porcelain or composite crowns?

jetplane

Hi I wonder if anyone here has had composite crowns or veneers? I have two crowns and two veneers which were done over 25 years ago and now need replacing. My dentist has recommended composite rather than porcelain, the reason being that I put a lot of pressure on my front teeth due to my bite which is how my current old ones have slipped and chipped.

My dentist says that porcelain will be expensive to repair or replace. From what I have read composite does not look as good, are not as strong and will need replacing more often, therefore more expensive in the long run?

Any one give me any insight into their experience on this?

Thanks

Toothsmith

My advice would be listen to your dentist. He's the only one who has seen your teeth.

jetplane

Thanks I'm tempted to get a second opinion and would need to justify the cost of another assessment appointment to myself.

justme111

Are you sure you understood your dentist correctly? Do you have a printout of treatment plan with names of restorations ? Usually by composite veneers people mean composite facets covering the front part/edges of your teeth which is made directly on your teeth out of composite filling material. Usually crowns are not made that way but impressions taken , they are made in laboratory and then cemented on another appointment. Crowns usually are not made from composite but porcelain and/or metal. I would advice to check exact material and whether it is made in the surgery or laboratory for each tooth. Then if you post it here and we find it makes sense and you like your dentist you may avoid second opinion expense.

jetplane

No I don't have a print out, I will ask for this and yes he definitely said composite and explained why he chose this over porcelain. I thought all crowns and veneers were porcelain / metal and was surprised. However dentistry has moved on since I had any treatment of this kind which is why I wondered if anyone else had composites.

I thought composite would have a flat finish rather than polished and also thought it would be porous.

brook2jack

No dentistry lasts forever. It all needs replacing or repairing eventually.

The problem with porcelain veneers is they cannot be repaired and each time they are replaced more enamel goes and eventually you end up with crowns.

Composite is an excellent material as it can be added to, adjusted ,polished and repaired without removing any more tooth.

Composites come in many colours and viscosities and a well done composite veneer , in skilled hands , with layers and well finished will look as good or even better than a porcelain veneer as you can adjust the colour as you go along. This is a good explanation with some photos http://www.roselanedentalpractice.co.uk/site/dental-treatments/cosmetic-dental-treatments/composite-veneers/

If chipping is a problem due to your bite then perhaps it may be worthwhile asking your dentist about a night guard to wear to protect the front teeth as most clenching/grinding is done at night.

jetplane

Thanks for the link this is not how I imagined they would look and the commentary reflects what my dentist said. He also suggested a guard to wear at night. I have a crown which has stayed put for almost 40 years and veneers for 26, and admit that I thought any replacements would last 20 years or so. I think I may have been fortunate with the ones I have!