In the world of dental restoration, there are many options to choose from designed to fix all sorts of dental problems. And if you’re looking to improve your smile, two of the most popular dental procedures are dental implants and veneers.
But what are Dental Implants and veneers? What are the pros and cons of each? Keep reading to discover everything you need about dental implants and veneers so you can be one step closer to that Hollywood smile!
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What are dental implants?
If you’re missing one tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants are worth considering. A dental implant is a metal post surgically inserted into your jawbone where your tooth is missing. It’s typically made of titanium and acts as a replacement for your tooth’s root.
Once the dental implant is in place, your dentist will attach a dental crown, which is a realistic-looking replica of your tooth, on top of the dental implant.
From there, dental implants blend in with the rest of your teeth, and no one will be able to tell that you have a dental implant!
Full Arch Dental Implants
Full-arch dental implants are an excellent option if you’re missing all of your teeth. Also called All-on-4 dental implants or same-day dental implants, full arch dental implants are a type of dental implant that replaces your entire upper or lower set of teeth.
With Full Arch Dental Implants, four titanium dental implants are placed in your jawbone. Then, a full-arch dental prosthetic is attached to the dental implants. The result is a complete set of teeth that looks and functions just like your natural teeth!
Types of dental implants
Subperiosteal dental implants:
Subperiosteal dental implants are placed under the gum but on top of the jawbone. This dental implant is typically used for people with a thin jawbone or who can’t have conventional dental implants for some reason.
Endosteal dental implants:
Endosteal dental implants are placed directly into your jawbone. This is the most common type of dental implant, and it’s typically used for people who are missing one tooth or multiple teeth.
Zygomatic dental implants:
Zygomatic dental implants are placed in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone. This type of dental implant is typically used for people who are missing all of their teeth on the upper jaw.
How are dental implants placed?
The dental implant process typically takes place in three stages:
1. The first stage is the placement of the dental implant. This is a surgical procedure that’s performed under local anesthesia.
2. The second stage is the osseointegration phase, which is when the dental implant fuses to your jawbone. This typically takes place over several months.
3. The third stage is when the dental crown is placed on top of the dental implant.
What are the pros of dental implants?
Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth.
Nobody will be the wiser when you have dental implants. They look so natural that even dental professionals have difficulty telling them apart from your real teeth!
They’re durable and long-lasting.
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with care. Dental implants can last for decades with proper oral hygiene habits and regular dental check-ups.
You don’t have to worry about them breaking, and you can eat all your favorite foods without worry!
Dental implants can preserve the bone in your jaw.
When you lose a tooth, the bone begins to deteriorate. Dental implants can help preserve the bone in your jaw and prevent further deterioration because they act as a replacement for your tooth’s root.
What are the cons of dental implants?
Dental implants require surgery.
The dental implant process requires surgery, and any time you have surgery, there’s a risk of complications. The good news is that dental implant surgery is typically very safe and complication-free.
They are expensive.
Many people are turned off by dental implants because they’re expensive. They typically cost more than other tooth replacement options like dental bridges and dentures.
However, dental implants are an investment because they last a lifetime as long as you have good oral habits. In the long run, dental implants can save you money!
They have a longer treatment time.
Because dental implants require surgery and osseointegration, the dental implant process can take several months.
It’s important to be patient during this time to ensure that your dental implants are placed correctly and have a chance to fuse with your jawbone.
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over your existing teeth. Veneers are an option for people who want to improve the appearance of their smile.
Unlike implants, which a dental surgeon places into your jawbone, veneers are placed on top of your teeth. Veneers can be used to correct a number of dental problems, including:
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Discoloration or staining of teeth
How are veneers placed?
Here’s how a typical veneer placement procedure works:
1. Your dentist will start by examining your teeth and taking X-rays to ensure that veneers are the right dental treatment for you.
2. If veneers are right for you, your dentist will then prepare your teeth for veneers. This involves lightly sanding the enamel on your teeth to make room for the veneers.
3. Next, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental lab. The dental lab will use the impression to create custom-made veneers specific to your teeth.
4. Once the veneers are ready, your dentist will place them on your teeth and check to ensure they fit correctly.
5. Finally, your dentist will bond the veneers to your teeth and make any necessary adjustments.
What are the pros of veneers?
Veneers can give you a perfect smile.
If all you want is a cosmetic change and you’re not concerned with the health of your teeth, then veneers might be the right dental treatment for you. Veneers can give you a perfect smile!
Veneers are less invasive than dental implants.
Because veneers are placed on top of your teeth, the veneer placement procedure is less invasive than dental implant surgery.
You won’t have to worry about any complications with surgery, and the veneer placement procedure can be completed in just a few dental visits.
Veneers are durable.
Veneers are made of porcelain, which is a strong and durable material. With proper dental care, veneers can last for many years.
What are the cons of veneers?
Veneers are not reversible.
Once veneers are placed on your teeth, they are not reversible. This is because your dentist must remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth to place the veneers. This means that once you’ve decided to get veneers, there’s no turning back!
Veneers are purely cosmetic.
Veneers are an excellent option if you’re looking for a cosmetic change. However, they will not improve the health of your teeth as dental implants can.
Veneers can be expensive.
The cost of veneers can vary depending on the type of veneer you choose, the dental practice you visit, and your dental insurance coverage. Veneers are generally more expensive than other dental treatments like bridges and dentures.
Conclusion
Whether dental implants or veneers are the right dental treatment depends on your individual needs and goals. Do you want to fix your missing tooth, or are you looking for a purely cosmetic change? Talk to your dentist to see which dental treatment is right for you.
