Deciding whether to get dental implants or veneers depends on the problem that you want to fix. Dental implants replace extracted teeth while veneers enhance existing teeth. You cannot prevent your teeth from deteriorating as you age. Over time, your teeth will discolor, get cavities, or even chip. However, catching the problems and fixing them early enough will help to save your teeth. If you happen to lose a tooth, there are procedures that you can have to replace it. This is where treatment with dental veneers or implants comes in handy.
What Are Dental Veneers?
These are thin shells made with porcelain materials or resin composite. Dentists attach dental veneers to your teeth using a permanent bonding technique. They apply them to the front teeth. For traditional veneers, the dentist grinds down the tooth enamel and uses bonding materials to attach the veneers. Modern veneers cover the front surface of the tooth; hence they require no alteration of the original tooth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium screws that are surgically implanted in the jawbone after an extraction. They resemble screws, and they serve as a cosmetic root. A porcelain crown is then fitted on the implant to resemble the top part of the tooth.
Reasons To Get Veneers
Veneers are good for you if you want a good smile within a short time. They are great for covering minor chips, cracks, discoloring, and gaps in your teeth. They are applied to the top and bottom teeth. If you have smaller than average teeth, veneers are good for you. They are minimally invasive; hence they do not require a lot of time to heal. Veneers should last from 10 to fifteen years. If they are not bonded properly, they can fall out or recede from the gums.
Reasons To Get Dental Implants
Dental implants are replacements for extracted teeth. They help you to chew better. With dental implants, you can be assured that the structure of your face will not be affected. They help to chew better and speak better. They support bridges and dentures, giving the user a comfortable and secure use. Dental implants resemble real teeth, but they don’t get cavities. They serve for a very long time.
How Long Does The Procedure Take?
Veneers do not take a long time to install. From the initial visit, you can have two more visits, and then you are done. With dental implants, the process takes longer. It can take up to 10 months for the jawbone to fuse and secure the implant. Sometimes, the patient requires a bone graft to secure the implant. The healing takes longer, but the service is for life.
In conclusion, if your issue is cosmetic, you are good to go with veneers. If you lose teeth, then dental implants are the better option. Veneers work better with front teeth, while dental implants are better suited for premolars and molars. However, you should consult with your dentist so that you can get a comprehensive exam.
To know more about dental procedures, visit Laser Family Dental at our offices in Troy, Michigan. You can also call 248-250-9333 to book an appointment today.