The Difference between Dental Implants and Veneers

Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium tooth root that is surgically positioned in the patient’s gum so that a tooth replacement can be fixed on top of it. The great thing about dental implants is that they do not need to be anchored to other teeth for support. A person going for dental implants must have sound gum health. The bone structure of the jaw should be strong enough to carry the tooth. According to Dr. Lim, a Glenview dentist, implants are very popular, and there is a series of tests that will determine if a patient is a good candidate for dental implants. There has to be enough bone to hold the implants. If it is determined that there is not enough, then other options will be explored.
Compatibility with Human Biology
Inserting dental implants is a very invasive procedure which requires precision and expertise. The dental implants are placed in the gum, and the upper side that should have been the tooth is covered with a crown. The implants are made of titanium which is biocompatible which means its compatible with human biology. One of titanium’s special properties is that it fuses with the bone quite easily. When the tooth is lost, the bone supporting it is also lost, but the process of inserting dental implants ensures the bone is restored.
Support for Bone Structure
The implants also help maintain the jawbone’s density, which in turn supports the facial skeleton. Because the implants have a natural bone-supporting structure, they function like a natural tooth; and one can easily eat, drink and smile.
Say good-bye to sensitivity
Another issue that dental implants solve is sensitivity. Because the titanium roots do not have nerve endings in them, one does not feel sensations of cold or hot.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin shield of porcelain that fits over an existing tooth to give a natural look. Veneers help fix slightly chipped, misaligned or stained teeth.
Stain resistant
Veneers are a popular choice among people because they are hard to stain, and they retain the natural smile. Inserting veneers is a quick way of perfecting your smile, but they are a permanent procedure, hence it can’t be reversed. Veneers are perfect for teeth that are stained by smoking, drinking tea/coffee, calcium deficiency or by root canal’s tetracycline.
No More Tooth Gap
Veneers will also fill gaps between the teeth. For the procedure, the dentist will remove a millimeter of the tooth which is equal to the thickness of the veneer being added. This is done to make sure that the result looks just like a natural tooth. After cementing it tightly in place, the doctor will check your bite, the fit in your gums and if the color matches the teeth.
Great at Hiding Dental Flaws
The veneers are great at hiding minor orthodontic flaws. Veneers can also help teeth that are smaller than usual. Hence this treatment is best for perfecting your pearly white smile. Veneers can last very long depending on the quality and type used.
Good oral hygiene is very beneficial for everyone. Both dental implants and veneers are restorative processes that give a new life to an old, damaged tooth. The dental implants, however, require surgery, whereas veneers are a quicker process. Veneers are more expensive as it is considered a cosmetic procedure.