ChatGPT answers, unedited

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Juan Vesga, DDS - 4201 Bee Caves Rd, Ste C110, Austin, TX 78746
• West Lake Hills Dental - 4105 Westbank Dr Ste 103, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin City Dental - 1500 W 38th St #37, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Katz Dentistry - 3818 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 200, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States

If you're replacing old silver/metal crowns with natural-looking ceramic crowns and possibly veneers, I’d focus less on a generic “cosmetic dentist” and more on someone who does complex restorative + cosmetic cases. The existing crowns need to be evaluated for decay, cracks, root canals, bite, gum levels, and how much healthy tooth remains before deciding whether each tooth should get a crown or a veneer.

Based on current Austin-area information, these are the practices I would put on your consultation list:

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — Westlake, 3355 Bee Caves Rd. This is particularly relevant if your priority is a very natural-looking cosmetic result. His practice is heavily focused on porcelain veneers and cosmetic restorations, and RealSelf has patient reports specifically involving replacement of older veneers and extensive veneer work. RealSelf.com Birdeye
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — Downtown, 221 W 6th St. A strongly cosmetic-focused practice with extensive veneer/smile-makeover experience, and importantly, they also do crowns. Their own examples include cases combining a crown + bridge + veneers, which is closer to what you may need than a veneers-only case. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry DentaScore
• Juan Vesga, DDS — West Austin/West Lake Hills. This is a prosthodontic practice, which is worth considering if you have several old crowns. Prosthodontists receive specialty training in complex restoration and tooth replacement, and this practice specifically lists porcelain crowns and veneers.
• West Lake Hills Dental — Westlake. Particularly interesting if you want a conservative approach. The practice emphasizes preserving natural tooth structure and offers both porcelain crowns and veneers; it also has a prosthodontist on staff.
• Austin City Dental — Central Austin. Another reasonable consultation, particularly because there are patient reports of Dr. Cook replacing older veneers with natural-looking results. Austin City Dental

What I'd do in your situation

I wouldn't decide “crowns vs veneers” before the examination. A veneer is generally more conservative because it can preserve more tooth structure, but a tooth that already has a substantial old crown generally can't simply be converted into a veneer. Some teeth may need new crowns while adjacent intact teeth could potentially receive veneers.

For a case involving multiple old silver crowns, I'd get 2–3 consultations, including at least one prosthodontist and one dentist whose portfolio is heavily cosmetic.

At each consultation, ask:

1. Which teeth actually need crowns, and which could safely have veneers?
2. Can you show me cases where you replaced old metal crowns with ceramic restorations?
3. What ceramic are you proposing—lithium disilicate, zirconia, or something else—and why?
4. Will you make a digital smile design/mock-up before preparing my teeth?
5. What dental laboratory and ceramist will make the restorations?
6. How much healthy tooth structure will be removed?
7. How will you match the crowns to my natural teeth so they don't look opaque or overly white?
8. How will you evaluate my bite before committing to veneers/crowns?
9. What's the warranty/replacement policy?
10. Can I see 5–10 before/after cases similar to mine—not just perfect veneer cases?

One thing I'd pay particular attention to: don't let someone sell you a full set of veneers/crowns simply because you want the silver gone. The best plan may be a mixed restoration—for example, ceramic crowns on teeth that genuinely require full coverage and veneers/bonding on healthy neighboring teeth.

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, which teeth they're on (upper/lower and front/back), and whether you're looking for a very natural look or a “Hollywood” white smile, I can narrow this to 2–3 Austin dentists and compare their specialties, credentials, reviews, likely approach, and typical price range.

• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin City Dental - 1500 W 38th St #37, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Katz Dentistry - 3818 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 200, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States

If you mean old silver/metal crowns rather than silver fillings, I’d look for someone who does both cosmetic dentistry and complex restorative/prosthodontic work. The key is figuring out whether each tooth should receive a new full-coverage crown, a veneer, or something more conservative—not simply replacing everything with veneers.

A few Austin practices that stand out based on their documented services and specialty training:

• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. — North Austin. Dr. Afsaneh Rad is a Harvard-trained prosthodontist, and the practice specifically handles porcelain veneers, crowns and complex/full-mouth restorative cases. For replacing multiple old crowns while getting a very natural aesthetic result, this is the type of specialist I would put on your consultation list. Smile Boutique Implant Center
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — West Austin/Bee Cave Rd. His practice focuses heavily on porcelain veneers and smile makeovers while also doing crowns and restorative dentistry. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — Downtown. Veneers are a major focus, and the practice specifically lists old metal restorations among situations where porcelain veneers may be considered. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — Barton Creek. They do porcelain veneers, crowns and larger smile makeovers, and importantly publish a restoration repair/replacement policy for eligible crowns and veneers. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin
• Prosthodontics of Texas — Southwest Austin. This is another prosthodontic practice, which is particularly relevant if you have numerous old crowns, bite issues, heavily restored teeth, or need a more comprehensive reconstruction.

What I'd ask at the consultation

Don't let the consultation become simply “How many veneers do you want?” Ask:

1. Which of my existing crowns actually need replacement, and why?
2. For each tooth, would you recommend a crown, veneer, onlay, or leaving it alone?
3. How much healthy tooth structure will you remove?
4. Can you show me before/after cases involving old metal crowns specifically?
5. Who makes the crowns/veneers, and can I see examples from that laboratory?
6. Will you evaluate my bite before doing the cosmetic work?
7. Can we do a digital smile design/mock-up so I can approve the shape and color before anything is permanently prepared?
8. What happens if I don't like the aesthetics or the bite after placement?

One important distinction: a veneer generally isn't a substitute for a crown on a structurally compromised tooth. If your existing “silver crowns” are covering teeth that have large fillings, cracks, root canals, or significant loss of tooth structure, a new ceramic crown may be much more appropriate. Conversely, if some teeth are structurally sound and you're trying to improve the overall smile, veneers or more conservative restorations may make sense.

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have, whether they're mostly front or back teeth, and your Austin area (downtown/north/south/west), I can narrow this to 2–3 dentists to get consultations from and compare their credentials, before/after cases, pricing, and patient reviews.

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Austin City Dental - 1500 W 38th St #37, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Katz Dentistry - 3818 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 200, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States

If you’re replacing old silver crowns (likely porcelain-fused-to-metal or metal crowns) with esthetic crowns or veneers, I’d prioritize a dentist who does high-end cosmetic/restorative cases, not just a general dentist who “also does veneers.” The right choice depends on whether your teeth are structurally sound enough for veneers or need full crowns.

A good shortlist in Austin:

Best fits for cosmetic crown/veneer replacement

Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-329-5967)

Why consider: Strong cosmetic focus with porcelain veneers, smile design, and porcelain crowns. Dr. Schmid’s practice specifically emphasizes natural-looking cosmetic work and complex aesthetic planning. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
Best for: Someone who wants a very aesthetic result and careful attention to shape, color, and bite.

The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-333-7777)

Why consider: Focuses on cosmetic transformations, including porcelain veneers, crowns, and smile makeovers.
Best for: Multiple old crowns or a larger smile redesign.

Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 737-332-4865)

Why consider: Veneer-focused cosmetic practice with experience in porcelain veneers and cosmetic restorations. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
Best for: Front teeth where the goal is a very polished cosmetic outcome.

Austin Artistic Dental

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-292-9209)

Why consider: Offers veneers, smile makeovers, and conservative cosmetic approaches.
Best for: Comparing veneer options, including more conservative approaches when appropriate.

Questions I would ask before hiring anyone

For your specific situation, ask:

1. “Are these actually crowns that need replacement, or could some be treated with veneers/onlays?”

• A veneer only covers the front surface; a crown surrounds the entire tooth. A dentist should justify why each tooth needs one.
• “What ceramic would you use?”

• Ask whether they recommend materials like lithium disilicate (e.g., IPS e.max) or zirconia and why.
• “Can I see before-and-after cases of patients with old metal-backed crowns replaced?”

• This is more relevant than generic veneer photos.
• “Do you use a cosmetic wax-up or digital smile design before starting?”

• You want to preview tooth length, shape, and color before irreversible work.
• “Will you handle the bite/occlusion, not just appearance?”

• Poor bite planning is a common reason cosmetic crowns fail.

My suggested order for consultations

If this were my shortlist, I’d get 2–3 consultations, starting with:

1. Dr. John Schmid / Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
2. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin
3. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel

Bring photos of your smile, ask for a written treatment plan, and compare not only price but the proposed design.

If you tell me:

• how many silver crowns you have
• front teeth vs molars
• whether they show when you smile
• your approximate budget range

…I can narrow this down further (veneers vs crowns vs a mixed approach).

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Austin City Dental - 1500 W 38th St #37, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Katz Dentistry - 3818 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 200, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States

Replacing old silver crowns (often porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns with a dark metal edge, or older metal restorations) is a case where the cosmetic skill of the dentist matters a lot. You’ll want someone who does both esthetic dentistry and restorative dentistry, because the goal is not just whiter teeth — it’s getting the bite, gum line, tooth shape, and color right.

A few Austin-area cosmetic dentists I’d put on a shortlist:

Strong candidates to consult

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — West Austin

Good fit if you want a highly cosmetic-focused approach. The practice emphasizes porcelain veneers, cosmetic smile makeovers, and crowns, with a focus on individualized esthetics. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry

• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — Barton Creek area

Worth considering for a full smile makeover situation involving multiple old crowns, veneers, or a combination. They specifically focus on high-aesthetic cases including veneers, crowns, and full-mouth restoration. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — Downtown Austin

A good option if your goal is a very cosmetic “smile design” outcome. They focus heavily on porcelain veneers and cosmetic makeovers and also offer crowns. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry Austin Cosmetic Dentistry

• Austin City Dental — Central Austin

A more balanced cosmetic/restorative option. They discuss porcelain veneers and crowns with attention to natural-looking results. Austin City Dental

• Katz Dentistry — North Austin

Another practice to consider, especially if you need a combination of cosmetic work and functional restoration rather than veneers alone.

Before hiring anyone, ask these questions

For old silver crowns, I’d specifically ask:

1. “How many full crown replacements like mine do you do each year?”
2. “Will you recommend veneers, crowns, or a combination — and why?”
3. “Can I see before-and-after photos of cases replacing old metal crowns?”
4. “What ceramic material would you use (e.max, zirconia, layered porcelain), and why?”
5. “Do you use a high-quality cosmetic dental lab?”
6. “Can I preview the result with a digital smile design or temporary mock-up before final placement?”

One important point: veneers are not usually a replacement for crowns if the tooth underneath already needs full coverage (large fillings, cracks, root canals, weak structure). A cosmetic dentist should evaluate each tooth individually rather than automatically doing veneers everywhere.

If you tell me:

• how many silver crowns you have,
• whether they’re front teeth or back teeth,
• your approximate budget,
• and whether you want natural-looking vs. “Hollywood” white,

I can narrow this list to the 2–3 dentists I’d prioritize for your situation.

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin City Dental - 1500 W 38th St #37, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Katz Dentistry - 3818 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 200, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Juan Vesga, DDS - 4201 Bee Caves Rd, Ste C110, Austin, TX 78746

Yes. For replacing old silver/amalgam crowns with natural-looking crowns and possibly veneers, I’d prioritize a dentist who does a lot of complex cosmetic/restorative work, not simply a general dentist who happens to offer veneers.

My Austin shortlist

1. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — my first choice for a cosmetic-focused consult.

He specifically focuses on cosmetic dentistry, veneers, crowns and smile makeovers. His practice also has a strong history of veneer work, and RealSelf has multiple patient reports of veneer replacements and cosmetic cases. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry RealSelf.com
cosmeticdentistryaustin.com

2. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — excellent choice if you're considering a combination of crowns + veneers.

This is a very cosmetic-oriented practice, with porcelain veneers and crowns as major services. I found patient feedback specifically describing cases involving both crowns and veneers, including replacing/transforming existing dental work. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry DentaScore
austincosmetic.com

3. Prosthodontics of Texas — I'd strongly consider this if you have several old crowns or complicated restorative work.

Prosthodontics is the dental specialty most directly focused on restoring damaged, worn or heavily restored teeth. This practice specifically handles crowns, veneers and complex reconstruction. Burkett Dental

4. Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. — another specialist-level option. It's prosthodontist-led and combines cosmetic dentistry with complex restorative treatment, including crowns and veneers.
5. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — worth a consultation if you're looking for a comprehensive smile makeover. They specifically offer porcelain veneers, all-porcelain crowns and full-mouth reconstruction. Their published policy also provides a substantial replacement/repair warranty under stated conditions. Better Business Bureau

What I'd do in your situation

I would get 2–3 consultations before committing, particularly because there's an important distinction between:

• Replacing a silver crown with a porcelain/zirconia crown — appropriate when the tooth already needs full coverage.
• Putting a veneer over a tooth that previously had a crown — generally not the same thing and often isn't appropriate because a crowned tooth has already been substantially prepared.
• Replacing several crowns and using veneers on adjacent teeth — often the best way to make the entire visible smile look cohesive.

For your particular situation, I'd start with John Schmid and Tejas Patel, then get a consultation with a prosthodontist if you have a lot of old crowns or the teeth underneath them are questionable.

One thing I'd insist on: ask to see before/after cases involving replacement of old crowns—not just pristine natural teeth getting veneers. That's a much better indicator of whether they'll be good at your case.

Also ask:

• What material will you use—lithium-disilicate, zirconia, etc.?
• Will you use a master cosmetic dental lab/ceramist?
• Can I see cases with old metal crowns replaced with natural-looking crowns?
• Will you make temporaries so I can evaluate the shape/color before final crowns?
• How much healthy tooth structure will have to be removed?
• What happens if I don't like the final color/shape?
• Is the bite being evaluated before doing the cosmetic work?

The AACD itself notes that AACD Accreditation is a meaningful credential because it involves a rigorous clinical credentialing process, although membership alone isn't equivalent to accreditation. aacd.com

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have and whether they're mostly visible when you smile (e.g. 4 upper, 6 upper, 10+), I can narrow this down to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd personally interview for your specific situation and compare their credentials, reviews, cosmetic case portfolios, and likely price range.

• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Austin Elite Smiles | Cosmetic & General Dentistry - 15004 Avery Ranch Blvd Bldg B, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78717, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Austin City Dental - 1500 W 38th St #37, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Katz Dentistry - 3818 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 200, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States

If you’re replacing old silver/metal crowns and want the result to look genuinely natural—not just “white”—I’d prioritize a dentist who does a lot of complex restorative + cosmetic dentistry, ideally a prosthodontist or an AACD-accredited cosmetic dentist.

My Austin shortlist

1. Prosthodontics of Texas — my first choice if you have several old crowns

• Prosthodontics is the specialty most directly focused on restoring damaged teeth, crowns, veneers, bite/function, and complex reconstruction.
• Their practice specifically handles crowns, veneers and complex restorative cases, and is led by prosthodontist Dr. Bashar Snober.
• I would strongly consider them if your silver crowns are old, you have a complicated bite, root-canaled teeth, or you're replacing multiple restorations.
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — my pick for a highly cosmetic, natural-looking result

• Dr. Schmid's practice is heavily focused on veneers and smile makeovers, while also doing porcelain crowns. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
• They specifically show cases involving replacement of older veneers, which is relevant if you're trying to modernize an existing smile. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
• West Austin/Bee Cave area.
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — best if you're envisioning a major smile makeover

• Their focus is porcelain veneers and smile makeovers, and they also offer crowns and broader restorative treatment. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
• I'd put them on the consultation list if you're considering doing the visible teeth together rather than simply swapping individual crowns.
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. — another strong prosthodontic option

• Their cosmetic/restorative practice specifically handles porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges and complex oral rehabilitation. Smile Boutique Implant Center
• Worth considering if your case is more complicated than straightforward cosmetic veneers.
• Austin Elite Smiles | Cosmetic & General Dentistry — especially worth considering for AACD-level cosmetic work

• Dr. Elizabeth Lowery says she is an AACD Accredited Member, which is a meaningful cosmetic-dentistry credential; AACD describes its accreditation as a rigorous clinical credentialing process. Austin Elite Smiles AACD
• Their practice does both porcelain veneers and restorative crowns.

One important point about your plan

I wouldn't automatically replace silver crowns with veneers.

A veneer only covers the front surface of a tooth. If the existing crown is covering a heavily restored, cracked, root-canaled, or structurally compromised tooth, you generally need another crown, not a veneer. Conversely, if the tooth underneath is healthy enough, a veneer or another conservative restoration may make sense.

