Why use crowns instead of veneers in a smile makeover?

February 28, 2010 – 1:57 pm

I just had a smile makeover done, and while I am thrilled with the results, I am a little uncertain about some of the choices my dentist apparently made. I thought my dentist said that she was going to use porcelain veneers, but now that I have had a chance to really look at my new teeth, I can see that the porcelain goes all the way around my tooth. Isn’t that a porcelain crown?

Have you heard of using crowns instead of veneers? I had another dentist take a look at the work, and he was quite impressed and said that it was normal to use porcelain crowns instead of veneers. What do you think?

Gloria in South Philadelphia

Dear Gloria,

It is indeed quite common to use porcelain crowns instead of veneers, especially on your highly visible front teeth. In fact, the difference between a porcelain veneer and a porcelain crown is a matter of degree—there is no definitive line between a crown and a veneer.

That being said, I would have expected your dentist to provide you with a detailed treatment plan before treatment. If she did so, and what she did is actually different from what the plan stated, I would ask why. There are several reasons I can think of that would indicate the use of crowns as opposed to veneers, such as existing fillings in the affected teeth or a need to alter your bite.

Most cosmetic dentists will always elect to go with the most conservative treatment in an effort to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. Crowns require a reduction of the entire tooth, whereas veneers can be placed with only a small amount of shaving. Ask your dentist to explain to you why she chose to go with the more aggressive form of treatment.