I had porcelain veneers done a few years ago. They were never what I’d hoped and now they are starting to wear out. I’d like to replace them. This time I want a more aesthetic result and I’m hoping they will last longer. I’ve seen a couple of dentists for a consult. One recommended e.max. Another zirconia. Do you know what is the best material for either porcelain veneers or dental crowns?
Eden
Dear Eden,
I’m glad you wrote. I think I can save you from a possible cosmetic dental horror story. I can tell you are trying to do your due diligence in researching this. The material isn’t the most important factor, though there are exceptions where there is material you wouldn’t want. I’d like you to shift your thinking from looking for the best materials to looking for the best cosmetic dentist. Smile makeovers are an art. If you commissioned a painting, you wouldn’t be asking which was the best brand of oil paints, but who was the best artist.
Just like two painters can use the same subject, paints, and brushes yet produce completely different results based on their skill, so it is with cosmetic dentists. The best cosmetic dentists are accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). There are also some great ones who are working toward accreditation. If you can’t find an AACD accredited dentist close enough to your area to reasonably get to, just make sure you check out that the dentist you see has advanced post-doctoral training in cosmetic dentistry, and that they are artistic. You can get an idea of that from their smile gallery.
As for the materials you mentioned, I have two concerns. First, don’t use zirconia. That will not be able to give the subtle differences our natural teeth have and will not look quite right. They are great for crowns on back teeth, but I wouldn’t recommend them for front teeth. Second, you mentioned crowns. If one of those dentists is suggesting dental crowns for your smile makeover, cross them off your list. That would require your teeth to be ground down to nubs. If you don’t NEED dental crowns, then the only reason a dentist would be suggesting it is because they are unqualified to place porcelain veneers.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.