For multiple old metal crowns, I'd want the dentist to evaluate:

• How much healthy tooth remains underneath each crown
• Whether any teeth have decay underneath the old crowns
• Root canals/cracks
• Your bite and grinding/clenching
• Whether the metal crowns are actually visible when you smile
• Whether adjacent teeth need veneers too for color/shape harmony
• The exact ceramic they recommend (e.g. lithium disilicate vs zirconia)
• How much tooth structure they need to remove
• Whether they'll make temporaries/mockups so you can approve the appearance before the final restorations are made

If it were my money

I'd get two consultations before committing:

Prosthodontics of Texas + Dr. John Schmid.

That gives you two somewhat different perspectives: a specialist in complex restoration versus a dentist with a strong cosmetic-smile focus. I'd bring photos of the smile you want and ask both dentists to show you 10+ cases comparable to yours—specifically patients who had old crowns replaced, not just young patients receiving their first veneers.

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, whether they're front teeth or back teeth, roughly how old they are, and whether you're trying to change the entire smile or just make the crowns disappear, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd personally interview first and what I'd ask each one.

• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin City Dental - 1500 W 38th St #37, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Katz Dentistry - 3818 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 200, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin Elite Smiles | Cosmetic & General Dentistry - 15004 Avery Ranch Blvd Bldg B, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78717, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States

Yes. For replacing old silver/metal crowns with highly esthetic crowns or veneers, I’d be more selective than I would for ordinary cosmetic dentistry. The key is finding someone who does a lot of complex restorative + cosmetic work, because old crowns may have underlying decay, compromised tooth structure, bite issues, or root-canal history.

Based on what I found, my first three Austin consultations would be:

1. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — my first choice for a pure cosmetic makeover

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-333-7777)

This is the practice I would start with for your particular goal. Their focus is heavily on porcelain veneers, cosmetic crowns, smile makeovers, and full-mouth restoration. Their doctors include John Schiro, John Hay, and John Barras. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

What's particularly relevant: I found a patient review describing removing old crowns containing metal and replacing them with porcelain work, with the patient specifically praising Dr. Hay's attention to getting the bite right. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin Another patient had mismatched old crowns replaced and specifically said Dr. Schiro consulted and Dr. Hay completed the new smile. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

They also have extensive recent patient feedback, including a 2026 review from someone who had veneers redone after 20 years. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

I'd specifically ask for a consultation with Dr. Hay or Dr. Barras.

2. Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. — strongest choice if the teeth underneath are complicated

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-458-5205)

Dr. Afsaneh Rad is a prosthodontist, which is particularly relevant when you're replacing multiple old crowns. Prosthodontists specialize in restoring compromised teeth and managing the relationship between aesthetics, bite, function and restorations.

Her practice specifically handles porcelain crowns, veneers and full-mouth reconstruction, and describes Dr. Rad as Harvard-trained in prosthodontics. Smile Boutique Implant Center

If you have several silver crowns, root canals, worn teeth, cracked teeth, missing teeth, or a difficult bite, I'd put this consultation very high on the list.

3. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — excellent cosmetic-focused alternative

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-476-2336)

Dr. Tejas Patel is very veneer/smile-makeover focused. His practice specifically offers porcelain veneers and crowns, and his website discusses using veneers for old metal restorations and emphasizes preserving more tooth structure compared with conventional crowns when veneers are appropriate. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry

I particularly like that he has examples involving a combination of bridge + crown + porcelain veneers, rather than treating every tooth as if it needs the same restoration. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry

One important thing: don't automatically choose veneers

If these are old silver crowns, veneers generally aren't a replacement for a crown. A tooth that already has a crown usually needs a new crown, not a veneer, because the tooth has already been substantially prepared.

A good cosmetic dentist should evaluate each tooth individually and potentially recommend a combination such as:

• porcelain/zirconia crowns where the old silver crowns are
• veneers on otherwise healthy neighboring teeth
• bonding where appropriate
• whitening before selecting the final shade
• gum contouring if needed
• bite/night-guard management if you grind

The goal should be "natural-looking teeth," not simply replacing silver with white.

What I'd ask at the consultation

I'd literally ask:

"I have old metal/silver crowns and want to replace them with extremely natural-looking restorations. For each tooth, would you recommend a new crown, veneer, or something else, and why? How much healthy tooth structure is left under each existing crown?"

Then ask:

1. How many crowns like mine do you replace each year?
2. Can I see before-and-after cases involving old metal crowns, not just virgin teeth getting veneers?
3. Who makes the ceramics/lab work?
4. Can I see examples of natural, non-Hollywood-looking results?
5. Will you do a digital smile design/mock-up before permanently preparing anything?
6. What happens if I don't like the shape/color of the final crowns?
7. If I grind/clench, what is your plan to protect them?
8. What is the total cost per tooth, including temporaries, scans, lab fees and follow-ups?

I would get 2–3 consultations before committing. For your situation, I'd personally compare The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin vs. Dr. Rad's prosthodontic practice vs. Dr. Patel rather than picking based on Google stars alone.

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, which teeth (front/back), roughly how old they are, and whether you're wanting to redo your whole visible smile or just replace the silver, I can narrow this down to the best 1–2 dentists for your specific case and compare likely treatment approaches and pricing.

I particularly like that he has examples involving a combination of bridge + crown + porcelain veneers, rather than treating every tooth as if it needs the same restoration.

One important thing: don't automatically choose veneers

If these are old silver crowns, veneers generally aren't a replacement for a crown. A tooth that already has a crown usually needs a new crown, not a veneer, because the tooth has already been substantially prepared.

• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Juan Vesga, DDS - 4201 Bee Caves Rd, Ste C110, Austin, TX 78746
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin City Dental - 1500 W 38th St #37, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Katz Dentistry - 3818 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 200, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States

If you mean Austin, Texas, I’d shortlist these rather than choosing a generic “cosmetic dentist.” Replacing old silver/metal crowns is partly cosmetic but also restorative/prosthodontic work, so the dentist needs to evaluate how much healthy tooth remains before deciding between a new ceramic crown and a veneer.

My Austin shortlist

1. Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. — my first choice for a complicated case

• Dr. Afsaneh Rad is a prosthodontist, which means specialist training in complex tooth restoration.
• They specifically handle porcelain veneers, crowns and full-mouth reconstruction, and have an in-house digital lab. Smile Boutique Implant Center
• I'd particularly consider this if you have multiple old silver crowns, worn teeth, bite issues, or you're contemplating a major smile makeover.
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — excellent choice for aesthetics

• Strong emphasis on natural-looking veneers and cosmetic smile design, while also doing porcelain crowns. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
• West Austin location.
• I'd put him near the top if your priority is “I want these old metal crowns to disappear and look completely natural.”
• Juan Vesga, DDS / Advanced Prosthodontics — specialist option

• A prosthodontic practice specifically focused on complex reconstruction and esthetic restorations, including porcelain crowns and veneers.
• Particularly worth a consultation if several teeth are involved.
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — cosmetic-smile-makeover option

• Drs. John Barras and John Hay focus heavily on porcelain crowns, veneers and full-mouth cosmetic restoration. Their practice specifically discusses combining crowns and veneers in smile makeovers. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — especially worth considering if veneers are part of the plan

• Their practice is very veneer-focused and describes porcelain veneers as a treatment for discoloration, shape, alignment and old restorations. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry

Crown vs. veneer is the important part

I wouldn't automatically replace a silver crown with a veneer. A veneer only covers the front surface; a crown covers the entire visible tooth. If the old crown is on a tooth that has already had substantial tooth structure removed, a new all-ceramic crown is often the more appropriate restoration. If the underlying tooth is relatively intact and you're redesigning the appearance of several front teeth, veneers may make more sense.

For example, Austin Elite Smiles describes E.max ceramic crowns as combining strength with translucency, while traditional porcelain veneers are much more conservative because they require less tooth reduction than crowns. Austin Elite Smiles

Who I'd personally get consultations from

If this were my money, I'd get 2 consultations before committing:

• Dr. Afsaneh Rad — to establish the restorative/prosthodontic plan.
• Dr. John Schmid — to establish the cosmetic/aesthetic plan.

Then compare what they recommend. If both independently recommend essentially the same treatment, that's a very good sign.

And don't let a dentist tell you “veneers” simply because you asked for an esthetic result. The best dentist should be willing to tell you “this tooth needs a crown, this one can take a veneer, and this one doesn't need anything.”

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, whether they're front or back teeth, and roughly your budget (e.g. <$10k, $10–20k, $20k+), I can narrow this to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd interview first and compare their credentials, reviews, likely materials, and pricing.

• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• The Hills Dental Spa - 6836 Bee Caves Rd Building 1, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin City Dental - 1500 W 38th St #37, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Katz Dentistry - 3818 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 200, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States

Replacing old silver crowns (often porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns with a dark metal margin) is a case where cosmetic skill matters more than just finding a dentist who “does crowns.” You’ll want someone who is strong in esthetic crown replacement, veneers, bite analysis, and smile design—especially if the crowns are in the front of your smile.

In Austin, I would put these dentists/practices on a short list to consult:

Top Austin cosmetic dentists to interview

The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-333-7777)

Best fit if you have multiple old crowns, veneers, or a full smile makeover goal. They focus heavily on cosmetic restorations, including porcelain veneers and crowns. Patient reviews specifically mention replacing older restorations with more esthetic results. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

Ask:

• “How many PFM/metal-backed crowns do you replace each year?”
• “Will you evaluate whether each tooth needs a crown, or whether a veneer/onlay is possible?”
• “Which ceramic materials do you recommend for my case?”

Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-476-2336)

A strong choice if your priority is high-end veneers and natural-looking smile design. The practice focuses on porcelain veneers and cosmetic transformations, and also handles crowns when needed. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry Austin Cosmetic Dentistry

Good match if you want:

• very natural translucency
• conservative preparation when possible
• a “celebrity smile” level cosmetic approach

Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-329-5967)

Worth a consultation for a more meticulous cosmetic/restorative approach. Dr. Schmid’s practice focuses on veneers, crowns, and smile makeovers, and has patient reviews emphasizing attention to detail. RealSelf.com Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry

The Hills Dental Spa

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 737-205-1644)

Another boutique cosmetic option in Westlake, especially if you’re looking for a very aesthetic, personalized experience.

Questions I would ask before hiring anyone

For replacing silver crowns, don’t just ask “Do you do veneers?” Ask:

1. “Can you show me before-and-after cases similar to mine?”

• Same number of teeth
• Same type of old crowns
• Similar gum line and tooth color
• “Would you choose crowns or veneers for each tooth, and why?”

• A tooth that already has a large filling or structural damage may need a crown.
• A healthy tooth may sometimes be treated more conservatively.
• “What ceramic would you use?”

Common options include:

• lithium disilicate (often used for highly esthetic veneers/crowns)
• zirconia (very strong, newer versions can be quite aesthetic)
• layered ceramics for maximum natural appearance
• “Do you use a dental lab that specializes in cosmetic ceramics?”

The technician’s artistry is a major part of the final look.

5. “Will I see a mock-up or preview before final placement?”

For a big cosmetic change, this is important.

My practical shortlist

If this were my consultation list, I’d start with:

1. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — especially for multiple crowns/veneers
2. Tejas Patel, DDS — especially for a highly aesthetic veneer-focused makeover
3. John Schmid, DDS — especially for careful cosmetic/restorative planning

I’d get 2–3 consultations before committing, because the best choice depends heavily on whether your silver crowns are on front teeth, how many teeth are involved, your bite, and how much natural tooth structure remains.

If you tell me:

• how many silver crowns you have,
• whether they are front teeth or molars,
• your age range,
• and whether you want “natural-looking” vs “perfect Hollywood white,”

I can narrow the list and tell you what treatment approach is most likely.

• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Austin City Dental - 1500 W 38th St #37, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Katz Dentistry - 3818 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 200, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States

If you’re replacing old silver/metal crowns and want the result to look natural, I’d be more selective than simply picking a “cosmetic dentist.” You want someone who is very experienced with replacing existing crowns, combining crowns + veneers, bite/function, and highly aesthetic ceramic work.

Based on what I found in Austin, my shortlist would be:

1. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — my first choice for your specific situation.

Their practice is heavily focused on veneers and smile makeovers, and importantly, I found a patient review specifically describing old crowns with metal being removed and replaced with porcelain veneers. Another patient described mismatched crowns being redone successfully. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin
They're in Barton Creek at 2700 Barton Creek Blvd. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

2. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — excellent if you want a very cosmetic/esthetic approach.

Dr. Patel's practice specializes heavily in porcelain veneers, and I found examples of cases combining crowns and veneers, including patients specifically seeking a natural, seamless result. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry Dentascore
Downtown Austin, 221 W. 6th St.

3. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — worth a consultation for very high-end cosmetic work.

He has a long history in cosmetic dentistry, and RealSelf has multiple 5-star veneer reviews, including patients having older veneers replaced. RealSelf.com RealSelf.com
He's in West Austin/Bee Cave Road.

4. Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. — particularly interesting if your case is extensive/complex.

Dr. Afsaneh Rad is a prosthodontist, which means advanced specialty training in restoring teeth. The practice does crowns, veneers and full-mouth reconstruction and has an in-house digital lab. Smile Boutique Implant Center
I'd seriously consider this one if you have several old crowns, worn teeth, bite issues, root canals, or you're essentially rebuilding much of your smile.

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd get 2–3 consultations before committing, probably:

The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin → Tejas Patel → Smile Boutique/Dr. Rad

And I would not walk in saying, “I want veneers.” I'd say:

“I have old silver/metal crowns and I'm interested in replacing them with highly esthetic restorations. I want to know which teeth should receive full crowns versus veneers or other conservative restorations, and I want the most natural possible result.”

That's important because a veneer isn't automatically the right replacement for a crown. If a tooth is heavily restored, structurally compromised, or has had a root canal, a new ceramic crown may be safer. Conversely, a healthy tooth may not need to be aggressively crowned just for cosmetic reasons.

The questions I'd ask each dentist

• How many cases have you done replacing old PFM/metal crowns with all-ceramic crowns?
• Can I see before-and-after photos of patients who had old crowns replaced, not just untouched teeth receiving veneers?
• What ceramic would you use — zirconia, lithium disilicate/e.max, layered ceramic, etc. — and why for each tooth?
• Who makes the restorations? Which dental laboratory/ceramicist?
• Will you do a digital smile design/mockup or provisionals before permanently bonding anything?
• How will you make sure the new teeth match my existing natural teeth?
• If I need both crowns and veneers, how will you make them look like one smile?
• What happens if I don't like the color/shape of the final restorations?
• What's the warranty/remake policy?
• If you see an old crown that doesn't need replacing, will you tell me that?

One big green flag: a dentist who tells you not to replace certain crowns because they're healthy and functional. I'd trust that person more than someone who immediately proposes 10–20 veneers/crowns.

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, where they are (front teeth vs molars), and whether you're looking for a natural/subtle smile or a full “Hollywood” makeover, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd personally interview first, including their experience, reviews, location, and what I'd ask each one.

That's important because a veneer isn't automatically the right replacement for a crown. If a tooth is heavily restored, structurally compromised, or has had a root canal, a new ceramic crown may be safer. Conversely, a healthy tooth may not need to be aggressively crowned just for cosmetic reasons.

The questions I'd ask each dentist

• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Katz Dentistry - 3818 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 200, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• The Hills Dental Spa - 6836 Bee Caves Rd Building 1, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• West Lake Hills Dental - 4105 Westbank Dr Ste 103, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• 38th Street Dental - 1500 W 38th St Ste 56, Austin, TX 78731, United States

If you’re replacing old silver/metal crowns and want the result to look genuinely natural—not just “white”—I’d narrow the Austin search to dentists who do a lot of complex cosmetic + restorative work.

My Austin shortlist

1. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — Tejas Patel, DDS

• My first choice if your priority is aesthetics.
• Very strong focus on porcelain veneers and smile makeovers, and they specifically handle cases combining crowns + veneers. One patient review describes having both done as part of the same treatment. DentaScore Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
• Best fit if you're looking for a highly designed, polished “Hollywood but natural” result.
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry

• My second choice, and possibly #1 if you want conservative/natural-looking work.
• He has 33 years of experience listed on RealSelf, with specific patient reviews about veneers, and his practice does both porcelain crowns and veneers. RealSelf.com Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
• Interestingly, recent Austin Reddit discussions specifically recommend Schmid for cosmetic/crown work and describe him as someone who listens carefully rather than pushing a particular treatment. Reddit
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc.

• I'd seriously consider this one if you have several old crowns or your case is complicated.
• It's prosthodontist-led, which is valuable when you're dealing with multiple existing crowns, bite issues, worn teeth, implants, etc. They specifically offer veneers, crowns and comprehensive restorative work. Healthgrades
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

• Another good option for a full smile transformation involving a mixture of crowns and veneers.
• Patient feedback specifically mentions replacing an old set of veneers and getting contouring adjustments until the desired result was achieved. Rank My Dentist
• Prosthodontics of Texas

• Worth a consultation if you have many old metal crowns, significant wear, bite problems, or you're essentially looking at a partial/full-mouth reconstruction.
• Prosthodontists specialize in complicated restorative cases, so I'd favor this route over a purely cosmetic dentist when the underlying teeth are questionable.

