One of my front teeth has a single porcelain crown. I have always wanted to get porcelain veneers done and since the crown is starting to look a little dingy, I am wondering if I can get a porcelain veneer placed over the crown. I think this will really freshen up my smile. When I asked the dentist, he said I should get a new porcelain crown. But I’m wondering if I see a cosmetic dentist, if a veneer can be done instead?
– Ben in Tennessee
Ben,
Thank you for your question. It is an interesting one. You didn’t really state why you feel that the porcelain crown needs to be replaced. So it is possible that a good professional cleaning will clean it right up. Otherwise, if it is more than that, it probably does need to be replaced.
It is not possible to place a porcelain veneer over the top of a crown. A crown covers the entire tooth. Porcelain veneers are only placed on the surface of the tooth. Even an ultra-thin porcelain veneer like Lumineers, will not work either because it would need to adhere to the natural tooth and won’t work over top of the crown. It would not be functional or aesthetically-pleasing. So if it’s time for the crown to be replaced, you need another crown. Seeking another opinion is completely fine, but there is no cosmetic dentist that will recommend placing a veneer over a crown. And if for some reason you found one, you wouldn’t want to get the work done because it wouldn’t last.
The teeth surrounding the crown can have porcelain veneers done and when you visit a highly skilled cosmetic dentist, everything will blend in perfectly with the new crown. No one will be able to tell you ever had any work done. Good luck!
This post is sponsored by Barrington cosmetic dentist James T. Gavrilos, DDS