60 years old. Should I get Veneers or Crowns when my teeth are in good condition? (photo)

Question

I have pretty good teeth having looked after them. But my photos show the wearing down of my teeth and my teeth are looking smaller. I also have a small gap at the front. I would love to smile with confidence. My dentist suggested that Crowns may be the better option as he said he sees some evidence of teeth grinding or clenching. I would appreciate your comments on which might be best.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:I suggest to do veneers and wearing a night guard at night to protect the veneers against clenching or grinding.  If chipping is a concern you can get emax veneers.  Doing veneers will be far more conservative and more of tooth structure will be preserved.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Michael D. Kosdon, DDS · Answer

Its never too late to smile with confidence! 
Teeth naturally wear down over time, and you would expect someone in their 60's to have smaller, shorter teeth than someone in their 20's. Many times the wear of enamel is a natural process that takes place over decades. Other times, clenching and teeth grinding can exacerbate the normal aging process. Identifying which category you fall into is important when considering any cosmetic dental treatment. You should also communicate to your dentist if you have any other destructive oral habits such as chewing on ice, or biting your nails. 
Porcelain crowns and veneers are similar to teeth, whereas they can chip and fracture if placed in a hostile environment. Generally speaking, porcelain crowns are stronger than veneers as the porcelain is thicker and it covers the entire tooth. That being said, you have to reduce more healthy tooth structure in order to have enough room for a porcelain crown. This can weaken an already compromised tooth which can result in a tooth fracture or even tooth loss.  There are other factors to consider such as your bite and the alignment of your teeth in your dental arch.
I would seek out an expert cosmetic dentist who can give you a comprehensive assessment of your oral conditions and recommend the best restoration for you individual needs.
Regardless of which restoration you end getting, I would definitely wear a night guard to protect your investment!

Charles Briscoe, DDS · Answer

Thanks for the photo.Your dentist is correct about the teeth wear and the possibility of grinding or clenching, past or present, having caused the wear.Your smile can be enhanced to give you a beautiful smile!The first thing that needs to be handled is correcting the bite. If that is not done, the veneers and crowns will wear and eventually break.Putting crowns on the teeth instead of veneers (which are more conservative), instead of correcting the bite, doesn't make any sense.You should speak to your dentist about this, or seek another opinion.

German Arzate, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

This is your moment,for acomplete change, it does not matter if it is veneers or crowns, this will be determined,by your doctor, so yes, this is your moment for a big change, you will be able to change shape, size and even color.go for it. change and have ahollywood smile, 10 years younger you will be!!!!

60 years old. Should I get Veneers or Crowns when my teeth are in good condition? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: ITS TIME FOR A COMPLETE SMILE MAKEOVER

Answer: ITS TIME FOR A COMPLETE SMILE MAKEOVER

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60 years old. Should I get Veneers or Crowns when my teeth are in good condition? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: ITS TIME FOR A COMPLETE SMILE MAKEOVER

Answer: ITS TIME FOR A COMPLETE SMILE MAKEOVER

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.