Crowns or Veneers?

Updated on June 03, 2009
M.L. asks from Osseo, MN
11 answers

I was told by my dentist over a year ago that I need to get either crowns or veneers on my top front four teeth because the enamel is wearing away and chipping. Insurance won't pay unless half or over half of the tooth is gone so I will be paying for this entirely myself since that is not the case. I don't know which to pick and I need to do something soon because the chipping is getting worse. They both have pros and cons so I am looking for experience that any of you have had with either and what you liked/disliked. Mostly I would like to know how long the veneers lasted before you had to them 'reveneered'? 3-12+ years plus is a big time difference for how long they last. I have never had any major dental work done so I have no experience in anything dental except routine cleanings. Thanks ahead for any advice/experiences!

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B.H.

answers from St. Cloud on

I had to have implants put in and have had them for almost 10 years with no problems. I think they are pretty much like veneers. My brother has them as well and chipped one once with a wrench to the mouth (He's a mechanic) but none of us have had any problems with eating with them.

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K.D.

answers from Madison on

I have Veneers on my top front two teeth, and I love them, they are natural looking and I eat everything and never had a problem:0)

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K.C.

answers from Madison on

A large portion of the original tooth is removed for a crown. I was shocked to see what the original tooth looked like when one of my crowns fell off. The tooth was completely intact before the crown and was nearly 1/2 gone after making room for the crown. Keep that in mind when deciding.

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K.C.

answers from Milwaukee on

Hi M.,

I've had veneers on my top 6 teeth since I was 12 years old due to poor enamel and it wearing away. I am almost 33 now and have never had a problem with them - I would definitely recommend the veneers.

Good luck,
K.

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L.M.

answers from Milwaukee on

I would get a second opinion. Don't even tell the 2nd dentist what the 1st one recommended.

My husband kind of went through this. The 1st dentist my husband saw wanted to put veneers on like 8 of his teeth and didn't even mention crowns. The 2nd dentist my husband saw never mentioned veneers and did instead recommended one root canal/crown, and then fillings on all of the other teeth...sometimes 3 surfaces of the same tooth. Yes, veneers would have been very nice looking, but it wasn't the only solution.

Best of luck with whatever you choose to do :)

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A.K.

answers from Milwaukee on

I am a dental hygienist and work for a dentist that specializes in cosmetic dentistry. I would go with veneers because the more of your tooth you can keep in tact the better. That being said check to see the type of veneers are they bonded to enamel or dentin? We have only been doing them bonded to dentin and they last 10 plus years. You should be able to eat apples etc.. however do not use them as "tools" opening things etc..Also be sure to take good care of your teeth such as using fluoride rinses, flossing, and not drinking/eating a lot of sugary things. These are just the basics for keeping your teeth healthy veneers, crowns, fillings, and natural teeth. Everything stays healthy longer when homecare is taken seriously. Another thing to check is how often is your dentist doing veneers? Do they have any before and after photos to show you? You really need someone who has a knack for cosmetics, it really does make a difference. One last thing, if it were me I would do veneers. My Mom and sister have them. My Mom is on about year 4 and they are great. She does have any issues and eats everything and also ignores a lot of my advice about homecare (you can't teach an old dog new tricks..). My sister just had them placed. Good luck on your decision. A.

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J.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi there M. - My front top 6 teeth have veneers. I think this is the way to go! Before veneers, I had temporary crowns on and they lasted long too but, porcelain veneers are more permanent. I've had them for over 11 years and have never had a problem. LOVE them! I do know if you grind your teeth a lot you have more risk of problems - chipping. My dad also has had some veneers and simply chipped one (but, he's a night grinder) For me, the reason I needed them in the first place was because I had more problems with small teeth so, we simply needed to add-on to make me have less space between my teeth. My mom is a dental hygienist and I have other family members in the dental field. I would just make sure you feel comfortable with your dentist's skill level - find out how much experience he/she has. Not all dentists do this. Other than that, I think you'll be very happy with the results.

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D.B.

answers from La Crosse on

I have veneers and love them. I have had them for about 13 years and have had no problem with them. One thing, make sure the dentist whitens your teeth before deciding on a color. My dentist whitened mine and he matched to the whitened teeth. My daughter had hers done with a different dentist about 5 years ago and the dentist didn't whiten hers and we are very disappointed. She is in the process of getting new veneers on at my dentist now, not because she had any problems with them, just wanted them whiter.. She is in the process of whitening now. The funny thing is the dentist that did mine is not a specialist in that field and he did a great job. The dentist that did my daughters was a specialist. Good luck!

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S.H.

answers from Milwaukee on

Hi M.. I've only had crowns and they were more on my back teeth. My sister in law is a dentist and she says that veneers are nice (pretty) but you have to be careful with them because they can break easily. Like eating hard foods (apples) can cause them to break. If you aren't the apple, corn-on-the-cob type person, they veneers are the way to go.

My brother-in-law had most of his teeth replaced with crowns. He has no problems.

Hope that helps and good luck with your dental work!

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S.N.

answers from Milwaukee on

DEFINETELY veneers...not crowns. After awhile you can see the top of the crown (brown line) and it looks very fake. Veneers are more expensive, but very much worth it. I've had veneers on my two front teeth for over 5 years and they're holding up great. The crowns are fine for the back teeth, but over time the gums recide and you see the line. Just make sure the dentist you go to specializes in veneers. If you need a great dentist who does it all, check out Dr. Don Czaplicki in Hales Corners, WI. Good luck!
S.

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M.C.

answers from Sioux City on

I have worked for a wonderful dentist here in town for the past 6 years as a certified dental assistant and it all depends on how much of the tooth is gone if you should get crowns or veneers. Does the front teeth already have filling in them? If so, then crowns are the way to go because they cover and protect more of the tooth and when that filling material is removed there will not be alot of tooth left. The ONLY difference in crowns vs veneers really is that crowns cover the whole entire tooth structure and more tooth is prepped away then veneers that only cover the part that shows and the biting surface. I would hope your dentist explained this to you. Come see me at Siouxland Dental Health and we will give you all the info you need, ####-###-####. You will get free exam and xrays if you say "Missy" referred you. Hope this helps.

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