Daniel Melnick, DDS (retired)

Porcelain veneers would be more color stable over time and provide a more predictable way to cover bad stains on your front teeth.  They would also be more resistant to stains from smoking.

Since this chip bothers you and is in a high esthetic zone, I would recommend repairing the tooth via cosmetic bonding.  It is a painless, non-invasive procedure and it will even out your smile.

Cosmetic porcelain veneers require far less tooth reduction than full crowns.  Good quality veneers have the potential to last a very long time.  Following good wear and care, it is likely that you will eventually have them replaced later in life.  It will simply be a matter of removing the original porcelain which can be done without substantial additional tooth reduction.  

Veneers are like fake fingernails for the teeth.  They work best to cosmetically enhance generally healthy teeth.  It sounds like you may have more rampant decay if teeth are fracturing.  In that case in order to both cosmetically enhance them and make them stronger, full crowns would be recomended.

The build up is the foundation for the crown.  If the foundation is intact upon removal of the fractured crown, then your dentist should just remake a new crown.