Can You Get Veneers If You Have a Crown? A Simple Guide to Your Choices

If you have a dental crown but want veneers for a whiter, nicer smile, you’re not alone. Many people wonder if putting veneers over a crown is possible. This article gives you clear answers, shows you your options, and helps you avoid wasting money—because your smile matters. Read on to learn about the risks, rewards, prices, and how to pick the best choice for your teeth.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why People Ask About Veneers Over Crowns

Maybe your old crown doesn’t look like your other teeth anymore. Or you want a total smile makeover, but you already have some crowns in front. I know friends and patients who have faced this. Everyone wants a real, even smile. It’s important for feeling good.

But here’s the tricky part: Crowns and veneers are made of different stuff. They work in different ways. Putting one over the other isn’t as easy as taping paper to a wall. That’s why you should know the facts before spending money or time.

What Are Veneers? What Are Crowns?

Let’s make this easy.

A veneer is a thin cover—usually porcelain or some type of plastic—put on the front of a tooth. It makes a tooth look better: whiter, straighter, or the right shape. Veneers are great for strong teeth with small problems.

A crown is a full cap. It covers the whole tooth above your gums. Dentists use crowns when a tooth is really broken, has had root canal, or is weak. Crowns protect and give strength, but can also make teeth look better.

Key differences:

Crowns are for heavy-duty work—veneers are more like a little cover-up for beauty.

Can You Put Veneers Over a Crown? The Honest Answer

Here’s the question you want answered: Can you get veneers if you already have a crown?

Short answer: It depends. Sometimes yes, but mostly no.

The problem: Veneers are made to stick to enamel (the outside of real teeth). Crowns are not made of enamel. They can be porcelain, metal, or both. Glue for veneers doesn’t stick as well to those as to real teeth. If you try to put a veneer over a crown, it may not hold. The veneer can break, fall off, or look weird.

But: Sometimes, a really good dentist can prepare the crown, make it rough, and use special glue. This is hard, usually doesn’t last, and isn’t the best way. It’s like patching a hole with tape. Might last a bit, but not for long.

Real story: My neighbor tried gluing a veneer to her old crown. It was okay for a few months. Then the edge showed, the color was different, and finally it came off. She had to pay again—to get a new crown AND new veneers.

When Should You Replace a Crown Before Getting Veneers?

Most dentists—and most good labs—say: if you want a strong, nice result, get a new crown as part of your new smile.

Here’s when changing the crown makes sense:

• The crown is old, cracked, or loose.
• The color doesn’t match your other teeth.
• You want all your front teeth (crowns and veneers) to look alike.
• The tooth under the crown is weak or has problems.

Example Table: When Changing Crown is Best

Dentists will remove the old crown and make a new one to match your new veneers—in color, shape, and feel.

What If You Leave Your Crown and Only Get Veneers on Other Teeth?

Sometimes, your old crown is still in good shape. Maybe you only want to fix the teeth next to it.

Can you do this? Yes, sometimes.

But here’s what can go wrong:

• Color difference: Old crowns don’t change color. Teeth and new veneers might be whiter than the crown.
• Shape difference: Old crowns might not be thick the same as new veneers. This looks uneven.
• Hard to match: Getting old crowns, new veneers, and real teeth to look the same is really tough—even for good dental labs.

If you want to try this, pick a dentist who knows how to match different materials. Ask for before-and-after photos. Sometimes, just for a perfect match, you must redo the crown too.

Tip: If you want to whiten your teeth, do it before you get veneers. Crowns and fillings do not bleach, so decide your “final” color first.

Key Factors Dentists Consider Before Treatment

Dentists look at your whole mouth, not just the teeth. Here’s what they check:

• Type of crown: Is it all porcelain? Porcelain and metal? Metal only?
• Age and condition: Old, bad crowns sometimes hide problems.
• Gum health: Swollen gums have to be fixed first.
• How your teeth bite: If your teeth don’t meet right, veneers and crowns can break.
• What do you want?: Just a small fix or a big change?
• Number of teeth: One is easier to match than eight! More teeth often means more crowns or veneers for a matching look.

A good dentist will take X-rays, photos, and maybe digital scans. They might work with a top veneer lab for careful planning.

Don’t be quiet with your questions. The better you understand, the happier you’ll be!

Step-By-Step: What to Expect When Getting Veneers With a Crown

Knowing what happens can help you relax and plan ahead. Here’s the usual steps:

1. First visit:

• Full dental check
• X-rays and photos
• Talk about what you want

2. Planning:

• Dentist goes over choices: veneers, a new crown, both, or other treatment
• Sometimes, digital pictures are used so you can preview your new smile

3. Changing the crown, if needed:

• Dentist takes out the old crown
• Treats any problems or gum issues
• Makes a fake (temporary) crown

4. Tooth and veneer prep:

• Dentist shapes your teeth for veneers
• Takes molds for custom veneers and crowns

5. Lab work:

• A good dental lab makes your new veneers and crowns from strong materials like e.max, zirconia, or porcelain. Zirconia labs give strength and beauty.

