice if you want to:
- Brighten teeth that don’t respond well to whitening (intrinsic staining).
- Close small gaps or refine minor alignment issues without orthodontics.
- Repair small chips and reshape edges for symmetry.
- Create a more uniform “smile zone” with a highly lifelike material.
Who might not be ready yet: If you have untreated cavities, active gum disease, significant enamel loss, or you clench/grind heavily without protection, our dentist will likely recommend addressing those concerns first.
When crowns might be a suitable choice
Crowns are often recommended for teeth that need both cosmetic improvement and functional reinforcement, including:
- Teeth with cracks, extensive decay or damage, or very large existing fillings.
- Teeth that have had root canal therapy (especially molars that bear heavy chewing forces).
- Teeth that have had a large filling in a tooth or a broken tooth.
Nuance matters: Not every tooth that has a root canal automatically needs a crown – front teeth that don’t take heavy bite forces may be exceptions. Our dentist will evaluate the remaining tooth structure, your bite, and your habits before advising.
Risks, comfort, and after-care
Most patients report minimal discomfort during preparation. Afterward, it’s normal to experience short-term sensitivity to temperature or pressure.
Habits matter: Avoid chewing on ice, pens, or hard candies. Maintain twice-daily brushing with a soft brush, daily flossing (yes, even with veneers and crowns), and regular visits every six months – or as recommended for your smile.
Stain and polish: Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant, more so than composite veneers, but surface glazing can still benefit from gentle polishing at cleanings. If you drink coffee, tea, or red wine, rinse with water afterward.
About Our Practice: Avyan Family Dental takes pride in providing personalized care and judgment-free guidance for patients of all ages. Learn more about how we care for your smile.
What Calgary Patients Are Saying
“Best dental clinic I have visited. The team is friendly, and the clinic is clean. Had a great experience with teeth cleaning. I needed a crown and Dr. Manisha did an awesome job!” – Tanvi T.
Ready to Love Your Smile Again?
Whether you’re leaning toward dental veneers or need a full-coverage crown, we’re ready to guide you. Book your consultation online or call us at (587) 327-9990!
FAQs: Veneers & Crowns in Calgary
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers in Calgary can serve you well for many years when you brush, floss, and keep up with professional care. Longevity depends on your bite, oral hygiene, diet, and habits like clenching or nail-biting. Many patients enjoy long-term results, while others may need maintenance sooner if they grind their teeth or skip routine visits. Have care questions? Reach out at (587) 327-9990!
How long do crowns last?
With consistent home care and regular checkups, crowns can also last for 10 years or longer. People who wear a nightguard when recommended and avoid chewing very hard objects often get more years from a crown. We proudly provide personalized nightguards. Head over to our Services page for more details!
Can veneers fix missing teeth or crooked smiles?
Veneers in Calgary can’t replace missing teeth because they need an existing tooth for support. For a missing space, ask about our customized bridges or implants. For alignment, veneers can refine small gaps or minor rotation. Our dentist will help you decide whether cosmetic reshaping or tooth movement will give you the healthiest, most natural-looking outcome. Book a consultation at (587) 327-9990!
How do costs compare between veneers and crowns?
Costs vary widely based on materials, customization, the number of teeth involved, and your unique clinical needs. Laboratory craftsmanship, the complexity of your bite, and any foundational care – such as treating decay or building up tooth structure –can also affect total fees. After an exam, our dentist can outline options and discuss sequences. Schedule a visit through our Contact page today!
Are there different types of dental crowns?
Metal (gold) crowns are the most durable and gentle on opposing natural teeth, but their color is not natural. Composite crowns look natural and resist chipping, but wear down faster. Porcelain crowns offer the most seamless appearance but are more brittle and likely to chip. For more crown-related details, connect with us at (587) 327-9990!