One important thing: don't automatically replace a silver crown with a veneer

If the old silver crown is covering a heavily restored or weakened tooth, a new porcelain/zirconia crown may be the appropriate replacement. A veneer is generally for the visible front surface of a tooth and doesn't provide the same structural coverage.

The interesting option is often a combination: porcelain/zirconia crowns where teeth need structural protection + porcelain veneers on healthy teeth where only the appearance needs changing.

I'd also ask the dentist to show you before/after cases involving old metal crowns specifically, rather than just generic veneer cases.

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd get 3 consultations, probably:

• Tejas Patel — best aesthetic-focused consultation
• John Schmid — natural/conservative second opinion
• a prosthodontist such as Smile Boutique or Prosthodontics of Texas — make sure the restorative/structural plan is sound

Then ask each one the exact same questions:

“Which of these teeth actually need crowns, and which could safely receive veneers or another conservative restoration?”
“Can I see 5–10 cases where you replaced old metal crowns with natural-looking porcelain restorations?”
“What material would you use—lithium disilicate, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-zirconia, etc.—and why?”
“Who is your dental laboratory, and can I see examples of their work?”
“Will you make temporaries so I can evaluate the shape, color and bite before the final restorations are made?”

I would not choose based on price alone. With this kind of work, the dentist's ability to plan the whole bite and smile, plus the quality of the lab, matters enormously.

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, where they are (front/back/top/bottom), and roughly how old they are, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd personally interview first and compare their specialties, reviews, likely price range, and aesthetic philosophy.

• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• The Hills Dental Spa - 6836 Bee Caves Rd Building 1, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States

Replacing old silver crowns (often porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns with a dark metal edge or gray appearance) is a case where I’d prioritize a true cosmetic/restorative dentist, not just a general dentist who “also does crowns.” You’ll want someone skilled at bite analysis, ceramic selection, gum aesthetics, and matching natural teeth.

A few Austin-area dentists I’d put on a consultation shortlist:

1. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — strong veneer/cosmetic focus

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-476-2336)

Dr. Tejas Patel’s practice is heavily focused on porcelain veneers and smile makeovers, and they specifically highlight porcelain veneer cases and cosmetic transformations. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
Best fit if: your main goal is a very aesthetic smile makeover and you may need a combination of veneers + crowns.

2. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — West Austin cosmetic specialist

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-329-5967)

Dr. Schmid is known for cosmetic dentistry, including veneers and smile design.
Best fit if: you want a meticulous cosmetic approach and a dentist with extensive cosmetic training.

3. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — complex smile reconstruction experience

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-333-7777)

This practice focuses on cosmetic transformations, including porcelain veneers, crowns, and full-mouth restoration cases. Their patient examples include replacing mismatched crowns and improving old restorations. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin
Best fit if: you have several old crowns, worn teeth, bite issues, or a bigger reconstruction.

4. Austin Artistic Dental — natural-looking cosmetic work

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-292-9209)

They offer veneers, crowns, and smile makeovers with an emphasis on natural aesthetics.
Best fit if: you want teeth that don’t look overly uniform or “fake white.”

Questions I would ask at the consultation

For old silver crowns, I’d ask:

• “How many metal crowns have you replaced with all-ceramic crowns?”
• “Will you recommend crowns or veneers for each tooth, and why?”
• “Do you use a cosmetic dental ceramist/lab for these cases?”
• “Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with old crowns replaced?”
• “Will you do a wax-up or digital smile preview before permanently preparing teeth?”
• “How will you handle my bite so the new crowns don’t chip?”

Crowns vs veneers

A dentist should evaluate this tooth-by-tooth:

• Crowns are usually appropriate when the tooth has a large filling, cracks, root canal history, or insufficient enamel.
• Veneers may be better when the tooth structure is healthy and the issue is mostly color/shape/appearance.

For replacing silver crowns specifically, many patients end up with all-ceramic crowns rather than veneers on those teeth.

If you tell me:

1. how many silver crowns you have,
2. where they are (front teeth vs molars),
3. whether you want a “natural” look or a Hollywood smile, and
4. your Austin area (downtown, Westlake, North, South, etc.),

I can narrow this to the 2–3 dentists I’d personally put at the top of your list.

• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• The Hills Dental Spa - 6836 Bee Caves Rd Building 1, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Juan Vesga, DDS - 4201 Bee Caves Rd, Ste C110, Austin, TX 78746

If you mean old metal/amalgam-looking crowns that you want replaced with natural-looking porcelain crowns and possibly veneers, I’d prioritize a dentist who does a lot of complex cosmetic + restorative work, rather than choosing purely on “veneer” marketing.

My Austin shortlist

1. Best overall for your situation: Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc.

• Dr. Afsaneh Rad is a prosthodontist, which is particularly relevant when you're replacing multiple old crowns and need to balance appearance, bite, tooth structure and longevity.
• Her practice specifically handles porcelain crowns, veneers and complex/full-mouth reconstruction and has an in-house digital laboratory. Smile Boutique Implant Center
• I'd put this at the top of the list if you have several old crowns rather than just one or two.
• Best for a highly aesthetic/veneer-focused result: Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS

• Dr. Tejas Patel's practice is heavily focused on porcelain veneers and smile makeovers, while also doing crowns. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
• Interestingly, reviews include patients who had both crowns and veneers, which is very close to what you're describing. DentaScore
• Downtown Austin.
• Another excellent cosmetic option: Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry

• West Austin/Westlake.
• His practice focuses on veneers, crowns and smile makeovers, and recent patient reviews specifically praise his natural-looking, meticulous veneer work. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry Birdeye
• There is also some Austin community support for him specifically for difficult cosmetic crown cases. Reddit
• If the case is extensive/complicated: Prosthodontics of Texas

• Another specialist-level option. They focus on prosthodontics and complex restorative cases, including crowns, veneers and full-mouth reconstruction.
• I'd seriously consider a prosthodontist if you're talking about 5+, 8+, 10+ old crowns, significant wear, bite problems, root-canaled teeth, or a mixture of crowns and veneers.

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd get 2 consultations, probably Dr. Rad + Dr. Patel or Dr. Schmid, and don't commit at the first appointment.

The important question isn't simply "Who does the prettiest veneers?" It's:

Which teeth actually need crowns, which can safely receive veneers/onlays, and how can the old silver restorations be replaced while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible?

A good cosmetic dentist should examine the roots, existing crown margins, gums, bite/occlusion and remaining tooth structure before recommending veneers. A veneer isn't automatically a better replacement for an old crown.

Also ask each dentist:

• How many of my teeth genuinely need full crowns?
• Can any existing crowns be replaced with all-ceramic/zirconia crowns without further aggressive reduction?
• Which teeth, if any, are candidates for veneers instead of crowns?
• What ceramic/material would you use and why?
• Who is the dental laboratory/ceramist?
• Can I see before-and-after cases involving old metal crowns, not just pristine veneer cases?
• Can you show me what my proposed smile will look like before permanently preparing the teeth?
• What happens if I don't like the color/shape after they're made?

One particularly important point: if your goal is a natural smile rather than the ultra-white "Hollywood" look, tell them that explicitly. I'd want to see cases where the dentist has replaced old restorations while maintaining natural translucency, tooth shape and individual variation.

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have (e.g. 2, 6, 10+) and whether they're mostly front teeth, back teeth, or both, I can narrow this to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd interview first, including what I would ask each one and what kind of price range to expect.

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• The Hills Dental Spa - 6836 Bee Caves Rd Building 1, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Barton Oaks Dental Group - 901 S MoPac Expy Building 1, Suite #470, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• 38th Street Dental - 1500 W 38th St Ste 56, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• West Lake Hills Dental - 4105 Westbank Dr Ste 103, Austin, TX 78746, United States

If you’re talking about replacing old silver/amalgam crowns with tooth-colored porcelain crowns—and possibly veneers on the visible teeth—I’d be selective about who you hire. This is less about finding a dentist who offers veneers and more about finding someone excellent at complex cosmetic/restorative dentistry, bite, tooth preparation, and natural-looking ceramics.

My Austin shortlist

1. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — my first consultation

• West Austin/Bee Cave Rd.
• Particularly strong fit if your priority is very natural-looking cosmetic work rather than an obvious “Hollywood” smile.
• His practice specifically does porcelain crowns and veneers, and recent patient reviews repeatedly mention meticulous, natural-looking veneer work. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry Birdeye
• Austin Reddit recommendations also repeatedly singled him out for cosmetic work and listening carefully to what patients want. Reddit
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — strongest cosmetic-focused alternative

• Downtown Austin.
• Very veneer/smile-makeover focused, with extensive cosmetic case experience and a strong emphasis on porcelain veneers. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
• I'd put him high on the list if you're considering multiple veneers + crowns as a coordinated smile makeover.
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. — particularly interesting if you have a lot of old crowns

• North Austin.
• Dr. Rad is a Harvard-trained prosthodontist, which is a big distinction. Prosthodontists specialize in complex restoration, crowns, bite, esthetics and full-mouth reconstruction. Her practice handles veneers, crowns and full-mouth rehabilitation and has an in-house digital laboratory. Smile Boutique Implant Center
• If you have many old silver crowns, worn teeth, root canals, bite problems, or questionable existing dental work, I'd absolutely get a consultation here.
• Prosthodontics of Texas — another specialist option

• South Austin.
• Prosthodontic practice with crowns, veneers and complex restorative work. One thing I like is that they emphasize precision and use mock-ups for veneer planning so you can preview the proposed result.

What I'd do in your situation

I wouldn't automatically replace silver crowns with veneers. A veneer is generally for the front surface of a tooth; if a tooth already has a crown, the appropriate replacement is usually another full-coverage crown. The dentist should evaluate each tooth individually.

I'd get 2–3 consultations, ideally:

• Dr. Schmid — cosmetic artistry/natural aesthetics
• Dr. Rad — prosthodontic/complex restorative perspective
• Dr. Patel — cosmetic smile-design perspective

Then compare the actual treatment plans rather than simply choosing whoever has the prettiest Instagram photos.

The questions I'd ask each dentist

Take these with you:

• Which of my silver crowns actually need replacement, and why?
• Which teeth should receive crowns versus veneers versus no treatment?
• Can I see before/after cases involving old metal crowns being replaced, not just young patients getting virgin teeth veneered?
• Who makes my crowns/veneers? Which dental laboratory and which ceramic?
• Can you show me cases with natural-looking translucency rather than ultra-white teeth?
• Will you provide a wax-up/digital preview/mock-up before permanently preparing my teeth?
• How much healthy tooth structure will you have to remove?
• If an old crown comes off and the tooth underneath is compromised, what's the backup plan?
• How will you make sure the new crowns/veneers don't change my bite or jaw mechanics?
• What's the warranty/replacement policy?

One particularly important point: if you have several old silver crowns, I'd favor a prosthodontist or a cosmetic dentist who does a lot of full-mouth restorative work, rather than a dentist who primarily does cosmetic veneers.

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have, which teeth (front/back/top/bottom), and whether you're looking for a very natural or brighter “smile makeover” look, I can narrow this to the 2 best Austin dentists for your particular situation and compare their credentials, reviews, case photos, and likely price range.

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Sage Dentistry - Trisha Kimes, DDS - 11420 Bee Caves Rd SUITE B-150, Austin, TX 78738, United States
• Smile 360 - 1509 S Lamar Blvd #675, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Eaddy Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, PLLC - 3502 Wild Cherry Dr Bldg. 11, Austin, TX 78738, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Quinlan Park Dental - 5145 N FM 620 G-150, Austin, TX 78732, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Lisa R Burkett, DDS MS - 6818 Austin Center Blvd, Austin, TX 78731
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Juan Vesga, DDS - 4201 Bee Caves Rd, Ste C110, Austin, TX 78746
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States

Yes. For replacing old silver/metal crowns with highly esthetic crowns—and determining whether veneers make sense on the other teeth—I’d favor a dentist who does a lot of cosmetic and restorative work, rather than a general dentist who occasionally does veneers.

Based on what I found in Austin, I’d put these at the top of your consultation list:

My Austin shortlist

1. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — Westlake

• My first choice if your priority is exceptionally natural-looking cosmetic dentistry.
• His practice is heavily focused on porcelain veneers and smile makeovers, while also doing porcelain crowns. RealSelf.com
• He has unusually strong patient feedback specifically around veneers, including cases involving replacement of older dental work. RealSelf currently lists him at 5.0/5 from six veneer reviews. RealSelf.com RealSelf.com
• Interestingly, an Austin Reddit discussion from 2025 specifically recommended Schmid for difficult cosmetic/restorative work, with another patient saying he was direct about expectations. Reddit
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — Downtown

• Excellent choice if you're primarily interested in veneers/smile design.
• The practice specializes heavily in porcelain veneers and emphasizes minimizing tooth reduction compared with crowns. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
• They also have experience combining crowns and veneers in the same smile, which could be particularly relevant to your situation. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
• I'd definitely get a consultation here as a second opinion.
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. — North Austin

• The one I'd strongly consider if you have several old crowns, heavily restored teeth, bite issues, or a complicated case.
• Dr. Rad is a prosthodontist with advanced training, and the practice handles crowns, veneers and full-mouth reconstruction. It also has an in-house digital lab, which can give the dentist greater control over restorative design and fabrication. Smile Boutique Implant Center
• For a mouth with multiple old metal crowns, I particularly like the prosthodontist + cosmetic combination.
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — Barton Creek

• Worth a consultation if you're considering a larger smile makeover.
• They specifically handle porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, bridges and full-mouth restoration. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin
• Their patient reviews include cases where patients had old/mismatched crowns replaced with veneers and other cosmetic restorations. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

What I'd do in your shoes

I wouldn't decide "crowns vs. veneers" before the consultation.

If the silver crowns are on teeth that have already been substantially prepared, those teeth will generally need new crowns, not veneers. Veneers are more appropriate for teeth where the underlying tooth structure is sufficiently healthy and you're primarily changing the visible appearance.

A good cosmetic dentist should be able to create a plan such as:

old metal crown → new all-ceramic crown
healthy adjacent tooth → porcelain veneer
another healthy tooth → no treatment

That can look much more natural than automatically putting crowns or veneers on everything.

The question I'd ask every dentist

Take photos of the smile you want and ask:

"I have old metal/silver crowns that I want replaced with extremely natural-looking restorations. Which teeth actually need crowns, which could conservatively have veneers, and which should I leave alone? Can you show me several before-and-after cases where you've replaced metal crowns and matched them with natural teeth?"

Then ask who makes the crowns/veneers and whether the dentist personally designs the cases with the ceramist/lab.

For your particular situation, I'd consult Schmid, Patel, and Rad, and I'd probably make the decision after seeing their proposed treatment plans and actual before/after cases—not based on price alone.

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, where they are (front teeth vs. molars), approximately how old they are, and whether you're trying to change the whole smile or just make the silver crowns disappear, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd actually interview for your specific case.

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry - 2907 Duval St, Austin, TX 78705, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• 38th Street Dental - 1500 W 38th St Ste 56, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• The Hills Dental Spa - 6836 Bee Caves Rd Building 1, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Cynthia L Graves DDS - Dentist Austin TX | Dentures Austin TX - 10418 Lake Creek Pkwy, Austin, TX 78750, United States
• West Lake Hills Dental - 4105 Westbank Dr Ste 103, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Elite Dentistry Cosmetic & Implant Center of ATX - 2530 Walsh Tarlton Ln Ste 210, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Neal R Shah, DDS - Austin Dental Arts - 3807 Spicewood Springs Rd STE 100, Austin, TX 78759, United States

Replacing old silver crowns (often porcelain-fused-to-metal with a dark metal margin) is a situation where the “best” cosmetic dentist is usually the one who combines esthetic dentistry + restorative expertise, not just someone who does veneers. You’ll want someone who can evaluate whether each tooth needs a new all-ceramic crown or whether a veneer is appropriate.

For Austin, I would put these on a short list to interview:

Strong candidates for esthetic crowns + veneers

Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-329-5967)

• Strong cosmetic focus with porcelain veneers, smile design, and crowns. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
• Good fit if you want a highly aesthetic, individualized approach rather than a “replace all crowns quickly” plan.
• Ask specifically: “How many old PFM (silver-looking) crown replacements do you do, and what ceramic systems do you prefer for front teeth?”

Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-476-2336)

• Very veneer/smile-makeover oriented; the practice highlights porcelain veneers and cosmetic transformations. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
• Worth considering if your goal is a broader smile redesign rather than only replacing a few crowns.

Prosthodontics of Texas

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-960-4225)

• A prosthodontist is specifically trained in complex restorative work (crowns, bridges, esthetic rehabilitation).
• This may be my first stop if you have multiple old crowns, bite issues, worn teeth, or a complicated case.

Downtown Dental Design

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-482-9383)

• Cosmetic-focused practice offering veneers, porcelain crowns, and smile makeovers. Downtown Dental Design
• A reasonable option if you want a boutique cosmetic experience.

KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-472-5633)

• Emphasizes conservative cosmetic dentistry and published fee ranges; offers porcelain veneers and crowns. KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
• Good choice if you want to avoid unnecessary shaving of healthy teeth.

Questions I would ask before hiring anyone

Bring photos of your smile and ask:

1. “Are my silver crowns better replaced with e.max/lithium disilicate, zirconia, or veneers?”

• Many front teeth do well with highly esthetic ceramics, but strength and bite matter.
• “Can I see before-and-after cases of patients with old metal-based crowns replaced?”

• This is more relevant than generic veneer photos.
• “Do you use a master ceramist/lab for your cosmetic cases?”

• The lab relationship can make a huge difference in natural translucency, shape, and color.
• “Will you do a digital smile preview or temporary try-in before final crowns?”

• Especially important if replacing multiple visible teeth.
• “How will you prevent a gray line at the gum?”

• Ask how they handle margins, gum health, and ceramic selection.

A few details would change my recommendation:

• How many silver crowns are you replacing (1–2 vs. 6–10+)?
• Are they on your front teeth, premolars, or molars?
• Are you wanting a natural-looking improvement or a full “Hollywood smile”?
• Do you have a budget range (for example, under $10k vs. $20k+)?

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• The Hills Dental Spa - 6836 Bee Caves Rd Building 1, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• 38th Street Dental - 1500 W 38th St Ste 56, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• West Lake Hills Dental - 4105 Westbank Dr Ste 103, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• South Austin Dental - 6905 West Gate Blvd B, Austin, TX 78745, United States
• Neal R Shah, DDS - Austin Dental Arts - 3807 Spicewood Springs Rd STE 100, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States

Replacing old silver (often metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal) crowns with esthetic crowns or veneers is a case where the dentist’s cosmetic judgment matters as much as technical skill. You want someone who can decide correctly whether a tooth should get a new all-ceramic crown (when the tooth is structurally compromised) versus a veneer (when the tooth is healthy and you mainly want appearance changes).

In Austin, I would put these dentists on a shortlist:

Top choices to consult

Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-329-5967)

• Strong fit if you have multiple old crowns, a “metal mouth” appearance, or want a full smile redesign.
• His practice focuses heavily on cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, and aesthetic restorations. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
• Good question to ask: “How many existing metal crowns have you replaced with layered porcelain or zirconia restorations, and can I see before/after cases similar to mine?”

Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-476-2336)

• Good fit if your main goal is a high-end cosmetic smile makeover with veneers or esthetic crowns.
• The practice emphasizes porcelain veneers and smile design, including cases involving discoloration and old restorations. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
• Ask to see cases where old crowns were replaced—not just virgin teeth treated with veneers.

Prosthodontics of Texas

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-960-4225)

• Worth considering if your situation is more complex: many crowns, worn bite, cracked teeth, root canals, or a full-mouth rehabilitation.
• A prosthodontist specializes in complex restorations and bite/function, which can be important when replacing multiple old crowns.

Glint Dental Studio Austin

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-653-4009)

• A boutique cosmetic practice that may appeal if you want a very aesthetic, design-oriented approach.
• They highlight cosmetic planning, veneers, and digital smile previews.

What I would look for before hiring anyone

For replacing silver crowns, I would not choose based only on reviews or “celebrity smile” photos. Ask:

1. Will you preserve my tooth structure, or automatically replace crowns with crowns? - A healthy tooth may not need a full crown.
2. What material do you recommend and why? - Common esthetic options include lithium disilicate (such as e.max), zirconia, or layered ceramics depending on location and bite forces.
3. Can I preview the result? - Look for digital smile design, wax-ups, or temporaries before final placement.
4. Who makes the crowns? - Ask about the dental laboratory and whether the dentist communicates directly with the ceramist.
5. Can you show me before/after photos of cases like mine? - Specifically: old metal crowns replaced, not just veneers on naturally shaped teeth.

My practical shortlist

If I were getting consultations in Austin for old silver crown replacement, I would start with:

1. Dr. John Schmid — cosmetic expertise + veneer/crown focus
2. Dr. Tejas Patel — strong cosmetic makeover orientation
3. A prosthodontist (such as Prosthodontics of Texas) — if you have many crowns or bite issues

A useful next step would be getting 2–3 consultations and comparing the treatment plans, because one dentist may recommend veneers while another may recommend crowns—and the difference can significantly affect tooth preservation and long-term results.

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, where they are (front teeth vs molars), your age range, and whether they are currently healthy or have root canals, I can narrow the choice and likely treatment path.

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Neal R Shah, DDS - Austin Dental Arts - 3807 Spicewood Springs Rd STE 100, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry - 2907 Duval St, Austin, TX 78705, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Craft of Dentistry - 7002 Menchaca Rd #100, Austin, TX 78745, United States
• Moossy General & Cosmetic Dentistry - 4200 N Lamar Blvd #145, Austin, TX 78756, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• 8118 Dental Professionals - 8118 Shoal Creek Blvd, Austin, TX 78757, United States
• West Lake Hills Dental - 4105 Westbank Dr Ste 103, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Bridgeview Dental - 3801 N Capital of Texas Hwy J240, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States

If you’re replacing old silver/metal crowns and considering either new esthetic crowns or veneers, I’d be more selective than I would for ordinary cosmetic dentistry. You want someone who is excellent at complex restorative + cosmetic work, because the existing teeth have to be evaluated before deciding whether a crown can become a veneer—or whether a new crown is the safer option.

Based on what I found in Austin, my first two consultations would be:

1. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — my first choice

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-329-5967)

West Austin / Bee Cave Rd

This is probably where I'd start for your particular situation. Dr. Schmid is heavily focused on cosmetic dentistry, including porcelain veneers and crowns, and has a substantial track record of smile-makeover work. His current practice has a 4.9/5 rating from 124 Google reviews in the available review data. Birdeye RealSelf.com

More importantly, Austin patients specifically mention him for redoing cosmetic work and getting natural-looking results, and a recent Austin Reddit discussion about finding a cosmetic dentist for problematic crowns/veneers had multiple people independently recommending Schmid. Reddit

cosmeticdentistryaustin.com

2. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — strongest alternative

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-333-7777)

Barton Creek

I'd absolutely get a consultation here too, particularly because they do a lot of crowns + veneers rather than treating veneers as a side service.

What's unusually relevant to your situation: I found a patient review specifically describing old crowns containing metal being replaced with porcelain veneers, with the patient praising the result and bite adjustment. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

They also have a large volume of recent patient feedback about veneers, including patients reporting successful replacements of older veneers and long-term results. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com

3. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-476-2336)

Downtown Austin

I'd put Dr. Patel on your consultation list if your priority is very high-end cosmetic aesthetics. His practice is particularly veneer-focused, and their published cases/reviews include patients whose treatment involved both crowns and veneers. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry DentaScore

austincosmetic.com

One more I'd consider: a prosthodontist

If you have several old silver crowns, extensive existing dental work, worn teeth, root canals, or you're talking about changing many teeth at once, I'd also get an opinion from Prosthodontics of Texas.

They're specifically a prosthodontic practice, which means their training is centered around complex restoration, crowns, bridges, implants and reconstruction. They also offer veneers and use a mock-up/prototype process so you can preview the proposed result. That's particularly valuable when you're replacing substantial existing dental work.

prosthodonticsoftexas.com

Crowns vs. veneers is the important part

I wouldn't automatically replace a silver crown with a veneer.

A veneer is appropriate when enough healthy tooth structure remains and the tooth's condition allows for a primarily cosmetic restoration. If the tooth has a large filling, fracture, root canal, significant loss of structure, or needs substantial reinforcement, a new porcelain/ceramic crown may be the better long-term restoration.

And if you're talking about several adjacent teeth, the dentist needs to consider bite/occlusion, gum position, tooth proportions, shade, translucency and how the crowns and veneers will blend together—not simply make everything white.

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd get 2–3 consultations before committing, specifically asking each dentist:

1. Which of my existing silver crowns can actually be converted to veneers, and which need crowns?
2. Can you show me before/after cases involving replacement of old metal crowns?
3. What ceramic would you use and why? (e.max, zirconia, layered ceramic, etc.)
4. Who is the dental lab/ceramicist doing the work?
5. Can I see a mock-up/provisional before the teeth are permanently prepared?
6. How much natural tooth structure will you remove?
7. What happens if I don't like the shape/color?
8. What is the warranty/remake policy?
9. If I have a crown that has a root canal underneath it, does that change your recommendation?

My ranking for your specific situation:
Schmid → Cosmetic Dentists of Austin → Patel, with Prosthodontics of Texas added if this is a larger/full-mouth restoration.

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, where they are (front teeth vs. molars), approximately how old they are, and whether you're wanting to replace just the visible ones or your whole smile, I can narrow this down to the 2 best dentists for your case and compare their credentials, reviews, pricing signals, labs, and before/after work.

What's unusually relevant to your situation: I found a patient review specifically describing old crowns containing metal being replaced with porcelain veneers, with the patient praising the result and bite adjustment. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

They also have a large volume of recent patient feedback about veneers, including patients reporting successful replacements of older veneers and long-term results. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com

3. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS

Downtown Austin

I'd put Dr. Patel on your consultation list if your priority is very high-end cosmetic aesthetics. His practice is particularly veneer-focused, and their published cases/reviews include patients whose treatment involved both crowns and veneers. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry DentaScore

austincosmetic.com

One more I'd consider: a prosthodontist

If you have several old silver crowns, extensive existing dental work, worn teeth, root canals, or you're talking about changing many teeth at once, I'd also get an opinion from Prosthodontics of Texas.

They're specifically a prosthodontic practice, which means their training is centered around complex restoration, crowns, bridges, implants and reconstruction. They also offer veneers and use a mock-up/prototype process so you can preview the proposed result. That's particularly valuable when you're replacing substantial existing dental work.

prosthodonticsoftexas.com

Crowns vs. veneers is the important part

I wouldn't automatically replace a silver crown with a veneer.

A veneer is appropriate when enough healthy tooth structure remains and the tooth's condition allows for a primarily cosmetic restoration. If the tooth has a large filling, fracture, root canal, significant loss of structure, or needs substantial reinforcement, a new porcelain/ceramic crown may be the better long-term restoration.

And if you're talking about several adjacent teeth, the dentist needs to consider bite/occlusion, gum position, tooth proportions, shade, translucency and how the crowns and veneers will blend together—not simply make everything white.

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd get 2–3 consultations before committing, specifically asking each dentist:

1. Which of my existing silver crowns can actually be converted to veneers, and which need crowns?
2. Can you show me before/after cases involving replacement of old metal crowns?
3. What ceramic would you use and why? (e.max, zirconia, layered ceramic, etc.)
4. Who is the dental lab/ceramicist doing the work?
5. Can I see a mock-up/provisional before the teeth are permanently prepared?
6. How much natural tooth structure will you remove?
7. What happens if I don't like the shape/color?
8. What is the warranty/remake policy?
9. If I have a crown that has a root canal underneath it, does that change your recommendation?

My ranking for your specific situation:
Schmid → Cosmetic Dentists of Austin → Patel, with Prosthodontics of Texas added if this is a larger/full-mouth restoration.

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• 38th Street Dental - 1500 W 38th St Ste 56, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• The Hills Dental Spa - 6836 Bee Caves Rd Building 1, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Cynthia L Graves DDS - Dentist Austin TX | Dentures Austin TX - 10418 Lake Creek Pkwy, Austin, TX 78750, United States
• West Lake Hills Dental - 4105 Westbank Dr Ste 103, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Elite Dentistry Cosmetic & Implant Center of ATX - 2530 Walsh Tarlton Ln Ste 210, Austin, TX 78746, United States

If you mean old silver/metal crowns and you want them replaced with natural-looking porcelain/ceramic crowns—and possibly veneers on adjacent teeth—I’d be selective. This is more than a routine crown replacement because matching color, translucency, shape, gum contours, and the transition between crowns and veneers matters a lot.

Based on what I found in Austin, my shortlist would be:

My top 3

1. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — Westlake

My first choice for a highly aesthetic case. His practice is specifically cosmetic-focused and does both porcelain crowns and veneers. His RealSelf profile has particularly relevant patient feedback, including people who had veneers redone, and the practice emphasizes coordinating crowns, veneers, whitening and other cosmetic work into one plan. RealSelf.com Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry

I also found a recent Austin Reddit discussion where multiple people independently recommended Schmid for difficult cosmetic/restorative work; one commenter specifically said he was skilled and listened to what the patient wanted. Reddit

2. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — Downtown

Probably the strongest alternative if you're doing a substantial smile makeover. His practice is heavily focused on veneers and cosmetic dentistry, and I found reviews specifically describing combinations of veneers + crowns, which is very close to what you're considering. Dentascore Austin Cosmetic Dentistry

3. Prosthodontics of Texas — Southwest Austin

I'd seriously consider this one if you have multiple old crowns, heavily restored teeth, bite issues, worn teeth, or a complicated case. It's a prosthodontic practice, so the emphasis is on complex restorative dentistry rather than just cosmetic veneers. They also use a mock-up/prototype process for veneers, which is something I'd want before committing to extensive cosmetic work.

One important point: don't automatically choose veneers

If a tooth currently has a crown, you generally aren't simply putting a veneer over the existing crown. The dentist needs to determine whether the underlying tooth/crown can be replaced with a new esthetic crown, whether the tooth needs additional treatment, or whether a different restoration is appropriate.

For teeth that aren't crowned, veneers may be appropriate—but I'd favor a dentist who will preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible rather than selling you a full set of veneers.

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd get two consultations, probably:

• Dr. Schmid for the cosmetic/aesthetic opinion.
• Prosthodontics of Texas for the restorative/structural opinion.

Then ask both dentists:

“I have old silver crowns and I'm considering replacing them with highly esthetic crowns, potentially combined with veneers. Which teeth actually need crowns, which could be treated conservatively, and can you show me a digital/mock-up of what the final result would look like?”

Also ask which dental laboratory/ceramist will make the crowns and veneers. For a major cosmetic case, the lab/ceramist can be almost as important as the dentist.

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, whether they're front teeth or molars, and roughly how many veneers you're considering, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd personally interview for your specific case, including credentials, before/after work, reviews, and likely price range.

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Lisa R Burkett, DDS MS - 6818 Austin Center Blvd, Austin, TX 78731
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Katz Dentistry - 3818 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 200, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Juan Vesga, DDS - 4201 Bee Caves Rd, Ste C110, Austin, TX 78746
• North Austin Dentistry - 6850 Austin Center Blvd #310, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Advanced Prosthodontics - 3423 Bee Caves Rd Suite C102, West Lake Hills, TX 78746, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Quinlan Park Dental - 5145 N FM 620 G-150, Austin, TX 78732, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• 8118 Dental Professionals - 8118 Shoal Creek Blvd, Austin, TX 78757, United States

Yes. For replacing old silver/metal crowns with natural-looking crowns or veneers, I’d be more selective than I would for ordinary cosmetic dentistry. The key question is whether those teeth actually need crowns or whether some can be treated more conservatively with veneers/onlays.

Based on what I found, my Austin shortlist would be:

1. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — my first choice for your situation.

He specifically does porcelain crowns and veneers, and his practice has a substantial cosmetic focus. His crown guidance notes that porcelain is generally the most natural-looking option, while also recognizing that some back teeth need stronger materials. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
Even more relevant: his practice has before/after material specifically about replacing older veneers, and Austin patients on Reddit recently recommended him for difficult cosmetic/restorative work, particularly praising his attention to bite and listening to what patients want. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry Reddit

2. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — excellent if you're considering a larger smile makeover.

This practice is heavily focused on veneers and crowns rather than general dentistry. Interestingly, I found a patient review describing old crowns with metal in them being removed and replaced with veneers, with the patient specifically praising the final result and bite adjustments. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin
That's unusually close to what you're describing.

3. Lisa R Burkett, DDS MS — I'd get a consultation here if you have multiple old crowns.

This is a prosthodontic practice, which is particularly relevant when you're replacing multiple existing restorations and need to balance aesthetics, bite, tooth structure and longevity. They offer veneers, cosmetic dentistry and full-mouth rehabilitation. Burkett Dental Burkett Dental

4. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — strong cosmetic alternative.

Dr. Patel's practice is particularly veneer-oriented and also does crowns. Their process involves removing existing crowns/fillings, working with a dental laboratory, and checking both fit and appearance before permanently bonding the restoration. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry Austin Cosmetic Dentistry

One important thing: don't automatically replace a silver crown with a veneer

If the existing silver crown covers a tooth because a lot of tooth structure is missing, a veneer may not be appropriate. A new all-ceramic/zirconia crown may be the better restoration.

Conversely, if the tooth underneath is relatively intact, a veneer or partial-coverage restoration could potentially preserve substantially more tooth structure. I'd want the dentist to explain why each individual tooth needs a full crown rather than proposing crowns across the board.

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd get 2–3 consultations before committing, starting with:

• John Schmid — cosmetic/restorative opinion
• Lisa Burkett/Klink — prosthodontic opinion
• Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — veneer/cosmetic-smile opinion

And I'd ask each dentist:

“I have existing silver/metal crowns. For each tooth, can you show me whether you recommend a full crown, veneer, or another restoration, how much natural tooth would need to be removed, what material you'd use, and examples of cases similar to mine?”

Also ask which dental laboratory/ceramist they use. For highly visible front teeth, the lab/ceramist can make a surprisingly large difference in whether the result looks like a real tooth versus an obvious crown.

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, whether they're front or back teeth, and roughly how old they are, I can narrow this down to the 2 best Austin dentists for your specific case and compare their credentials, reviews, pricing information, before/after work, and lab approach.

“I have existing silver/metal crowns. For each tooth, can you show me whether you recommend a full crown, veneer, or another restoration, how much natural tooth would need to be removed, what material you'd use, and examples of cases similar to mine?”

Also ask which dental laboratory/ceramist they use. For highly visible front teeth, the lab/ceramist can make a surprisingly large difference in whether the result looks like a real tooth versus an obvious crown.

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Juan Vesga, DDS - 4201 Bee Caves Rd, Ste C110, Austin, TX 78746
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Advanced Prosthodontics - 3423 Bee Caves Rd Suite C102, West Lake Hills, TX 78746, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Quinlan Park Dental - 5145 N FM 620 G-150, Austin, TX 78732, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Lisa R Burkett, DDS MS - 6818 Austin Center Blvd, Austin, TX 78731
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States

If you mean old silver/amalgam crowns or metal-looking crowns that you want replaced with natural-looking porcelain/ceramic crowns and possibly veneers, I’d be fairly selective. This is less about finding a dentist who offers veneers and more about finding someone who is excellent at esthetic restorative dentistry—especially matching crowns and veneers so they look like natural teeth.

Based on what I found in Austin, my shortlist would be:

My top 3

1. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — my first choice for a cosmetic-focused case

• West Austin/Bee Cave Rd.
• His practice is heavily focused on porcelain veneers, crowns and smile makeovers. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
• There are also Austin-area patient recommendations specifically praising his natural-looking cosmetic work and his willingness to be straightforward about expectations. Reddit RealSelf.com
• Best fit: If your priority is a very natural, high-end cosmetic result rather than simply getting the metal replaced.
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — excellent choice if you're considering a combination of crowns + veneers

• Downtown Austin.
• Dr. Patel's practice specializes heavily in porcelain veneers and cosmetic smile makeovers, and specifically discusses replacing old metal fillings with porcelain veneers. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
• I found patient reviews describing cases involving both crowns and veneers, including one where the final result used a combination of porcelain bridge, crown and veneers. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry DentaScore
• Best fit: A larger smile makeover where some teeth need crowns and others can receive veneers.
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. — best option if the case is structurally complicated

• North Austin.
• This is a prosthodontic practice, which is particularly relevant when you're replacing multiple old crowns/restorations and need to consider bite, tooth structure and long-term function in addition to appearance.
• They specifically handle crowns, veneers, bridges and complex restorative reconstruction.

One important thing: don't automatically choose veneers

If your existing "silver crowns" are actually full crowns, veneers generally aren't placed over them. The dentist needs to determine whether each tooth should receive:

• a new all-ceramic/zirconia crown,
• a veneer,
• an onlay/partial-coverage restoration, or
• potentially a more conservative restoration.

And if these are actually silver fillings rather than crowns, that's a different situation—some teeth may only need the amalgam replaced with tooth-colored fillings or ceramic inlays/onlays. Austin Laser Dentist

What I'd do in your situation

I'd get two cosmetic consultations before committing, probably Schmid + Patel. Bring photos of the smile you want and ask both dentists:

"Which teeth actually need crowns, which could be veneers or more conservative restorations, and can you show me a preview/mock-up of what the final result would look like?"

That last part is important. You don't want to discover after permanently altering your teeth that the crowns/veneers are too white, too bulky, too opaque, or don't match your facial proportions.

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have (e.g. 4, 8, 12+) and whether they're mostly your front teeth or back teeth, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd interview and tell you what questions I'd ask each one.

• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Neal R Shah, DDS - Austin Dental Arts - 3807 Spicewood Springs Rd STE 100, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry - 2907 Duval St, Austin, TX 78705, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Westlake Hills Dental Arts - 1301 S Capital of Texas Hwy A-132, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Sage Dentistry - Trisha Kimes, DDS - 11420 Bee Caves Rd SUITE B-150, Austin, TX 78738, United States
• Veneer Lounge Austin TX - 1400 S Congress Ave B-250, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• 38th Street Dental - 1500 W 38th St Ste 56, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Elite Dentistry Cosmetic & Implant Center of ATX - 2530 Walsh Tarlton Ln Ste 210, Austin, TX 78746, United States

Yes. If you have old silver/metal crowns and want them replaced with natural-looking crowns or veneers, I’d prioritize a dentist who does a lot of complex cosmetic/restorative work, rather than a general dentist who happens to offer veneers.

Based on what I found in Austin, my shortlist would be:

My top choices

1. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — my first consultation

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-333-7777)

2700 Barton Creek Blvd, Suite 130

This is probably the most directly relevant practice for your situation. They focus heavily on veneers, crowns, smile makeovers and full-mouth cosmetic/restorative cases. Most importantly, I found an Austin patient specifically describing having old crowns with metal removed and replaced with porcelain veneers, including attention to getting the bite right afterward. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

Their recent reviews also contain multiple patients describing successful veneer replacements with Dr. John Barras and Dr. Hay. Trustindex.io The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

I'd start here if your priority is the aesthetics of the finished smile.

2. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-329-5967)

3355 Bee Caves Rd, Suite 201

I'd put Dr. Schmid high on the list if you want someone particularly focused on natural-looking cosmetic work and bite/occlusion. His practice specifically handles porcelain crowns, veneers and comprehensive smile makeovers. Birdeye

Interestingly, Austin Reddit discussions about cosmetic dentistry have several people independently recommending Schmid, including one person who specifically praised his ability to balance what the patient wanted with what was realistically achievable. Reddit

3. Prosthodontics of Texas

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-960-4225)

5301 Davis Ln, Suite 101

I'd seriously consider this one if many of your teeth have old crowns, rather than just one or two. A prosthodontist has advanced training specifically in complex restoration/reconstruction. This practice does crowns, bridges, veneers and more complicated restorative cases, and uses a mock-up/prototype process for veneers so you can see the proposed result before committing.

For a mouth with lots of old metal crowns, I'd actually get a prosthodontic opinion before allowing anyone to start replacing them.

4. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-476-2336)

221 W 6th St, Suite 940

A strong option if your primary objective is high-end veneer aesthetics. The practice is heavily cosmetic-focused, and its published reviews include patients who had veneers done by Dr. Patel and were particularly happy with the appearance. DentaScore Austin Cosmetic

One important thing: don't automatically choose veneers

If the existing "silver crowns" are actual crowns covering teeth, veneers aren't necessarily the appropriate replacement. A veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth; a crown replaces/restores the tooth circumferentially.

The dentist should determine, tooth by tooth, whether you need:

• New all-ceramic/zirconia crowns
• Porcelain veneers
• A combination of crowns and veneers
• Or, in some cases, a more conservative restoration such as an onlay

I would be particularly wary of a dentist who immediately proposes "20 veneers" without evaluating the existing crowns, remaining tooth structure, bite, gums, X-rays and underlying teeth.

What I would do in your shoes

I'd get 2–3 consultations, specifically with:

1. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — cosmetic specialist approach
2. Dr. Schmid — cosmetic + bite/occlusion
3. Prosthodontics of Texas — complex restorative second opinion

And I'd ask each dentist:

"I have old metal/silver crowns that I want replaced with a very natural, esthetic result. Which teeth should receive crowns versus veneers, and why? Can you show me photographs of cases where you replaced old metal crowns, not just virgin teeth?"

That last question is really important. Replacing old crowns is substantially different from putting veneers on otherwise untouched teeth.

Also ask who makes the restorations, whether you'll get a diagnostic wax-up/mock-up or temporaries, and what happens if you don't like the shape/color before the permanent ceramics are cemented.

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have (e.g. 2, 6, 10+), whether they're mostly front or back teeth, and whether you're looking for a completely natural vs. "Hollywood" smile, I can narrow this down to the best 2 Austin dentists for your particular case and compare them on expertise, reviews, location and likely treatment approach.

221 W 6th St, Suite 940

A strong option if your primary objective is high-end veneer aesthetics. The practice is heavily cosmetic-focused, and its published reviews include patients who had veneers done by Dr. Patel and were particularly happy with the appearance. DentaScore Austin Cosmetic

One important thing: don't automatically choose veneers

If the existing "silver crowns" are actual crowns covering teeth, veneers aren't necessarily the appropriate replacement. A veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth; a crown replaces/restores the tooth circumferentially.

The dentist should determine, tooth by tooth, whether you need:

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• Lisa R Burkett, DDS MS - 6818 Austin Center Blvd, Austin, TX 78731
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Juan Vesga, DDS - 4201 Bee Caves Rd, Ste C110, Austin, TX 78746
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Advanced Prosthodontics - 3423 Bee Caves Rd Suite C102, West Lake Hills, TX 78746, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Quinlan Park Dental - 5145 N FM 620 G-150, Austin, TX 78732, United States
• West Lake Hills Dental - 4105 Westbank Dr Ste 103, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Craft of Dentistry - 7002 Menchaca Rd #100, Austin, TX 78745, United States
• Cynthia L Graves DDS - Dentist Austin TX | Dentures Austin TX - 10418 Lake Creek Pkwy, Austin, TX 78750, United States
• Eaddy Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, PLLC - 3502 Wild Cherry Dr Bldg. 11, Austin, TX 78738, United States

If you’re replacing old silver/metal crowns and want the result to look natural, I’d prioritize a dentist who does a lot of complex restorative + cosmetic work, rather than choosing purely on “veneer” marketing.

Based on what I found in Austin, these are the three I’d put at the top of your consultation list:

1. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — my first choice for a cosmetic-focused case

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-329-5967)

Dr. Schmid is in Westlake and specializes heavily in cosmetic dentistry, including porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, and smile makeovers. His current reviews repeatedly mention meticulous, natural-looking cosmetic work. He also specifically handles crowns, not just veneers. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry Birdeye

What makes him particularly interesting for your situation is that you're talking about replacing existing restorations, where tooth preparation, bite/occlusion, color, translucency and the transition between crowns and veneers all matter.

cosmeticdentistryaustin.com

2. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — excellent if the priority is a beautiful smile makeover

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-476-2336)

Dr. Tejas Patel's practice is very veneer/cosmetic focused and has a substantial body of patient feedback. The practice emphasizes porcelain veneers and smile makeovers, and patients specifically praise the aesthetic results. DentaScore Austin Cosmetic Dentistry

I'd put him on your shortlist particularly if most of the visible teeth are going to be redesigned, rather than simply swapping individual crowns.

austincosmetic.com

3. Prosthodontics of Texas — the one I'd seriously consider for a complicated crown replacement

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-960-4225)

This is the more restorative/prosthodontic option. They specifically handle complex restorative cases, crowns/bridges and veneers, and their process includes prototypes/mock-ups so you can evaluate the proposed appearance before committing.

If you have several old metal crowns, root-canaled teeth, worn teeth, bite issues, or crowns that have been redone before, I'd strongly consider getting a prosthodontist's opinion before committing to veneers.

One more worth considering

Lisa R Burkett, DDS MS is another Austin prosthodontist with a focus on full-mouth rehabilitation, veneers, cosmetic dentistry and implant restoration. Healthgrades also lists prosthodontics and porcelain veneers among her areas of experience. Healthgrades

What I'd do in your shoes

Don't let the dentist decide “veneers vs. crowns” before evaluating each tooth. A silver crown usually means the tooth underneath has already been substantially prepared, so replacing it with another crown is often very different from putting a veneer on an untouched tooth.

I'd get 2–3 consultations, preferably:

1. John Schmid — cosmetic/aesthetic benchmark.
2. Prosthodontics of Texas — restorative/prosthodontic benchmark.
3. Tejas Patel — veneer/smile-design benchmark.

And I'd ask each one:

• Which of my existing crowns can be replaced with all-ceramic/zirconia or lithium-disilicate crowns?
• Which teeth, if any, are candidates for veneers instead of crowns?
• Can you show me before/after cases involving old metal crowns being replaced, not just ordinary veneers?
• What ceramic/lab do you use?
• Will you make provisional/mock-up teeth so I can see the shape and color before the permanent restorations?
• How will you make the crowns and veneers look like they belong together?
• What happens if I don't like the color/shape of the final restorations?
• Are any of my old crowned teeth in danger of needing root canals or replacement before cosmetic work?

The lab question is especially important. With a case involving multiple crowns + veneers, the dentist's aesthetic eye matters enormously, but so does the ceramist/lab making the restorations.

One interesting thing I found: an Austin patient specifically described going to The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin to remove old crowns containing metal and replace them with veneers, with very positive feedback. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin So I'd potentially add them as a fourth consultation if you want a heavily cosmetic-oriented option.

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have, which teeth (front/back), your approximate budget, and whether you want a very natural look or a “Hollywood” white look, I can narrow this down to the 2 Austin dentists I'd personally consult first and compare their likely strengths/cost considerations.

Lisa R Burkett, DDS MS is another Austin prosthodontist with a focus on full-mouth rehabilitation, veneers, cosmetic dentistry and implant restoration. Healthgrades also lists prosthodontics and porcelain veneers among her areas of experience. Healthgrades

What I'd do in your shoes

Don't let the dentist decide “veneers vs. crowns” before evaluating each tooth. A silver crown usually means the tooth underneath has already been substantially prepared, so replacing it with another crown is often very different from putting a veneer on an untouched tooth.

I'd get 2–3 consultations, preferably:

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Prosthodontics of Texas - 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin - 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
• Craft of Dentistry - 7002 Menchaca Rd #100, Austin, TX 78745, United States
• Austin City Dental - 1500 W 38th St #37, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry - 2907 Duval St, Austin, TX 78705, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Veneer Lounge Austin TX - 1400 S Congress Ave B-250, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Neal R Shah, DDS - Austin Dental Arts - 3807 Spicewood Springs Rd STE 100, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Moossy General & Cosmetic Dentistry - 4200 N Lamar Blvd #145, Austin, TX 78756, United States
• Sage Dentistry - Trisha Kimes, DDS - 11420 Bee Caves Rd SUITE B-150, Austin, TX 78738, United States

If you’re replacing old silver/metal crowns and want a natural, high-end aesthetic result, I’d shortlist three Austin dentists, with one standing out for your specific situation.

My top picks

1. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — my first choice

• West Austin / Bee Cave Rd.
• Particularly strong fit if you want natural-looking veneers/crowns rather than an obvious “Hollywood smile.”
• His practice specifically handles porcelain crowns, veneers, and smile makeovers. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry Birdeye
• There are also recent Austin-area recommendations specifically praising him for cosmetic work and for listening to what the patient actually wants. Reddit
• Why I'd start here: your case involves replacing existing restorations, so I'd prioritize someone who thinks about bite, tooth structure, proportions and restoration design—not just veneer placement.
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — best if aesthetics are the #1 priority

• Downtown Austin.
• Very veneer-focused, with extensive emphasis on smile design. The practice specifically notes that veneers generally require less tooth reduction than crowns. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
• They also have examples of cases combining crowns + porcelain veneers, which is potentially relevant to your situation. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
• Why I'd consider him: if you have several visible silver crowns and want the finished smile to look exceptionally polished and cohesive.
• Prosthodontics of Texas — best if this is a complicated restoration case

• South Austin.
• Prosthodontics is the specialty I'd take particularly seriously when you're replacing multiple old crowns, dealing with worn teeth, bite issues, or extensive restorative work.
• They do crowns, bridges, veneers and complex restorative dentistry, and notably use a prototype/mock-up process for veneers so you can preview the result before committing.
• Why I'd consider them: if your old crowns aren't simply cosmetic but have underlying decay, root canals, gum issues, poor bite, or questionable tooth structure.