6. Try-in and finish:

• Dentist checks how everything looks and fits
• Makes changes if needed
• Glues veneers and crowns in place

7. Aftercare:

• Follow-up visits
• Learn to look after your new smile (no biting nails or chewing ice!)

It takes a few visits, but the payoff is a healthier, whiter, and more even smile.

Risks and Benefits of Combining Veneers and Crowns

Here are the good and bad sides.

Good things

• Even, nice smile: No more “weird” tooth when you smile big.
• Fixes chips, gaps, stains: Veneers and new crowns can hide old problems.
• More confidence: You’ll want to smile more. That’s a big win!

Bad things

• Veneers on crowns might not hold: Gluing a veneer to a crown is much riskier than to real teeth. It can fall off or chip.
• Color matching is hard: Matching old crowns to new veneers is really hard—even for the best lab workers.
• Crown changing is more work: Taking off and replacing crowns means more visits, more cost, and can sometimes bother the tooth underneath.
• Costs and visits: More appointments, longer time, more money.

Table: Compare Risks & Benefits

What Are the Alternatives to Veneers If You Have a Crown?

Not every problem needs a veneer. Here are other ways:

• Full crown change: The best way to match veneers for a smooth look.
• Teeth bonding: For small chips or spaces, dentist uses tooth-colored stuff. Not as strong, but cheaper.
• Whitening: If the crown looks fine but teeth are dark, whiten your teeth first. Remember: crowns and fillings don’t bleach, but real teeth do.
• Braces or aligners: If the main issue is crooked teeth, sometimes straightening is all you need—no veneers or crowns.

If you want the best crowns or implants, work with a quality crown and bridge lab.

How Much Does It Cost? Insurance and Other Facts

Being honest, veneers and crowns can cost a lot, especially if you want good ones.

• Veneers: Price depends on how many you get, what they’re made of, and where you live. Porcelain is stronger and looks better, but costs more.
• Changing crowns: Adding or changing crowns will raise the price. All-ceramic and zirconia crowns are pricier but look most like real teeth.
• Insurance: Most dental insurance calls veneers and many crowns “cosmetic.” That means almost no coverage. If you need a crown fix because it’s broken or decayed, some money may be covered. Check your insurance.

A great smile can be expensive—but fixing bad work later costs even more. Doing it right at the start is worth it.

Why You Need a Skilled Cosmetic Dentist—and a Good Dental Lab

Here’s a tip: How your smile looks depends as much on the lab (where your crowns and veneers are built) as on your dentist. A skilled lab tech can match color and shape really well.

• Pick a dentist who works with a great china dental lab. Modern labs use digital tools for accuracy and beauty.
• Ask your dentist for real before-and-after photos—especially for people who had both crowns and veneers.
• Talk openly. You, your dentist, and the lab must agree on color, shape, materials, and your goals.

If you’re uneasy, get another dentist’s opinion. It’s your smile—don’t settle!

FAQ: Simple Answers to Common Questions

Can you always put veneers over a crown?

No, usually not. Veneers stick much better to real teeth, not crowns.

What if my old crown looks okay?

If the color and shape fit with new veneers, you may be able to keep it.

Will insurance cover veneers if I have a crown?

Not often, as veneers are “cosmetic” work.

Is changing a crown painful?

No. Your dentist will numb you. You may feel a little sore later, but it goes away fast.

How long do crowns and veneers last?

Good ones can last 10-15 years (or more) if you take care of them and see your dentist.

Quick Review: Main Points to Remember

• Veneers stick best to real teeth, not crowns.
• Veneers on crowns can be done, but usually don’t last and may look bad.
• Changing the crown usually gives the best, longest-lasting, and nicest result—especially if you want a full smile makeover.
• Modern materials, like zirconia and e.max, make strong and natural-looking teeth.
• Matching old crowns to new veneers is hard—trust a dentist and lab with real skill.
• Insurance almost never pays for cosmetic work, so plan your money.
• Pick a dentist and lab you trust. Your smile matters!

Want to learn more about the newest ways to fix teeth? Check out digital dental lab and what they can do!

Remember: Every smile is different, and so is every answer. Take your time, ask questions, and pick a way that lets you smile proudly—for years.

References:

• Clinical papers on veneers and crowns: [Journal of Prosthodontic Research]
• The American Dental Association: Crowns and Veneers
• Tips from lab techs and dentists