Do I Need Dental Crowns Just to Whiten My Teeth?

Posted by AllSmiles

I just switched dentists, and she recommends new crowns for all the teeth that show when I smile. My smile is broad, and I already have three porcelain veneers and one crown on the teeth involved. This treatment seems to be too aggressive, and it’s not what I had in mind. I have dry mouth, which concerns me about getting extensive dental work.  Is my dentist’s recommendation overtreatment, or is it reasonable since I already have some veneers and a crown? Thanks. Luca from Seattle

 

Luca,

A recommendation to crown all your teeth, especially to achieve a whiter smile, should be approached with caution. This type of treatment is invasive and not generally advised when other, less destructive options are available.

Conservative Care vs. Aggressive Treatment

Removing healthy tooth structure to place crowns can have long-term consequences. A skilled cosmetic dentist can lighten your natural teeth through professional whitening and replace or adjust your current veneers and crown to match, without full coverage on every tooth.

When to Question a Dentist’s Treatment Plan

Before agreeing to a comprehensive and irreversible procedure, consider:

• Whether your dentist has advanced cosmetic training
• If they’ve provided alternatives such as whitening or partial restorations
• Your dentist’s comfort and experience with matching restorations like dental crowns and porcelain veneers
• Whether your dentist assessed your dry mouth symptoms and bite function thoroughly

Veneers vs. Crowns: Know the Difference

Replacing porcelain veneers with crowns removes more natural tooth than is necessary. This may reflect a dentist’s limitations in aesthetic matching. Extensive work could aggravate dry mouth symptoms or alter your bite if performed incorrectly.

Getting Another Opinion

We recommend consulting two cosmetic dentists with advanced training in aesthetics. After a full evaluation, they can explain your options for safely achieving a whiter, natural-looking smile without overtreatment. Compare your the results of your consultations to help you feel confident about your choice.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. They cater to patients with dental anxiety.