Crown or Veneer: Which Do You Need?

A crown covers a tooth to strengthen or restore it, while a veneer covers only the front surface to change how it looks. At Berala Dental a crown is $1,500 for a front tooth and $1,800 for a back tooth, and a composite veneer is $550 per tooth with Dr Mahnaz Khan.

Not sure whether a tooth needs a crown or a veneer? Ask us.
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Quick facts: Berala Dental is a general dental practice at 184 Woodburn Road, Berala NSW 2141, established in 2002. Crowns are $1,500 for a front tooth and $1,800 for a back tooth. Composite veneers are $550 per tooth with Dr Mahnaz Khan, and porcelain veneers are $2,200 per tooth with Dr Belal Aly, strictly case by case. The $120 consultation includes the examination and any X-rays needed on the day, and a written quote is given before any treatment. Berala Dental is a Bupa Members First Platinum provider and a nib First Choice provider, and all major health funds accepted via HICAPS. Berala Dental is a general practice with no specialist on site, and cosmetic treatment is for adults.

Page information current as of November 2026 · Berala Dental, 184 Woodburn Road, Berala NSW 2141 · (02) 9649 6468

What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?

A crown covers a tooth. Better Health Channel describes a crown as a metal or ceramic shell placed over the entire tooth, which changes its colour and shape and protects a tooth weakened by large fillings or decay. A veneer is a thin layer that covers only the front surface of a tooth rather than the entire tooth structure, so it is not used to rebuild a tooth that is badly broken.

When is a crown the right choice?

A crown is usually considered when a tooth needs strength as well as appearance. A crown is commonly used for:

• Strengthening a tooth that has a large filling
• Protecting a weak tooth from breaking
• Covering a tooth that is discoloured or badly shaped
• Attaching a bridge, or covering a dental implant

At Berala Dental a crown is $1,500 for a front tooth and $1,800 for a back tooth. Before a crown is made, the tooth is checked for decay and the gums are checked for health. If the nerve is affected, a root canal may be needed first. More on the dental crowns page.

Want to talk through the cost of each option? Call or book online.
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When is a veneer the right choice?

A veneer suits a tooth that is mostly sound and needs a change in colour, shape or the look of the front surface. Better Health Channel notes that once a tooth is cut for a veneer, it may always need a veneer. That makes it a decision to take slowly, with the options compared before you choose.

• Composite veneer, $550 per tooth with Dr Mahnaz Khan. Better Health Channel notes composite veneers are placed directly on the tooth, usually in one visit.
• Porcelain veneer, $2,200 per tooth with Dr Belal Aly, strictly case by case. A small amount of enamel is removed from the front and sides of the tooth.

Cosmetic treatment at Berala Dental is for adults. The two veneer types and bonding are compared in veneers, bonding or whitening, and the veneers page has more detail.

Does a crown or veneer fix decay or gum disease?

At the examination, it is reasonable to ask which option is recommended and why, what the tooth needs before any cosmetic work, what the fee is for the tooth in question, and what is not included in the quote. A second look at a treatment plan is also reasonable if you want one.

Neither one treats the cause of a problem. Decay and gum disease need treating first, because a crown or veneer placed on a tooth with decay underneath or on gums that are inflamed will not solve what is causing the trouble. No pain does not mean nothing is wrong, and bleeding gums are not normal. Gum health is checked before any cosmetic work, and the reasons are set out in veneers and gum health.

How much does each option cost at Berala Dental?

Every fee is set out in a written quote before treatment starts, and the full list is on the fees page. Whether a fund pays towards a crown or a veneer depends on the policy and the item, so check with your fund before you book.

Composite veneers are built from tooth-coloured resin, while porcelain veneers are made in a dental laboratory and then bonded to the tooth. Both need the gums and bite checked first, and both are described in the written quote so the choice is made with the fee in view.

Which one do you need?

An examination decides this. A tooth with a large old filling, a crack or a weak front may need a crown. A tooth with a colour or shape concern and sound structure may suit a veneer. Some teeth suit either option, and the clinical team explains the trade-offs for the tooth in front of you. A tooth that grinds or clenches also needs a look before any cosmetic work, and night grinding and night guards covers the signs.

Quick answers

Is a crown or a veneer the better option?

Neither suits every tooth. A crown is used when a tooth needs strength or restoration, and a veneer when the front surface needs changing and the tooth is mostly sound. At Berala Dental the choice is made after an examination.

How much does a crown cost at Berala Dental?

A crown is $1,500 for a front tooth and $1,800 for a back tooth. The $120 consultation includes the examination and any X-rays needed on the day.

How much is a veneer at Berala Dental?

A composite veneer is $550 per tooth with Dr Mahnaz Khan. A porcelain veneer is $2,200 per tooth with Dr Belal Aly, and it is assessed strictly case by case.

Berala Dental can talk through which option suits the tooth in front of you.
Call (02) 9649 6468 · Book online · WhatsApp

Berala Dental is at 184 Woodburn Road, Berala NSW 2141, with street parking available. English, Arabic and Urdu are spoken at our clinic.

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Please see a dentist to discuss what's right for you.

Sources: Better Health Channel — Cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening