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Categorised as:
- Dental Treatments
Dental Implants vs Veneers
We discuss the difference between two teeth replacement options: veneers vs implants.
It is a known fact that a smile is one of the first things that people notice when they meet someone. Having discoloured, missing or damaged teeth can really affect your lifestyle and can affect your confidence. There is no need to worry about it as the dental implants or veneers can offer you the solution you need to overcome this problem.
Having a mouthful of pearly white teeth can definitely help you to make an impressive introduction when meeting someone new but the teeth that are chipped, decayed, broken, discoloured, missing or cracked can leave the wrong first impression.
For the people who are experiencing such problems there is no need to worry as the dental technology of modern times offers a variety of permanent, realistic and affordable teeth replacement options for them. In this article we are going to discuss the difference between two of the most common methods of solving these dental problems. These procedures are dental implants and veneers.
Permanent Solutions to Permanent Problems
Studies have shown that an average of 36 million American adults do not have all the natural teeth at some point in their lives. For a long period of time, the only option available for tooth replacement was removable dentures, but people nowadays are searching for more durable and everlasting substitutes for such dental problems.
The Veneers provide a more natural appearance to their wearer as they bond with the natural teeth and also prevent slippage. Dental implants on the other hand are directly implanted into the jawbone through surgery and that is why they offer even more stability. They both give the teeth of the wearer a more genuine appearance as they become indistinguishable from the natural teeth.
Let us take a more detailed look at dental implants vs. veneers to find out what more they can offer.
Dental Implants: A Smile to Last a Lifetime
The cosmetic problems associated with decaying as well as missing teeth of a person are cured by dental implants and they also have a number of important non-cosmetic functions which includes helping with speech and chewing. As the dental implants take the place of the natural teeth of the wearer they cannot be removed like dentures. The dental implants, therefore, must be installed by a skilled dental surgeon after a detailed assessment of the teeth.
Osseointegration is the process by which dental implantation is done. In this procedure titanium screws are permanently implanted into the wearer’s jawbone. This produces a steady foundation where a bridge or an artificial tooth can be easily applied. The success rate of dental implants is about 98.5% and the risk of the body rejecting the implant as a foreign material is very minimal.
The full mouth dental implants usually take a few months to complete. The interval of your recovery can differ and will depend on several factors like the condition of your jawbone prior to surgery, your overall health and the number of implants that are required. In some of the cases where there is severe bone loss, it is important to have a bone graft before implants can be placed so that there is a stable enough foundation to support a crown. One other major advantage of dental implants is that they can replace even one or two missing teeth or an entire mouthful.
Veneers: A Less Permanent Solution
If you are not comfortable with the idea of having a dental surgery, or if you are merely looking for correcting the appearance of your teeth rather than replacing all of them, veneers are a magnificent option that can totally alter the look of your smile.
Unlike the implants, which are surgically implanted into the jaw, veneers are basically thin porcelain shells that are designed to mimic the appearance of your natural teeth. They are attached to the front of your teeth and can certainly correct cosmetic problems like gapping, discoloration, misshapen and crooked teeth. In some cases, they are also used to correct other pervasive issues like bite problems.
Before applying the veneers, the dentists usually remove a small amount of enamel from the front of each tooth. This creates extra space inside the mouth so that the veneers can guarantee a natural appearance. After this procedure, the dentist will take an impression of the prepared teeth, which will be sent to a dental lab from where the custom-fit veneers will be made!
Like implants, veneers can also be used to precise the appearance of only one or two teeth. The appearance of the whole smile of a person can also be improved with full mouth veneers.
One thing that should be noted carefully is that because the veneers are attached with glue instead of surgically embedding into the jaw, it is quite possible for them to get loose over time. For this particular reason, veneers cannot be a feasible option for every patient, especially for those who grind and clench their teeth in their sleep, as this can lead to unwanted breakage and shifting.
Are the Dental Implants Suitable for Everyone?
In the majority of cases, everyone who is healthy enough to undertake a routine oral surgery or a dental removal can go through the procedure of a dental implant. Patients need to have adequate bone to hold the implant and also must have healthy gums. The patients suffering from diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, or heavy smokers need to be assessed on a discrete basis. If you are thinking about getting implants, you should talk to your dentist to see if they are right for you.
Are Veneers the Right Choice For You?
Despite the fact that veneers function as a good alternative to crowns, braces, and teeth whitening treatments, they are still not suitable for everyone. The people who have large fillings or severely decayed teeth cannot be selected for veneers. If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, you might end up cracking the veneer shell covers and making your teeth feel more sensitive. The process of Veneers cannot be reversed. It should also be kept in mind that with proper care veneers can last more than 10 years. Veneers can be a costly cosmetic treatment and for that reason, most of the patients choose to only get them on their most visible teeth.
