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.

Dental 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.

Reasons for dental implants:

• Have one or more missing teeth.
• Want a long-lasting solution for tooth replacement.
• Desire a natural-looking and functional tooth replacement.
• Want to prevent jawbone deterioration and maintain facial structure.
• Prefer a stable and non-removable tooth replacement option.
• Want to avoid damaging adjacent healthy teeth (unlike dental bridges).
• Have sufficient bone density in the jaw to support the implant.
• Want to improve your speech clarity and pronunciation.
• Seek to enhance your smile and boost self-confidence.

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. The dentist will prepare your teeth, take impressions, and then bond the veneers to your teeth using a special adhesive. This process gives you a natural-looking, beautiful smile that can last for many years with proper care.

Reasons for veneers:

• Cover tooth discoloration and stains
• Correct minor tooth misalignment and shape irregularities
• Close gaps and spaces between teeth
• Restore chipped, cracked, or worn-down teeth
• Address enamel issues (e.g., thin or weak enamel)
• Resize teeth for better look
• Conceal damaged or discolored dental fillings

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.

Implants vs Veneers

Dental implants are an ideal option for individuals with missing teeth who want a permanent and functional tooth replacement. They provide stability and prevent jawbone deterioration while not affecting adjacent healthy teeth. However, getting dental implants involves a surgical procedure and requires good overall oral health and sufficient bone density in the jaw.

Veneers are primarily a cosmetic solution for improving the appearance of teeth. They can cover stains, discoloration, and minor imperfections, offering a quick way to enhance smile aesthetics without invasive procedures. Veneers are suitable for individuals with relatively healthy teeth and gums but wish to address cosmetic concerns.

Here’s a quick comparison table between dental implants vs veneers:

Conclusion:

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. With dentist’s guidance, you can make an informed decision and achieve the smile you desire.