One more I'd put on the consultation list

The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin is worth considering because they have a very specific track record with patients replacing old metal-containing crowns. I found a patient review describing exactly that situation—old crowns with metal being removed and replaced with veneers—with the patient particularly happy with the aesthetic result. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

That said, I'd compare them rather than automatically hire them, because the online feedback is more mixed than the other options.

Crowns vs. veneers matters a LOT here

I wouldn't walk into the consultation saying, "I want veneers." I'd say:

"I have old silver/metal crowns and want them replaced with the most conservative, natural-looking esthetic restorations possible. I want to know which teeth genuinely need crowns versus which could be treated with veneers."

That's important because a veneer isn't simply a prettier crown. If the existing tooth has a large restoration, structural damage, decay, a root canal, or insufficient enamel, a crown may be the safer restoration. Conversely, if a tooth is structurally sound, unnecessarily crowning it can sacrifice more tooth structure than necessary.

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd get 2–3 consultations before committing, probably:

Schmid → Patel → Prosthodontics of Texas

And I'd ask each dentist these five questions:

• How many of my existing crowns actually need to be crowns?
• Which teeth could be veneers/onlays instead?
• Can you show me before/after cases where you replaced silver/metal crowns?
• Will you make a temporary/mock-up so I can approve the shape and color before the final restorations?
• Who makes your crowns/veneers, and can I see examples from that lab?

The last two are especially important. For a major cosmetic case, the dentist + dental lab combination matters enormously.

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, where they are (front teeth vs. molars), roughly how old they are, and whether you're looking for a very natural or more "celebrity" smile, I can narrow this down to the 2 best Austin dentists for your particular case and compare their credentials, reviews, pricing signals, and before/after work.

"I have old silver/metal crowns and want them replaced with the most conservative, natural-looking esthetic restorations possible. I want to know which teeth genuinely need crowns versus which could be treated with veneers."

That's important because a veneer isn't simply a prettier crown. If the existing tooth has a large restoration, structural damage, decay, a root canal, or insufficient enamel, a crown may be the safer restoration. Conversely, if a tooth is structurally sound, unnecessarily crowning it can sacrifice more tooth structure than necessary.

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd get 2–3 consultations before committing, probably:

Schmid → Patel → Prosthodontics of Texas

And I'd ask each dentist these five questions:

• How many of my existing crowns actually need to be crowns?
• Which teeth could be veneers/onlays instead?
• Can you show me before/after cases where you replaced silver/metal crowns?
• Will you make a temporary/mock-up so I can approve the shape and color before the final restorations?
• Who makes your crowns/veneers, and can I see examples from that lab?

The last two are especially important. For a major cosmetic case, the dentist + dental lab combination matters enormously.

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group - 1500 W 38th St #34, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc. - 7800 N Mopac Expy Ste 260, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Downtown Dental Design - 507 Pressler St #350, Austin, TX 78703, United States
• Jovan Prosthodontics - 4010 Sandy Brook Dr #209, Round Rock, TX 78665, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Juan Vesga, DDS - 4201 Bee Caves Rd, Ste C110, Austin, TX 78746
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• Quinlan Park Dental - 5145 N FM 620 G-150, Austin, TX 78732, United States
• Advanced Prosthodontics - 3423 Bee Caves Rd Suite C102, West Lake Hills, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin Institute of Dental Medicine - 1401 Philomena St Ste 200, Austin, TX 78723, United States
• 38th Street Dental - 1500 W 38th St Ste 56, Austin, TX 78731, United States

Replacing old silver crowns (often porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns with a dark metal edge) is a situation where I’d prioritize a cosmetic dentist who also understands bite, tooth preparation, and restorative dentistry—not just someone who does veneers. Whether you need new all-ceramic crowns vs. veneers depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains under those crowns. A good dentist should evaluate that before recommending veneers. Austin Laser Dentist

For Austin, I would put these practices on a short list:

1. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — Dr. John Schmid

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-329-5967)

• Strong fit if your goal is natural-looking esthetic crowns/veneers and a carefully designed smile.
• Located in West Austin/Westlake area.
• Their practice focuses heavily on cosmetic dentistry, including veneers and porcelain crowns. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry

2. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-476-2336)

• Worth considering if you want a cosmetic-focused office with emphasis on porcelain veneers and smile makeover cases.
• Better suited for someone prioritizing aesthetics and smile design.

3. Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-451-7491)

• Consider a prosthodontist if you have many old crowns, worn teeth, bite issues, or a full-mouth restoration situation.
• Prosthodontists specialize in complex restorations like crowns, bridges, and esthetic reconstruction.

4. Austin Artistic Dental

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-292-9209)

• A good option for cosmetic + restorative work, including crowns and veneers.
• They emphasize smile design and natural-looking cosmetic results.

5. Smile Boutique Implant Center | Dr. Afsaneh Rad, D.M.D., M.Sc., M.M.Sc.

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-458-5205)

• Consider if your case involves multiple failing crowns, missing teeth, implants, or complex reconstruction.
• Prosthodontics-focused approach.

Questions I would ask at the consultation

Bring photos of your old crowns and ask:

1. “Can these crowns be replaced with zirconia or lithium disilicate (E.max) crowns?”
2. “Do I actually need crowns, or would veneers preserve more tooth structure?”
3. “Will you do a digital smile design or wax-up/mock-up before preparation?”
4. “Who is your ceramic lab/ceramist?” (The lab matters a lot for natural translucency.)
5. “Can I see before-and-after cases similar to mine?”

For old silver crowns, I would personally get at least two consultations—one with a cosmetic dentist and one with a prosthodontist—before letting anyone remove them. The biggest mistake in these cases is replacing functional crowns unnecessarily or choosing a shade/shape that looks artificial.

If you tell me:

• how many silver crowns you have,
• where they are (front teeth vs molars),
• your age range,
• whether you want a “natural” look or a very white Hollywood look,
• and your Austin area (downtown, Westlake, Cedar Park, South Austin, etc.),

I can narrow this to the best 2–3 choices.

Yes. For replacing old silver/metal crowns with natural-looking crowns or veneers in Austin, I’d prioritize dentists who do a lot of complex cosmetic + restorative work, rather than a general dentist who happens to offer veneers.

My Austin shortlist

1. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — my first choice to consult

• Westlake/Bee Cave area.
• Strong focus on veneers, cosmetic makeovers, and crowns.
• His practice specifically documents replacement of older restorations/veneers and shows before/after veneer-replacement cases. cosmeticdentistryaustin.com
• There is also some Austin community feedback specifically recommending Schmid for difficult cosmetic work and saying he listens rather than pushing a particular treatment. www.reddit.com

2. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — especially worth considering for a major smile transformation

This one caught my attention because I found a patient review describing old crowns with metal being removed and replaced as part of a veneer treatment—very similar to what you're contemplating. www.thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com Their practice is heavily focused on porcelain veneers, crowns, and full-mouth restoration, with Drs. John Barras and John Hay leading the cosmetic/restorative work. www.thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com

They also have an unusually strong stated replacement policy for crowns/veneers/onlays, subject to conditions. www.bbb.org

3. Prosthodontics of Texas — my choice if the case is complicated

I'd seriously consider a prosthodontist if you have several old crowns, significant wear, bite problems, root canals, or questionable teeth underneath the crowns. Prosthodontists specialize in complicated reconstruction and restoration, and this practice specifically handles crowns, bridges, veneers and complex restorative cases.

4. Lisa R Burkett, DDS MS — another specialist-level option

Also a prosthodontics-focused practice doing cosmetic dentistry, veneers and full-mouth rehabilitation. I'd put this on the consultation list if you're replacing a lot of old dental work rather than just one or two visible crowns.

One important thing: don't automatically replace crowns with veneers

If your existing silver crowns are on teeth that have been substantially reduced, root-canaled, cracked, heavily filled, etc., a crown may be the appropriate replacement—not a veneer. A veneer is primarily an esthetic facial covering; a crown provides structural protection.

For visible teeth, you might end up with something like:

old metal crown → new all-ceramic crown

while adjacent healthy teeth might be treated with:

natural tooth → porcelain veneer

That combination can look much better than trying to make everything veneers.

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd get 2–3 consultations before committing, specifically with:

1. John Schmid — cosmetic/aesthetic specialist approach
2. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — extensive cosmetic restoration experience
3. A prosthodontist — independent opinion on whether the underlying teeth actually need crowns

And don't just ask, “How much are veneers?” Ask:

“I have older metal/silver crowns that I want replaced with extremely natural-looking restorations. I want to know which teeth should receive crowns versus veneers, and I want to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. Can you show me 5–10 cases you've personally done that are similar to mine?”

I'd also ask to see actual before/after cases involving old metal crowns, not just pristine veneer cases.

The AACD notes that its Accredited Members have gone through a formal credentialing process involving documented cosmetic cases and examinations, so that's a useful credential to investigate when comparing cosmetic dentists. profiles.aacd.com

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, whether they're front teeth or molars, and roughly where in Austin you're located, I can narrow this down to the 3 dentists I'd personally interview first, including credentials, reviews, pricing indications, and examples of their crown/veneer work.

Yes. If you’re talking about old metal/silver-colored crowns and want them replaced with natural-looking porcelain/ceramic crowns—and possibly veneers on adjacent teeth—I’d be selective. This is less about finding a generic “cosmetic dentist” and more about finding someone excellent at esthetic restorative dentistry + bite management.

My Austin shortlist

1. My first consultation: Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry

This would be my first call for a primarily cosmetic case. He focuses on porcelain veneers, smile makeovers and restorative work, and his practice is in Westlake. His site specifically discusses crowns and veneers, and RealSelf has documented strong patient feedback on his veneer work. cosmeticdentistryaustin.comaustincosmetic.comwww.healthgrades.com

There's also unusually relevant Austin community feedback: in a 2025 discussion about finding someone to redo problematic cosmetic crowns, multiple people independently recommended Dr. Schmid, describing him as skilled and attentive to what patients want. www.reddit.com

2. Strong alternative: Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS

If your goal is a beautiful, highly designed smile makeover, Dr. Patel is one I'd absolutely consult. His practice is heavily focused on porcelain veneers and cosmetic smile design. His published cases/reviews include combinations of veneers and crowns, and he emphasizes natural-looking results. austincosmetic.com

I'd put him particularly high on the list if you're replacing several visible crowns and want the whole smile to look cohesive rather than simply swapping metal crowns for white ones.

3. If the case is complicated: Prosthodontics of Texas

This is the direction I'd go if you have many old crowns, root canals, worn teeth, bite problems, broken teeth, or questionable existing dental work. Prosthodontists specialize in complex reconstruction/restoration, rather than just cosmetic dentistry. Their practice specifically handles crowns, bridges, veneers and complex restorative cases.

Another specialist option is Lisa R Burkett, DDS MS, whose Austin practice focuses on prosthodontics, full-mouth rehabilitation, veneers and implant restoration.

One particularly interesting option for your exact situation

Advanced Prosthodontics / Dr. Juan Vesga is worth considering if the crowns themselves are the main issue. They're a prosthodontic practice and specifically list porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers.

And there's a relevant patient report about Dr. Dario Valencia David, another Austin prosthodontist: a patient described him replacing crowns after poor previous dental work. That's anecdotal, but it's directly relevant to the sort of revision case you're describing. www.healthgrades.com

What I'd do if these were my teeth

I'd get 2 consultations before committing:

1. Dr. Schmid — for the cosmetic/aesthetic plan.
2. A prosthodontist such as Prosthodontics of Texas — to independently assess whether the existing crowned teeth are structurally sound and what should actually be replaced.

That's important because I wouldn't automatically replace every silver crown with a veneer or even every silver crown with a crown. The correct treatment depends on how much healthy tooth remains, the existing crown margins, decay/cracks, root-canal status, bite, and how much tooth would have to be removed.

Also, veneers generally aren't a substitute for a crown on a heavily restored tooth. A tooth that's already substantially filled/crowned may need another full-coverage restoration, while an intact neighboring tooth may be a candidate for a veneer.

The question I'd ask at the consultation

I'd literally say:

“I have old metal crowns that I want replaced with highly esthetic restorations. I want the result to look natural rather than like obvious veneers. Can you show me cases where you've replaced multiple old crowns, and can we do a diagnostic mock-up before permanently preparing my teeth?”

Then ask:

• What teeth actually need crowns versus veneers?
• Can you show me before/after cases similar to mine?
• What ceramic do you recommend, and why?
• Who makes the restorations—which dental laboratory/ceramicist?
• Can I see a digital smile design/mock-up or provisionals before final ceramics?
• How do you determine the bite/occlusion?
• What happens if I don't like the color/shape at the try-in?
• What is the warranty/replacement policy?
• How much tooth structure will you remove?
• Are any existing crowns hiding cracks, decay, or root-canal problems?

My ranking for you:
Schmid → Tejas Patel → prosthodontist consultation, with the prosthodontist moving to #1 if you're talking about a large number of old crowns or a full-mouth reconstruction.

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have, which teeth (front vs. back), and whether you're wanting just the visible smile or essentially a full-mouth replacement, I can narrow this to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd personally choose for your specific case, including which ones I'd avoid.

• Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry - 3355 Bee Caves Rd Ste 201, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS - 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
• Glint Dental Studio Austin - 1600 S 1st St Suite 160, Austin, TX 78704, United States
• The Hills Dental Spa - 6836 Bee Caves Rd Building 1, Suite 300, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• Walden Dental - 9800 N Lake Creek Pkwy #150, Austin, TX 78717, United States
• Restora Dental Arts (AnnMarie Olson DDS PA) - 11671 Jollyville Rd #204, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Austin Artistic Dental - 9900 I-35 Suite. P-200, Austin, TX 78748, United States
• 38th Street Dental - 1500 W 38th St Ste 56, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin City Dental - 1500 W 38th St #37, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Austin Dental Spa - 3305 Northland Dr #515, Austin, TX 78731, United States
• Neal R Shah, DDS - Austin Dental Arts - 3807 Spicewood Springs Rd STE 100, Austin, TX 78759, United States
• Cynthia L Graves DDS - Dentist Austin TX | Dentures Austin TX - 10418 Lake Creek Pkwy, Austin, TX 78750, United States
• Elite Dentistry Cosmetic & Implant Center of ATX - 2530 Walsh Tarlton Ln Ste 210, Austin, TX 78746, United States
• KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry - 2907 Duval St, Austin, TX 78705, United States
• Moossy General & Cosmetic Dentistry - 4200 N Lamar Blvd #145, Austin, TX 78756, United States

Replacing old silver (amalgam or metal-based) crowns with esthetic crowns or veneers is a case where I’d prioritize a dentist who does high-end cosmetic dentistry + restorative dentistry, not just a general dentist who “also does crowns.” The key questions are: Do you need a crown or can the tooth be preserved with a veneer/onlay? Is the bite stable? Can they match translucency and gum contours?

In Austin, I’d put these on a shortlist:

Strong candidates for old silver crown replacement

Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry (Westlake/Bee Cave)

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-329-5967)

A strong fit if your priority is a very natural cosmetic result. The practice focuses heavily on porcelain veneers, smile design, and esthetic crowns. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
Why consider:

• Cosmetic-focused practice rather than general dentistry only
• Experience with porcelain crowns and veneers
• Good option for front teeth or highly visible restorations Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry

Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS (Downtown Austin)

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-476-2336)

Worth considering for a smile-makeover approach, especially if multiple old crowns/visible teeth are involved.

Glint Dental Studio Austin (South Austin)

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-653-4009)

A boutique cosmetic/restorative office with a strong aesthetic focus and modern digital workflow.

The Hills Dental Spa (Westlake)

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 737-205-1644)

A higher-end cosmetic practice that may appeal if you’re looking for extensive aesthetic planning or a full smile redesign.

Walden Dental (Northwest Austin)

DirectionsWebsite[Call](tel:+1 512-337-8560)

Offers cosmetic restorations including veneers, crowns, and smile makeover planning.

Before hiring anyone, ask these questions

For old silver crowns specifically, I would ask:

1. “Will you evaluate whether each tooth needs a full crown replacement, or could some be treated more conservatively with veneers/onlays?”
2. “What ceramic do you recommend and why?” (e.g., lithium disilicate/e.max vs zirconia)
3. “Can I see before-and-after cases of patients replacing old metal crowns?”
4. “Do you use a cosmetic mock-up or temporary trial smile before final placement?”
5. “Which dental lab and ceramist will make my crowns?”

