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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Can I Get Oversized Dental Crowns Replaced with Veneers?

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My new dentist replaced four old crowns on my front teeth in June, but they were too thick and too big. She redid the crowns, but they were still oversized and uncomfortable. The crowns make my lips protrude. Although my dentist says she is willing to try again, I’m done and want to switch dentists. Can I get the oversized crowns replaced with veneers? Thank you. Darlene from Mobile, AL

Darlene,

Thank you for your question. We understand your frustration. Dr. Szarek would need to examine your crowns to determine when they are so bulky, but we will answer your question about switching from dental crowns to veneers.

Can You Replace Oversized Dental Crowns with Veneers?

Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

Porcelain veneers bond to fronts of teeth, but dental crowns cover the entire tooth

You are unable to replace dental crowns with porcelain veneers. Preparing a tooth for a crown requires shaving it down every side of the tooth—making it too small to support a porcelain veneer. In contrast, tooth preparation for porcelain veneers is different. Sometimes, veneers do not require any preparation at all. When a skilled dentist must prepare your teeth for veneers, they will only remove a fraction of a millimeter from the front of each affected tooth.

Your teeth are already prepared for dental crowns, and insufficient tooth structure is left to support porcelain veneers. Also, veneers would leave the backs of your shaved-down teeth exposed and susceptible to decay. You can only replace dental crowns with new crowns.

Get a Second Opinion

Although a cosmetic dentist can only replace your existing crowns with new ones, you do not need to repeat an unpleasant experience with another dentist. Please look for dentists with post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry and years of experience practicing the art.

Tips on selecting a dentist:

  • Read the dentist’s patients’ reviews. If you cannot find any reviews, be cautious.
  • Schedule a consultation with one or two advanced cosmetic dentists to discuss how to resolve your concerns.
  • Ask to see before-and-after patient photos of the dentist’s experience with crowns.

An experienced cosmetic dentist can replace your crowns and make them look natural.

 

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

Can I Get My Crowns Replaced with Veneers?

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I am concerned about the toxicity of my metal crowns because they contain palladium. I want all six crowns replaced with veneers, so I will know that I don’t have metal in my mouth. How do I find a dentist who will replace them? Thank you. Len from Manhattan

Len

Thank you for your question.

Palladium is a moderately biocompatible noble metal in the platinum group. Sensitivities to the metal are rare, but it is possible to react to palladium. Most dental crowns and bridges with a metal framework contain palladium.

Still, if you want a metal-free alternative, consider these factors:

Can You Replace Dental Crowns with Veneers?

A porcelain veneer held next to a tooth

Porcelain veneers require minimal tooth preparation and do not work for teeth that had crowns on them

A dentist is unable to replace dental crowns with veneers. Preparing teeth for crowns requires shaving each tooth on all sides to allow the crown to fit over it. Porcelain veneers only cover the fronts of your teeth and require minimal preparation. After a dentist shaves tooth structure in preparation for crowns, you will not have enough tooth structure for veneers. You can only get new crowns.

The Role of Metals in the Human Body

Our daily nutrition and life rely on metal ions.

  • Sodium – As a pure metal, sodium is toxic. It becomes salt when combined with chlorine.
  • Iron – We cannot consume metallic iron, but iron ions in our hemoglobin give our blood its red color and help our muscles store and use oxygen.
  • Other metal ions – Other metals that we need for a healthy diet and nutrition include:
    • Calcium
    • Cobalt
    • Copper
    • Magnesium
    • Manganese
    • Molybdenum
    • Potassium
    • Zinc

What about Ceramic Crowns?

  • Lithium – Sodium-based is in ocean water. Lithium disilicate is a high-strength ceramic. E.max crowns contain lithium disilicate.
  • Zirconium – Zirconium dioxide or zirconia is so strong that engineers use it in aerodynamics. It is more durable than other ceramics for dental restorations. Zirconia crowns make exceptionally durable dental bridges.
  • Porcelain – Cosmetic dentists mainly use porcelain crowns for front teeth because porcelain is not as strong as lithium or zirconia. Dental porcelain contains kaolin, a clay that contains silica and the ion aluminum oxide, which is not a metal.

We recommend scheduling a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss your concerns about your metal-based crowns and alternatives for replacing them.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.