FAQs About Anterior Veneers And Dental Crowns

If you have discoloration, chips, and/or decay in your front teeth, you may be looking at your restorative options, such as dental crowns and veneers. Crowns are thicker than veneers and cover the entire tooth. Their main purpose is to repair decay and restore function. Veneers are thin shells that are mainly used to correct cosmetic issues on the anterior portion of a tooth. Some people may only need one or the other, but some patients and dentists may prefer a combination of both restorations. Read on to find answers to questions you may have about anterior veneers and crowns.  

Is it Okay to Mix Veneers and Crowns on Adjacent Teeth?

In an abstract from The European Journal of Esthetic Dentistry, it states that because of technological advances in dental materials and adhesive technology, it's certainly okay for veneers and crowns to be used together on adjacent teeth. In fact, a combination of the two may be required to get the cosmetic results that you desire. Teeth that need reinforcement and repair may require crowns, but your dentist may decide to preserve enamel on other teeth and recommend veneers as well. It may be a little easier to get your veneers and crowns at the same time as it will be easier to match the two materials' shades.

Can Your Dentist Fix Mismatches in Color Between Crowns and Veneers?

If you already have a crown in place and want to get veneers, you may worry about color matching. Your dentist can use a tool called a VITA shade guide to match the color of your crown before veneers are manufactured. If your veneers and crown(s) are already in place but you are still unhappy with mismatches, your dentist can use a resin-based opaquing agent to correct discoloration. Opaquing agents are especially helpful for porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

Can You Place Veneers Over an Existing Crown?

If you are still unhappy with how your veneers and crowns look together you may wonder if you can place a veneer over an existing crown. For the most part, this isn't possible or recommended. Why? To fit a veneer over a crown, your dentist would need to drill away a portion of the crown itself, which would potentially crack it. Using adhesives between two porcelain objects doesn't work as well as it does between enamel and porcelain, so there could be a weak spot where the veneer would be placed. Although this route isn't usually recommended, Dentistry IQ says that there are some newer veneer products that can actually be placed over existing crowns to revitalize dental crowns with wear and tear. Ultimately, it doesn't hurt to ask your dentist to weigh the pros and cons with you.  

Reach out to a dentist today to learn more about mixing and matching anterior veneers and crowns and other veneer services.


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