My practical shortlist

If this were my own smile, I’d probably get consultations from:

1. Dr. John Schmid — for premium cosmetic veneer/crown artistry
2. Glint Dental Studio — for boutique aesthetic planning
3. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry (Dr. Patel) — for a cosmetic makeover perspective

I’d avoid choosing solely by reviews or price; replacing old crowns is one of those treatments where the dentist’s eye for shape, color, bite, and gum aesthetics matters a lot.

If you tell me:

• how many silver crowns you have
• front teeth vs molars
• whether they show when you smile
• your approximate budget range

…I can narrow the list to the best type of dentist for your case.

If you’re replacing old silver/amalgam crowns with esthetic crowns or veneers, I’d prioritize a dentist who does a lot of complex cosmetic/restorative work, rather than choosing purely on “veneer” marketing.

My Austin shortlist

1. Dr. John Schmid, D.D.S. LVIF - Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — my first choice

• West Austin, 3355 Bee Caves Rd.
• Strong cosmetic focus and specifically offers both crowns and veneers. cosmeticdentistryaustin.com
• He has 33 years of experience and RealSelf shows a 5.0 rating for porcelain veneers, albeit from a small number of reviews. www.realself.com
• Interestingly, Austin Redditors recently recommended him specifically for difficult cosmetic work, with one person saying he was direct about expectations and another saying he was particularly good at listening to what they wanted. www.reddit.com

2. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — excellent if you're considering a larger smile makeover

• Downtown Austin.
• Very strong patient-review profile: about 4.9/5 with nearly 300 reviews in the local-business data.
• His practice is heavily focused on cosmetic dentistry, and independent review aggregation shows patients reporting both veneers and crowns. dentascore.com
• I'd put him near the top if you want a highly designed, polished cosmetic result.

3. Austin Artistic Dental — worth a consultation

• South Austin.
• About 4.9/5 with 870 reviews, which is a substantial review history.
• Austin patients specifically recommended Dr. Hulse in a recent cosmetic-dentistry discussion, including someone who had veneers and crowns redone and was very happy with the natural-looking result. www.reddit.com

4. Prosthodontics of Texas — especially worth considering if the old crowns are extensive/problematic

• This is the one I'd add if you're talking about many old crowns, worn-down teeth, bite issues, root canals, broken teeth, or complicated restorative work.
• Prosthodontists specialize in complex tooth restoration, so you're not relying solely on a cosmetic dentist's aesthetic skills.

What I'd do in your situation

I would not automatically replace silver crowns with veneers. A veneer generally isn't a substitute for a crown on a tooth that has already lost substantial structure.

I'd get 2 consultations, ideally:

Dr. Schmid + Tejas Patel, or Dr. Schmid + a prosthodontist if you have numerous crowns.

At the consultation, ask:

1. Which teeth actually need crowns versus veneers?
2. Can you show me before/after cases of patients with old metal crowns replaced, not just virgin teeth getting veneers?
3. What material would you use—lithium-disilicate/e.max, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-zirconia, etc.—and why?
4. Will you use a high-end cosmetic dental lab, and which one?
5. Can I see a digital preview/mock-up before anything is permanently prepared?
6. How will you match the new teeth to the ones that aren't being treated?
7. If the silver crowns are on front teeth, how do you prevent the dark margin from showing at the gumline?
8. What happens if I don't like the color/shape of the final crowns?

One particularly important point: if you're talking about replacing front-tooth silver crowns, tell me that. The best dentist for that situation can be different from the best dentist for replacing molar crowns.

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, which teeth (front vs. back), and roughly your budget, I can narrow this to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd personally consult first, including which one is best for natural-looking crowns vs. veneers.

If you mean Austin, Texas, I’d shortlist three dentists, with Dr. Tejas Patel as my first consultation for the specific situation you described.

My Austin shortlist

1. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — my first choice for an esthetic makeover

Dr. Patel’s practice is heavily focused on porcelain veneers and cosmetic smile design, and his site specifically lists old metal fillings among situations veneers can address. He also has substantial patient-review volume for veneers, including cases involving a combination of crowns and veneers. austincosmetic.com

Austin Cosmetic Dentistry / Dr. Tejas Patel

2. Austin Artistic Dental — excellent one to compare for natural-looking work

This would be my second consultation, particularly if your priority is crowns/veneers that don't look like obvious dental work. The practice emphasizes natural-looking cosmetic dentistry and offers both porcelain veneers and restorative crowns. Interestingly, Austin Redditors specifically recommended Dr. Hulse there for redo veneers and crowns, praising the natural result. www.reddit.com

3. Prosthodontics of Texas — consider this if you have several old crowns

This is the one I'd add if you're talking about multiple silver/metal crowns, significant wear, bite issues, or a more complicated restoration. It's a prosthodontic specialty practice and handles complex crowns, bridges, implants and cosmetic restorations. They also use a prototype/mock-up process for veneers so you can preview the result before committing.

One other I'd seriously consider

The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin has a strong cosmetic/restorative focus and specifically offers crowns, porcelain veneers and full-mouth restoration. Their published policy says they will repair/replace their crowns, veneers or onlays under specified conditions for as long as the practice remains in operation. www.bbb.org

But there's an important distinction

I wouldn't automatically replace silver crowns with veneers.

A veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth. If you currently have a full crown, the appropriate replacement will often be another crown—potentially an all-ceramic/zirconia restoration—rather than a veneer. Whether a tooth can be treated conservatively depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains, the condition of the existing crown, decay underneath it, your bite, and whether the tooth has had a root canal.

For a substantial number of old crowns, I'd want the dentist to answer:

• Which teeth actually need full crowns versus veneers/onlays?
• Can any existing crowns simply be replaced with high-quality ceramic crowns?
• How much additional tooth reduction will be required?
• What ceramic are they proposing, and why that material for each tooth?
• Can I see before/after cases involving old metal crowns, not just pristine veneer cases?
• Who makes the restorations and which dental laboratory do they use?
• Will they do a digital smile design/mock-up or temporary/provisional phase before permanently cementing everything?
• How will they make the new teeth match your natural teeth?
• What happens if you don't like the shape/color?

For your situation, I'd get two consultations before committing: Dr. Patel + a prosthodontist such as Prosthodontics of Texas. If both independently recommend essentially the same treatment, that's a much stronger signal than choosing based on online reviews alone.

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have, whether they're front or back teeth, and whether you want a very natural look or a "Hollywood" white smile, I can narrow this down to the best 2–3 Austin dentists for your exact case and compare their credentials, reviews, locations, and likely treatment approach.

Yes — and because you’re talking about replacing existing silver/metal crowns, I’d be more selective than I would be for ordinary veneers. You want someone who is excellent at both restorative dentistry and cosmetic design, because some of those old crowns may have underlying decay, cracks, root-canal issues, or bite problems.

My Austin shortlist

1. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — my first choice for your specific goal

They are unusually focused on crowns and veneers, rather than cosmetic dentistry being just one service among many. Their patient reviews specifically include someone who had old crowns containing metal removed and replaced, with the patient praising the resulting smile and bite adjustments. www.thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com

They’re at 2700 Barton Creek Blvd. Their focus is essentially smile reconstruction/veneers/crowns, which is very close to what you're describing.

Why I'd put them #1: your case sounds like a cosmetic restorative case, not simply “I want veneers.”

2. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — strongest alternative if aesthetics are your #1 priority

Dr. Patel's practice is heavily focused on porcelain veneers and smile makeovers. They have documented cases combining crowns + veneers, which is potentially exactly the type of treatment you may need. dentascore.com

Their downtown office is at 221 W 6th St.

Why I'd consider them: if you want a very polished, high-end cosmetic result and you're potentially doing several teeth at once.

3. Dr. Ernesto Carmona Jr, DDS / Austin Prosthodontics — best if the existing crowns are complicated

This is the direction I'd go if you have many old crowns, questionable teeth underneath them, bite issues, implants, root canals, or you're contemplating a larger reconstruction. He's a prosthodontist, meaning the training is specifically centered around complex restoration of teeth and oral function. A review specifically describes him replacing crowns after poor previous dental work. local.yahoo.com

4. Austin Artistic Dental — good option for natural-looking cosmetic work

They have a strong cosmetic focus, including veneers and crowns, and local Austin discussion specifically mentions Dr. Hulse for redoing veneers and crowns with a natural appearance. www.reddit.com

One important thing: don't automatically replace every silver crown with a veneer

A veneer generally isn't a direct substitute for a crown. If the existing tooth has already been substantially reduced for a crown, or has a large filling/root canal, the appropriate replacement may be a new all-ceramic crown rather than a veneer.

For some teeth, the ideal plan could be:

old metal crown → new zirconia/e.max/other ceramic crown

while neighboring healthy teeth might get:

natural tooth → porcelain veneer

That combination can look much more natural than putting crowns on everything.

What I would do in your shoes

I'd get 2–3 consultations before committing, specifically asking each dentist:

1. Which teeth actually need crowns versus veneers?
2. Can you show me before/after cases where you replaced old metal crowns, not just virgin teeth getting veneers?
3. What ceramic material would you use and why?
4. Will you make provisionals/mockups so I can see the shape before the permanent restorations?
5. Who makes the restorations — and can I see examples from that lab?
6. How do you evaluate the bite/occlusion before replacing multiple crowns?
7. If a tooth underneath an old crown has decay or needs a root canal, who handles that?
8. What happens if I don't like the color/shape of the permanent crowns?

My ranking for your situation:
🥇 The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin
🥈 Tejas Patel
🥉 Ernesto Carmona / Austin Prosthodontics
4️⃣ Austin Artistic Dental

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have, which teeth (front/back/top/bottom), and whether you want a very natural look or a “Hollywood” white smile, I can narrow this down to the 2 dentists I'd personally consult first, including what I would ask each one and what price range I'd expect in Austin.

Yes. For replacing old metal/silver crowns with natural-looking crowns and possibly veneers, I’d shortlist a few Austin dentists rather than choosing purely from Google ratings. The key is finding someone who does both restorative dentistry and high-end cosmetic work, because some of those old crowns may need crowns—not veneers—depending on how much healthy tooth remains.

My top 3 to consult

1. Dr. John Schmid — Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
Gary L. Cash, DDS
Gary L. Cash, DDS
Web
Address: 1500 W 38th St #48, Austin, TX 78731, United States
Phone: +1 512-451-7577

Correction: the business result above is Gary Cash; for John Schmid, the strongest evidence I found is his practice and cosmetic-crown/veneer portfolio. He has 33 years of experience, and his practice specifically offers porcelain crowns and veneers. His approach also considers structural needs—he notes that porcelain is generally the most aesthetic option, while some heavily loaded teeth may need a different material. cosmeticdentistryaustin.com

What particularly caught my attention: Austin patients on Reddit specifically recommended Schmid for difficult cosmetic crown work, describing him as skilled and straightforward. www.reddit.com

Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — Dr. John Schmid

2. Dr. Tejas Patel — Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS
Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS
Web
Address: 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Phone: +1 512-476-2336

If your priority is a beautiful, very aesthetic smile makeover, Patel would be one of my first consultations. His practice is heavily focused on porcelain veneers and smile makeovers, and he says he has completed thousands of veneer/smile-makeover cases over about 20 years. austincosmetic.com

Importantly for your situation, his practice explicitly discusses veneers for people with old metal fillings and discoloration. austincosmetic.com

Austin Cosmetic Dentistry — Dr. Tejas Patel

3. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — Drs. Barras/Hay
The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin
The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin
Web
Address: 2700 Barton Creek Blvd Suite 130, Austin, TX 78735, United States
Phone: +1 512-333-7777

This is particularly interesting for your exact situation. Their patient-review page contains a case from someone who had old crowns with metal in them removed and replaced with porcelain veneers, with the patient specifically praising the bite adjustment and final result. www.thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com Their practice does both porcelain crowns and veneers, so you aren't being forced into one treatment approach. www.thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com

The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

One important point

I wouldn't automatically replace a crown with a veneer. A veneer only covers the front surface; a crown protects the entire tooth. If the existing silver/metal crown is covering a heavily restored, cracked, root-canaled, or structurally compromised tooth, a new all-ceramic crown may be the safer choice. If the tooth underneath is sufficiently healthy, a veneer or more conservative restoration may be possible.

For a case involving multiple old crowns + veneers, I'd actually get 2–3 consultations before committing.

At each consultation, ask:

1. Which teeth truly need crowns, and which could be veneers/onlays?
2. Can you show me 5–10 before/after cases similar to mine—not just perfect young-smile cases?
3. What ceramic are you proposing (lithium disilicate/e.max, zirconia, etc.), and why?
4. What laboratory/ceramicist makes the restorations?
5. Will you do a temporary/mock-up so I can see the shape and color before the permanent teeth are made?
6. How will you manage my bite/occlusion after replacing multiple crowns?
7. If an old crown comes off and the tooth underneath is compromised, what's the backup plan?
8. What is the total cost per tooth, including temporaries, lab fees, adjustments and follow-ups?

If it were my money, I'd start with Schmid and Patel, then use The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin as the third opinion. Schmid looks particularly compelling if you have a complicated mix of old crowns and cosmetic concerns; Patel if the primary objective is an exceptionally aesthetic veneer/smile design.

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have, whether they're front teeth or back teeth, and your approximate budget (e.g. $15k, $30k, $50k+), I can narrow this down to the 2 Austin dentists I'd personally choose for your specific case, including likely crown/veneer strategy and what you should expect to pay.

I can help you compare the best cosmetic dentists for replacing silver (amalgam) crowns with natural-looking crowns or veneers, including before/after cases, credentials, materials, and likely treatment approach.

I need your city/location first so I don’t recommend the wrong Austin. You can share your location or choose a nearby city:

genui{"ask_user_location_v2":{"suggested_cities":["Austin, TX","Round Rock, TX","Cedar Park, TX","Pflugerville, TX"]}}

If you’re talking about replacing old silver/amalgam crowns or metal-looking restorations with natural-looking ceramic crowns or veneers, I’d be selective. This is as much about restorative dentistry and bite/function as it is cosmetics.

My Austin shortlist

1. Best overall for a major cosmetic transformation: The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

This would be my first consultation if your priority is a beautiful, highly aesthetic result. They focus heavily on veneers, crowns and smile makeovers, and their recent patient feedback has a lot of specific praise for Dr. Hay and Dr. Barras' veneer work. www.trustindex.io

They also advertise a particularly strong guarantee: their “Last-Time-You-Pay” policy covers replacement of their crowns/veneers/onlays while the practice remains in operation, subject to conditions. www.bbb.org

2. Best if you have multiple old crowns / complicated restorative work: Prosthodontics of Texas

I'd seriously consider a prosthodontist if you have several old silver crowns, extensive dental work, worn teeth, bite issues, or you're contemplating replacing many restorations at once. Prosthodontists specialize in complex reconstruction and crowns/bridges, rather than simply cosmetic veneers.

One thing I like here: they specifically use a prototype/mock-up for veneers so you can preview the proposed result before committing.

3. Best cosmetic-focused alternative: Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS

Dr. Tejas Patel's practice is heavily focused on porcelain veneers and smile makeovers. Their published material emphasizes preserving more tooth structure with veneers compared with crowns when veneers are clinically appropriate. austincosmetic.com

They also have a large volume of positive patient feedback, including recent Austin-area recommendations for cosmetic work. reviews.birdeye.com

4. Another one I'd put on the consult list: Austin Artistic Dental

This is particularly interesting if you want natural-looking rather than ultra-white/“Hollywood” teeth. Their cosmetic work emphasizes natural aesthetics, and Austin Reddit users have specifically recommended Dr. Hulse for veneer/crown redo work and praised the natural appearance. www.reddit.com

What I'd do in your situation

I wouldn't automatically replace silver crowns with veneers. A veneer and a crown aren't interchangeable.

If the existing tooth has already been substantially reduced for a crown, the appropriate replacement is generally another full-coverage crown, often zirconia or lithium-disilicate ceramic depending on the tooth and bite. Veneers make more sense when enough healthy enamel/tooth structure remains and the tooth doesn't need full coverage.

I'd get two consultations, ideally:

• The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — for the aesthetic vision.
• Prosthodontics of Texas — for an independent assessment of whether the teeth should receive crowns, veneers, onlays, or something more conservative.

Then ask both dentists to show you a digital smile design/mock-up or temporaries before permanently preparing anything.

One important question to ask

Tell them:

“I have old silver/metal crowns that I want replaced with very natural-looking restorations. I don't want unnecessarily aggressive tooth preparation. For each tooth, can you tell me whether you recommend a crown, veneer, or onlay, and why?”

That's a much better test than simply asking, “How much are veneers?”

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have and whether they're front teeth, premolars, or molars, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd personally consult first, including which ones appear strongest for natural-looking crown replacement vs. veneers and what I'd expect the treatment to cost.

