3/4 crown vs veneers? Pros and cons - which is better long term? (Photo)

Question

I had dental bonding done on my upper front teeth (6-11) a while ago and am now looking to replace it. So far I have had 2 consultations with two different dentists. Both dentists have voiced concerns that since veneers are fairly thin the stains from the original tooth might come through. One of the suggestions was instead of veneers have 3/4 crowns done instead. Is one procedure necessarily better than the other in this instance?

Helen Carmenate, DDS · Answer

When deciding between veneers and 3/4 crowns for replacing dental bonding, especially on upper front teeth (6-11), there are several factors to consider. The primary concern you mentioned is the potential for the original tooth's stains to show through the veneers, as they are quite thin.
Veneers are typically used for cosmetic purposes to enhance the appearance of teeth. They are thin shells that cover the front surface of the tooth. Because of their thinness, if your natural teeth have significant staining or discoloration, there's a possibility that these could be visible through the veneers. However, modern materials and techniques in veneer fabrication have improved significantly, often minimizing such issues.
3/4 crowns, on the other hand, involve more tooth preparation than veneers. They cover a larger portion of the tooth, not just the front. This could offer better coverage for stains or discoloration. However, since more of the natural tooth structure is removed, it is generally considered a more invasive procedure compared to veneers.
Each procedure has its advantages and considerations:
1. Veneers:  - Less invasive (less tooth structure is removed). - Good for improving the aesthetic appearance. - May not completely mask severe discoloration.
2. 3/4 Crowns: - More invasive (more tooth structure is removed). - Offer more comprehensive coverage, potentially better for teeth with significant discoloration. - Typically stronger due to more coverage.
In your situation, the best option depends on several factors, including the extent of discoloration, the condition of your teeth, and your cosmetic expectations. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each procedure with your dentist, considering your specific dental history and aesthetic goals.
Ultimately, the decision should be made in consultation with your dental professional, who can offer personalized advice based on a thorough examination of your teeth. It's also advisable to seek opinions from multiple qualified dentists, as you have been doing, to make an informed decision.

Gili Litwack, DDS · Answer

A 3/4 crown is simply putting porcelain not only on the front ('facial' or 'buccal' surface) of a tooth (like a veneer), but also putting porcelain on the biting surface. 
Dental bonding on the facial surfaces of the front teeth are also known as composite veneers. These can be made thick or thin, and use opaque or translucent materials, crucial in determining the show-through of the natural teeth behind them. Porcelain veneers (and 3/4 crowns in the same exact way) can also be made thick or thin, and you can use opaque or translucent cements underneath them to block out the natural teeth or to let them show through. Both porcelain veneers and 3/4 crowns can be made very thing or a bit thicker. Hope that answers your question! *All advice/any statement made here should not be taken as definitive dental advice. The ideal way to obtain definitive information is with proper diagnostic procedures during an in-person consultation.

Kerem Turgut Atasoy, DDS, PhD · Answer

Hello. Laminate veneers are thin and translucent materials which may cause that the color of your teeth can be seen under the restoration. Crowns or partial crowns are more reasonable in those cases

3/4 crown vs veneers? Pros and cons - which is better long term? (Photo)

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