What is the difference between veneers and crowns?

Veneers cover only the front surface of teeth; crowns cover the entire tooth. Here's when each is appropriate: VENEERS: Ideal for cosmetic improvements (color, shape, minor alignment). Preserve more natural tooth structure. Best for teeth that are structurally sound. CROWNS: Necessary when significant tooth structure is damaged or missing. Better for teeth with large fillings, cracks, or root canals. Provide more strength for chewing. For purely cosmetic purposes with healthy teeth, veneers are usually preferred because they're more conservative. However, if your teeth have structural issues, crowns may be the better long-term solution.