Dental Veneers Or Implants: How To Choose

Both veneers and implants provide a huge improvement in the appearance of your teeth. These two dental procedures share some benefits, but they are also very different. Read on to learn more.

What to Know About Veneers

A veneer is a very thin layer of either porcelain or a composite resin that is shaded and shaped to fit onto the front of your tooth. The tooth below the veneer should be healthy because a veneer is more of a cosmetic procedure than a restorative one. The process for dental veneers is usually fast, easy, and painless. However, they should not be expected to last a lifetime. Depending on your eating and health habits, they can last many years.

What to Know About Dental Implants

If you have a missing or damaged tooth, an implant provides the perfect replacement. The implant is comprised of titanium and is inserted into the patient's jawbone. The implanted post will bond with the bones and become extremely stable. The top of the implant is comprised of the visible part, the crown, which is a false tooth. Dental implants last a long time and are very natural-looking.

How to Choose

In most cases, dental implants do more than create a lovely smile. They can add stability to other teeth that could be vulnerable. For instance, a single dental implant can create enough stability for several additional false teeth by anchoring them. If you need more than a single tooth restored, dental implants may be the route you should take. They work well with other dental restorative options like dentures and bridges.

One word of caution about dental implants, however. Since the post of the implant must be sunk into the jawbone, you must have strong bones in that area. If you don't, your dentist might recommend that you undergo a bone grafting procedure before you have your implants done.

If you have some teeth that are healthy but don't look great, consider veneers. Some people have inherited pitted or spotted teeth. They appear to be damaged, but they may only look that way to others. Some may also have experienced a change in color and texture due to certain medications or medical conditions. This is where dental veneers shine. They are an easy fix when you have an issue with how your teeth look. Often, people have all their visible teeth done with veneers at the same time. However, dental veneers don't provide any additional support for your teeth. You will need to take care when you eat and avoid hard foods and crunching ice. 

Speak to your dentist to learn more about either one of these procedures.

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