Would having osteoporosis affect whether one should go with veneers or crowns?

Question

I'm trying to make the best decision on whether to go with veneers or crowns. I prefer crowns because I like the natural look. Does the reduction of the tooth and recession of gum line change the look of the mouth? Thank you.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

The answer is YES, osteoporosis can affect your teeth.  You are more likely to fracture a tooth if you have this bone disease.  I would highly recommend veneers over crowns, because you will have a lot more tooth structure remaining with the veneers.  Veneers will not likely increase your chances of fracturing your tooth, but a crown in your condition, may.  If you don't believe that veneers can look as good as or better than crowns, then you may not have seen the right before and after photos by the right cosmetic dentist.  I encourage you to continue to look around.  Veneers and crowns are what I do, so "Follow" me if you have more questions about them.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

A porcelain veneer is simply the front half of a porcelain crown.  Only a dentist can tell with his mirror if it is a veneer or a crown, so saying crowns look more natural than a veneer means you have not seen well crafted veneers.  The same principles involved in creating natural looking crowns apply to porcelain veneers.  This includes layering porcelain, varying colors and shades and proportionality.  Osteoporosis does not play into this decision.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

I do not think that osteoporosis will have much influence on whether or not you have veneers or porcelain crowns.  There are significant advantages of veneers over crowns, number one being that less drilling of the tooth and that the underlying tooth will be stronger.  In my own mouth I would want veneers over crowns any time that I would have the option.Recession is not generally caused by veneers or crowns.  More often a function of age, biting or grinding the teeth, clenching the teeth, thin gums, prominent roots, previous history of orthodontics, etc.  Properly done, it is my opinion that veneers or crowns will have much influence on whether your get gum recession.Does recession change the look of the mouth?  Yes, in respect that if you have a high lip line (meaning when you smile you show all of your upper front teeth and some gums) that recession will make your teeth look longer.  Longer teeth with less gums is an "older look", but again you may not have much control over that.  In some cases if you get significant recession you may be able to have a periodontist (gum specialist) graft gum tissue back onto the teeth and roots.  This is a common procedure that most gums specialists do routinely.

Robert Fields, DDS · Answer

Hi Amy...You do not mention your age, but most women, starting in their 40's, have osteoporosis or osteopenia since they lose bone density due to change in hormones. You did not mention you were under going  periodontal treatment.  You have osteoporosis and wonder if this would affect placement of crowns or veneers. I am assured you will be fine, but make sure you have x rays taken so it shows that you have good bone density. I would be more concerned if  you were placing implants, which need absolute good bone density and  integrity. I think crowns are a good choice if you are happy with the shape of your teeth. E Max makes a beautiful crown that is translucent and reflects light the same as veneers do.  I would not be too concerned about bone density unless x rays show compromised bone density and bone integrity.

Would having osteoporosis affect whether one should go with veneers or crowns?

Answers (4)

Answer: Does Osteoporosis affect placement of crowns or veneers?

Answer: Does Osteoporosis affect placement of crowns or veneers?

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.

Would having osteoporosis affect whether one should go with veneers or crowns?

Answers (4)

Answer: Does Osteoporosis affect placement of crowns or veneers?

Answer: Does Osteoporosis affect placement of crowns or veneers?

Browse related questions

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.