Objective To explore the effect of ceramic veneer cosmetic dental restoration on aesthetic effect and periodontal health in patients with tooth defect. Methods A total of 92 patients with tooth defect admitted to Jiangsu Provincial Official Hospital from February 2025 to February 2026 were selected as the research subjects, and they were divided into the reference group and the experimental group by the random number table method, with 46 patients in each group. The reference group received porcelainfused- to-metal crown restoration, and the experimental group received ceramic veneer cosmetic dental restoration. The restoration effect, aesthetic effect, periodontal health and complication rate were compared between the two groups. Results The excellent and good rate of the experimental group (97.83%) was higher than that of the reference group (80.43%) (P <0.05). The scores of morphology, color, translucency and marginal aesthetics in the experimental group after intervention were better than those in the reference group (P <0.05). The PD, BI and GI in the experimental group after intervention were lower than those in the reference group (P <0.05). The incidence of complications in the experimental group (0) was lower than that in the reference group (8.70%) (P <0.05). Conclusion For patients with tooth defect, ceramic veneer cosmetic dental restoration can improve periodontal health, enhance aesthetic effect, reduce complications, and achieve better restoration effect.