Objective To compare the application effects of porcelain veneer and cast porcelain veneer in aesthetic restoration of anterior teeth. Methods A total of 60 patients who received aesthetic restoration of anterior teeth in Xinyi Kangmin Dental Clinic from February 2022 to May 2023 were selected as the research objects. They were divided into control group and observation group by random number table method, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received cast porcelain veneer, and the observation group received porcelain veneer. The color matching degree, transmittance, natural gloss, aesthetic repair effect satisfaction and overall aesthetic effect visual analogue scale scores were compared between the two groups. Results The scores of color matching, light transmittance and natural gloss in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P <0.05). The satisfaction score of aesthetic repair effect in the observation group was higher than that in the control group at 1, 6 and 12 months after operation (P <0.05). The overall aesthetic effect VAS score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group at 1, 6 and 12 months after operation (P <0.05). Conclusion Porcelain veneer shows more excellent aesthetic effect in aesthetic restoration of anterior teeth, especially in color matching, light transmittance and glossiness, which is closer to natural teeth. Meanwhile, it is the preferred technique for aesthetic restoration of anterior teeth and worthy of clinical application.