If you're replacing old silver/metal crowns and want the result to look genuinely natural, I’d be more selective than simply picking a dentist who advertises “veneers.” You want someone who is excellent at esthetic restorative dentistry + bite/function, because some of those old crowns may need crowns rather than veneers.

My Austin shortlist

1. My first consultation: Prosthodontics of Texas
This would be my choice if you have multiple old silver crowns, significant wear, bite issues, or a complicated restoration history. They specialize in prosthodontics, including crowns, bridges and cosmetic restorations, and they use a mock-up process for veneers so you can evaluate the proposed look before committing. aacd.com

2. For a highly cosmetic/esthetic result: Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Tejas Patel's practice is heavily focused on porcelain veneers and smile makeovers. They have a dedicated smile gallery and emphasize cosmetic design. austincosmetic.com

3. Strong option for veneers + crowns: Austin Artistic Dental
They're particularly focused on natural-looking cosmetic dentistry and handle both veneers and crowns. Their current business profile shows 4.6/5 from 225 reviews.

4. If you want a prosthodontist specifically: Lisa R. Burkett, DDS, MS
This is another practice I'd put on the consultation list because it focuses on prosthodontics, full-mouth rehabilitation, veneers and implant restoration—useful if your case involves several old crowns rather than just one or two.

5. Another cosmetic specialist worth considering: Juan Vesga, DDS
He's a prosthodontist in West Lake Hills, which is particularly relevant when you're trying to combine cosmetics with proper crown design, bite and long-term function.

One practice I'd seriously consider

Austin Cosmetic Dentistry has a particularly strong cosmetic focus, but I'd also get a prosthodontic opinion before committing if you have a mouthful of old silver crowns.

There is also Glint Dental Studio Austin, which has a 4.9/5 rating from 148 reviews and offers both veneers and crowns with digital scanning and in-house CAD/CAM capabilities.

Important: don't automatically replace silver crowns with veneers

If the silver crown is covering a tooth that has already been heavily prepared, a new porcelain/zirconia crown is usually the appropriate replacement—not a veneer. Veneers are generally for the front surface of a tooth and aren't a substitute for a crown when the tooth needs structural protection.

For your situation, I'd ask each dentist:

1. “Which of my existing crowns can be replaced with all-ceramic crowns, and which teeth could actually be treated conservatively with veneers?”
2. “How much healthy tooth structure will you remove?”
3. “Can I see 10–20 cases similar to mine—not just ideal veneer cases?”
4. “Will you make a temporary/mock-up so I can approve the shape and color first?”
5. “Which ceramic are you recommending for each tooth, and why?”
6. “Who is your dental laboratory/ceramist?”
7. “How do you make sure the new crowns match my existing teeth?”
8. “What happens if I don't like the esthetics of the final crowns?”

The mock-up/temporary stage is especially important. You don't want to discover after permanently cementing 8–10 crowns that the teeth are too white, too opaque, too long, too bulky, or don't match your face.

Also, don't choose solely from Google reviews. The AACD says its Accredited Members have gone through a formal credentialing process involving clinical cases, examination and evaluation, which is a useful credential to investigate when you're choosing a cosmetic dentist. aacd.com

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have and where they are (e.g. “6 upper front, 4 back teeth”), I can narrow this to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd personally get consultations with and compare their credentials, before/after cases, pricing approach, reviews, and any red flags.

If you mean Austin, Texas, I’d shortlist three dentists, but for your specific situation—replacing old silver/metal crowns with highly esthetic crowns and/or veneers—I’d put The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin at the top of the list.

My Austin shortlist

1. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — my first consultation

• This is unusually well matched to what you’re describing: their practice is heavily focused on porcelain veneers, crowns, smile makeovers and full-mouth restoration. www.thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com
• Most importantly, I found a patient review specifically describing replacing old crowns containing metal with porcelain veneers, with the patient praising the final result. www.thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com
• They have a substantial collection of before/after and patient cases involving mismatched crowns and veneers. www.thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com
• 2700 Barton Creek Blvd., Suite 130.

2. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — strongest alternative for a very cosmetic/esthetic approach

• Dr. Tejas Patel's practice is specifically centered around porcelain veneers and smile makeovers. austincosmetic.com
• Their cases include combining crowns, bridges and veneers to create a seamless smile, which is potentially relevant if some of your silver crowns need crowns while others could be treated with veneers. austincosmetic.com
• 221 W. 6th St., Suite 940.

3. Prosthodontics of Texas — I'd strongly consider this if you have many old crowns

• This is the one I'd add if you're talking about multiple silver crowns, extensive existing dental work, bite issues, root-canaled teeth, or a larger reconstruction, rather than simply improving a few front teeth.
• They're a prosthodontic practice, meaning complex restorative cases are their specialty. They also offer veneers and use mock-ups so you can preview the proposed result.

One other dentist worth a consultation

Austin Artistic Dental has a particularly interesting reputation for natural-looking cosmetic work. In an Austin Reddit discussion about difficult crown/veneer redo cases, a patient specifically recommended Dr. Hulse, saying he redid veneers and crowns and achieved a very natural result. That's anecdotal, but worth knowing about. www.reddit.com

What I'd do in your shoes

I wouldn't automatically replace silver crowns with veneers. A veneer only covers the front portion of a tooth; if an existing crowned tooth has already been substantially prepared, a new all-ceramic crown may be the appropriate restoration. Conversely, if some teeth are structurally healthy and only need cosmetic improvement, veneers may be much more conservative.

I'd get two consultations:

1. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin
2. Prosthodontics of Texas if you have several old crowns / complicated dental work; otherwise Tejas Patel

At the consultations, ask them to show you a plan answering tooth-by-tooth:

• Which teeth should get full-ceramic crowns?
• Which can safely get veneers?
• How much healthy tooth will be removed?
• What ceramic/lab will they use?
• Can they make temporaries/mock-ups so you can see the shape before committing?
• How will they match the new teeth to your existing teeth?
• What happens if you don't like the color/shape after cementation?
• What's the warranty/remake policy?

My pick based on what you've described: The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin for the first consultation. The fact that I found a case specifically involving metal-containing old crowns being replaced with esthetic porcelain work makes them particularly relevant to you. www.thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have and whether they're mostly front teeth, back teeth, or both, I can narrow this down to the best 2–3 Austin dentists for your particular case, including who I'd avoid.

If you mean Austin, Texas, I’d shortlist three dentists, with Tejas Patel as my first consultation for a case involving old silver/metal crowns plus possible veneers.

My Austin shortlist

1. Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS — my first choice for a highly aesthetic case
   • Downtown Austin, 221 W 6th St.
   • Very heavily focused on veneers and smile makeovers.
   • Their own cases specifically include a combination of crowns and porcelain veneers, which is close to what you're describing. austincosmetic.com
   • Independent review aggregation currently shows about 4.9/5 from 328 reviews. dentascore.com
   • Best for: wanting a very polished, natural-looking cosmetic result and having multiple visible teeth treated together.

2. Prosthodontics of Texas — my choice if the old crowns are extensive/complicated
   • A prosthodontic specialty practice, which is particularly relevant when you're replacing multiple existing crowns and need the dentist to think about bite, tooth structure, function and aesthetics together.
   • They do crowns, bridges and veneers and use a prototype/mock-up process so you can preview the proposed appearance.
   • Best for: several old crowns, heavily restored teeth, bite problems, worn teeth, or a potentially complicated reconstruction.

3. Austin Artistic Dental — worth a consultation if you prioritize natural-looking work
   • South Austin.
   • Strong cosmetic emphasis, including porcelain veneers and smile design, while also offering restorative crowns and more conservative alternatives such as inlays/onlays when appropriate.
   • An Austin Reddit discussion specifically praised the practice for natural-looking crowns/veneers and attention to detail. www.reddit.com

One important point

I wouldn't automatically replace a silver crown with a veneer. A veneer is generally for the front surface of a tooth, whereas a crown replaces/encases a substantially larger portion of the tooth. If your existing silver crowns are on back teeth, a tooth-colored ceramic/zirconia crown may make considerably more sense than veneers.

And if these are front teeth with old metal crowns, I'd want the dentist to evaluate how much healthy tooth remains before deciding between a new crown and veneer.

What I'd do in your shoes

I'd get 2–3 consultations before committing, specifically asking each dentist:

• “Which teeth actually need crowns versus veneers?”
• “Can any of these existing crowns safely stay?”
• “What material would you use—lithium disilicate, zirconia, or something else—and why?”
• “Can I see before/after cases involving replacement of old metal crowns, not just untouched teeth receiving veneers?”
• “Will you do a digital smile design/mock-up before permanently preparing my teeth?”
• “What happens if I don't like the shape/color of the final restorations?”
• “Who makes the crowns/veneers and where is the lab?”
• “What is the total cost per tooth, including temporaries, scans, lab fees and adjustments?”

My ranking: Tejas Patel → Prosthodontics of Texas → Austin Artistic Dental.

If you tell me how many silver crowns you have, whether they're front or back teeth, and roughly your budget, I can narrow this down to the best 2 Austin dentists for your specific situation and compare their credentials, reviews, cosmetic cases, pricing information, and lab/material approach.

Yes. If you’re replacing old silver/metal crowns and want a natural, high-end cosmetic result, I would be more selective than simply choosing a dentist who advertises veneers.

My Austin shortlist

1. My first consultation: The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin
This is the most directly relevant match I found for your situation. Their practice is heavily focused on crowns and veneers, and, importantly, I found a patient review specifically describing removing old crowns containing metal and replacing them with new veneers/cosmetic restorations. The practice also says permanent porcelain crowns are fabricated through a major dental laboratory. www.thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com

2. Dr. John Schmid — Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry
Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS
Web
Address: 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Phone: +1 512-476-2336
This would be my second opinion, and potentially my choice if your case involves a lot of existing dental work. He does both porcelain crowns and veneers, and his practice specifically emphasizes evaluating the underlying tooth before replacing old restorations. He also offers a five-year warranty on bonded porcelain restorations. cosmeticdentistryaustin.com

3. Dr. Tejas Patel — Austin Cosmetic Dentistry
Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS
Austin Cosmetic Dentistry by Tejas Patel, DDS
Web
Address: 221 W 6th St #940, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Phone: +1 512-476-2336
Strong choice if you're looking for a very aesthetic, smile-design-oriented result. He does both porcelain veneers and crowns and specifically describes removing old crowns/fillings as part of crown replacement. austincosmetic.com

4. Prosthodontics of Texas
Prosthodontics of Texas
Prosthodontics of Texas
Web
Address: 5301 Davis Ln Ste 101, Austin, TX 78749, United States
Phone: +1 512-960-4225
I'd strongly consider this one if you have many old crowns, significant bite issues, root canals, worn teeth, or a complicated full-mouth situation. Prosthodontics is the dental specialty most directly centered around complex reconstruction and crowns/bridges. They also use a preview/mock-up process for veneers.

One important point: crowns vs. veneers

I wouldn't decide beforehand that you need veneers.

If an old silver crown covers a tooth that has already been substantially prepared, a new porcelain/ceramic crown may be the appropriate replacement. A veneer only covers the front surface and generally isn't a substitute for a crown when the tooth needs structural protection.

For teeth that are relatively intact, veneers may make sense as part of a broader smile design. For heavily restored teeth, crowns/onlays may be better.

If it were my money

I'd get 2–3 consultations before allowing anyone to prep the teeth:

1. The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin — ask specifically about replacing your metal crowns.
2. Dr. John Schmid — ask for his opinion on crowns vs. veneers for each individual tooth.
3. A prosthodontist if you have numerous crowns or complicated bite/root-canal history.

And I'd ask each dentist:

• Can you show me 5–10 cases similar to mine? Ideally old metal crowns → natural-looking ceramic.
• What material would you use—lithium disilicate, zirconia, layered zirconia, etc.—and why?
• Will you do a wax-up/mock-up or temporary test smile before permanently bonding anything?
• What dental laboratory/ceramist will make them?
• How much tooth structure will you remove?
• Can any of the teeth be treated with an onlay rather than a full crown?
• How will you manage the gumline/margins so the old dark metal doesn't leave a visible line?
• What happens if I don't like the color/shape?
• What's the warranty?

One thing I'd particularly avoid: a dentist who immediately proposes 10–20 veneers/crowns without first determining which existing teeth actually need full coverage.

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have, where they are (front teeth vs. molars), and whether you're trying to redo your whole smile or just the visible ones, I can narrow this to the 2–3 Austin dentists I'd personally interview first, including which one looks strongest for your particular case.

If you’re specifically talking about replacing old silver/metal-containing crowns with natural-looking crowns or veneers, I’d be more selective than simply picking a dentist with a lot of 5-star reviews. You want someone who is excellent at complex cosmetic/restorative dentistry, bite/occlusion, and matching ceramics to natural teeth.

My Austin shortlist

1. My first call: Dr. John M. Hay at The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

This is the most directly relevant match I found for your situation. Their practice is heavily focused on veneers and smile reconstruction, and, unusually, I found a patient review specifically describing old crowns with metal being removed and replaced with veneers. The patient specifically praised Dr. Hay for getting the bite right afterward. www.thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com

Dr. Hay is an LVI Fellow and has advanced training in aesthetic reconstruction, adhesive dentistry, bite transfer, occlusal reconstruction and full-mouth reconstruction. www.thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com

The practice currently lists John M. Hay, DDS, LVIF; John C. Schiro, DDS, FAGD; and John D. Barras, DDS, LVIF as its cosmetic dentists. www.thecosmeticdentistsofaustin.com

Why I'd put him first for you: your case isn't simply "I want veneers." It's potentially removing existing restorations + determining which teeth actually need crowns vs. veneers + getting the bite right + making the new teeth look natural. That's exactly the type of experience I'd prioritize.

The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin

2. Dr. Elizabeth Lowery — Restora Dental Arts / Austin Elite Smiles

Dr. Lowery is probably the strongest credential-based choice on my list. She is AACD Accredited, which is considerably more meaningful than simply being an AACD member; AACD says accreditation involves a formal clinical credentialing process demonstrating a high level of cosmetic skill. aacd.com

Her practice specifically offers porcelain veneers and crowns, and she has more than 20 years of experience. www.austinelitesmiles.comcosmeticdentistryaustin.comwww.realself.comwww.bbb.org

Austin Elite Smiles

I'd put her very high on your consultation list if you want a more conservative, highly aesthetic approach.

3. Dr. John Schmid — Neal R Shah, DDS - Austin Dental Arts?

Correction: Dr. Schmid actually practices at Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry, not Austin Dental Arts. His office is in Westlake at 3355 Bee Caves Rd.

He has 33 years of experience according to RealSelf, and his practice specifically handles both porcelain veneers and dental crowns. cosmeticdentistryaustin.com

I also found multiple patients describing his veneers as natural-looking, including one patient who had old veneers replaced. www.realself.com

Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry — Dr. John Schmid

I'd definitely get a second opinion from Schmid if you're considering a substantial number of teeth.

If it were my teeth

I'd get 2–3 consultations before committing, probably:

1. Dr. John Hay — because of the unusually direct experience with old metal crowns → cosmetic replacement.
2. Dr. Elizabeth Lowery — because of her AACD Accreditation.
3. Dr. John Schmid — as a very experienced cosmetic/restorative second opinion.

And I would not automatically agree to veneers just because you want the silver gone.

At the consultation, I'd ask:

• Which of my existing crowns actually need to be crowns again?
• Which teeth could safely receive veneers instead?
• Can you show me before/after cases involving old PFM/metal crowns, not just healthy teeth getting veneers?
• Will you do a digital smile design/mockup before preparing my teeth?
• What ceramic are you recommending, and why that material for each tooth?
• How much healthy tooth structure will you remove?
• What happens if the old crown comes off and the tooth underneath has decay/cracks?
• How will you check my bite/occlusion before and after?
• Who is the dental laboratory/ceramicist making the restorations?
• What's the warranty/replacement policy?

That last part matters. For example, The Cosmetic Dentists of Austin publicly describes a replacement policy for crowns, veneers and onlays, subject to conditions. www.bbb.org

One important distinction

If by "silver crowns" you mean PFM crowns with a metal substructure, the goal isn't necessarily to replace every one with a veneer. A tooth that has already been heavily prepared for a crown may need another all-ceramic crown. Veneers are much more conservative when the underlying tooth is structurally suitable.

So I'd specifically ask the dentist to give you a tooth-by-tooth treatment plan, rather than selling you a blanket "8/10/20 veneers" package.

If you tell me roughly how many silver crowns you have, where they are (front teeth vs. molars), your age, and whether you're looking for a very natural/conservative look or a Hollywood-white smile, I can narrow these Austin dentists down to the one I'd hire for your particular case.