Are Some Teeth Just Too "Bad" for Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the outer surface of your existing teeth.  When there is a significant amount of enamel that has been lost, the patient may no longer be a candidate for porcelain veneers.  For these types of cases, the patient will usually need to have all porcelain crowns that would cover the whole tooth.  These restorations are both strong and aesthetic.  You would be very happy with these I am sure.

Yes, if teeth are too damaged, then porcelain veneers may not be possible.  However, this may mean that full coverage crowns would work, so a smile is still possible.  Generally speaking, anybody that wants a beautiful smile, but sometimes the solution is more involved than anticipated and an experienced cosmetic dentist will know what to do.

The answer is "usually" yes, having some enamel missing does not eliminate a patient from being a candidate for porcelain veneers.  However, a couple things to consider.  Having enamel present is always better, as the veneer bonds stronger to enamel than to the underlying dentin. 

Many teeth have been partially broken or had large cavities or fillings and have been excellent candidates for porcelain veneers and did not have to have aggressive porcelain crowns, which in fact always require more drilling away of the tooth.

Most cosmetic dentists prefer doing veneers whenever possible because of the "less drilling away of the tooth" concept.  This has advantages as the underlying tooth will be stronger, less chance of sensitivity, the gums usually look better around the veneers than the crowns, there is a less likely chance that a root canal might be necessary, and oftentimes the general appearance of veneers is much more esthetic.

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Veneers are best suited to healthy and intact teeth, meaning teeth that are not broken down severely.  Minor chips or wear is fine.  Teeth that are damaged or have had large fillings placed are better candidates for crowns, also known as caps.

Every patient presents with a different situation and their needs differ accordingly. Yes.... sometimes teeth are too far gone for veneers and a crown might be the answer. In a smile makeover of the upper 6 or 8 front teeth it is not unusual for some of the teeth to need crowns and some need veneers. As long as the cosmetic dentist knows how to handle the case and uses a terrific dental ceramist you won't be able to tell which teeth have veneers and which teeth have crowns. They will be a dead match with each other.