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Why Do Dentists Always Recommend the Most Conservative Option when It Comes to Crowns Vs. Veneers?

asked 1 year ago by Elysia in USA
Latest answer by Martin Frankel, DDS
Question viewed 537 times
Tags: dentist

I've genetic enamel hypoplasia and most of my teeth have been filled/patched up to some degree. I wanted to get crowns for my entire smile line but my prosthodontist insists that it's better to be conservative and do veneers for some that don't require crowns. However, with my hypoplasia and the rate my teeth deteriorate, it's only a matter of time before the back of the tooth may start to erode if I only protect the front with a veneer. Why not crown it and avoid future problems altogether?

13 answers to Why Do Dentists Always Recommend the Most Conservative Option when It Comes to Crowns Vs. Veneers?

Crowns vs veneers, is conservative way safer?

Most commnon approach for prosthodontists is on a conservative side, especially in cases of full mouth reconstruction and enamel malformations. Usually porcelain veneers are not the great choice for patients with enamel hypoplasia. Hypoplastic enamel has defective structure of enamel rods and bonding strength of porcelai veneers will be altered, what can decrease the overall longevity of these restorations. However, in certain situations, for example lower anterior teeth that have small... more

Olga Kharevich, DMD, PhD
Miami Cosmetic Dentist

Save tooth structure for the future

To answer your question of why dentists recommend conservative veneers over more aggressive treatment like crowns, I would say that we need to look at the trends in life expectancy. Today people are generally living much longer than we did 50 or 60 years ago. As a result, our bodies and associated parts have to survive with us. Years ago if a tooth received a crown at age 30 and by 50 the tooth was decayed and not able to be saved, the person would not have to... more

Martin Frankel, DDS
Toronto Cosmetic Dentist

Veneers or Crowns for Enamel Hypoplasia

In dentistry as in all forms of medicine the goal of the practitioner it to always be as conservative as possible when considering treatment for any medical/dental issue. In the case of Enamel Hypoplasia being conservative may not always be the best choice. This is a condition that does not allow for proper formation of enamel, making the teeth more susceptible to decay. For these cases I would lean towards full coverage crowns to ensure that as much of the tooth structure... more

Scott Young, DDS
Houston Cosmetic Dentist

www.woodlandsdentistry.com

Conservative usually great - there are exceptions

If you do have defective enamel, the bond of the veneers may be reduced, which will result in premature failure. If this is the case, crowns will be more conservative in the sense that you won't have to prep your teeth again due to failure. The main thing is, as always, find a skilled, highly recommended dentist that you trust and things should work out very well for you!!! Best wishes!

John Whittemore, DDS
Memphis Cosmetic Dentist

Conservative dentistry benefits the patient

I understand you have genetic enamel hypoplasia, which does result in the breaking down of natural tooth structure. I would guess you dentist, during a comprehensive evaluation, recommended a veneer restoration due to the desease progression in your case. You may not have experienced enamel breakdown on the tongue side of you teeth. Your question is very good - and speaks to reason. I would ask your dentist again if he/she would consider full coverage crowns to address... more

Greg Lutke, DDS
Plano Cosmetic Dentist

Is it best to be conservative?

Modern dentistry has evolved to the technical level where the most conservative form of treatment is usually best. We always want to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. Aesthetic dentistry uses the porcelain veneer to alter tooth color, shape or appearance over the more aggressive full crown. After all, no one sees the back side of the tooth. Your case is the exception. Enamel hypoplasia involves a defect in the structure of tooth... more

Marc Zive, DMD
Springfield Cosmetic Dentist

Conservative not always the best option

Crowns can be done conservatively, preserving as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible. Optimal home care and regular professional visits will protect your investment in your oral health.

Mitchel Friedman, DDS
Eatontown Cosmetic Dentist

What's the Most Conservative Dental Care-Crowns or Veneers?

What the most conservative treatment? It's a fine line. Either CAN be right depending upon your specific situation. As cosmetic dentists we want to preserve as much of your natural teeth as possible. No dental work lasts forever, and whatever you have done now will need to be replaced later in the future. Being very conservative now may mean that you have more options and more to work with later in the future when you need something replaced. I think in cosmetic dentistry however... more

Scott Greenhalgh, DDS
Denver Cosmetic Dentist

Crowns vs. veneers for enamel hypoplasia

Your situation is not very common and your restorative options are different from others. I think your prosthodontist may be right in suggesting crowns because hypoplastic teeth sometimes do not bond well and while veneers are almost always our first option (since they are more conservatively prepped than crowns) the bond is vital to their survival. I would still recommend getting a second opinion by a dentist who has treated patients like you with your specific condition... more

Gerilyn Alfe, DMD
Chicago Cosmetic Dentist

Sometimes conservative is shortsighted....

While in general I try to be conservative, sometimes more aggressive treatment is best. Some situations, like GERD, bulimia or even your situation can warrant full crowns instead of veneers. Seek a second opinion if you must, perhaps your dentist is not experienced enough.

Lance Timmerman, DMD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

Save as much of the natural tooth as you can

I think your dentist is giving you the correct answer. You want to keep as much natural tooth as possible. Every time you place a crown on you will be reducing the tooth structure. I would place veneers before i would reduce the tooth for a crown. You do not mention your age, but if you are young, you really need to lean toward a conservative approach and keep as much of the tooth as you can. Consult another dentist if your are not happy with his opinion.....it always pays to more

Robert Fields, DDS
Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist

The best dental care is NO dental care!

Whenever possible, as much 'healthy' tooth structure should be left on the tooth - not only to be conservative, but also, porcelain bonds to enamel better than it does bond to the inner softer dentin. Secondly, if the tooth is prepared below the gumline, the edge of the crown is sitting in a pool of bacteria in the pockets at the base of the teeth! The farther away from the margin of the tooth you can have the crown, the easier it is for you to maintain the crown healthy.... more

Randall LaFrom, DDS
San Jose Cosmetic Dentist

Conservative Dentistry

I applaud your dentist for wanting to choose the most conservative approach to treating the issue. Anytime tooth structure can be save, you win. You must trust your dentist's knowledge and experience to know what the future has in store and what treatment will benefit you the most.

Mickey Bernstein, DDS
Memphis Cosmetic Dentist

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