If you’ve felt self-conscious about your teeth when posing for photos or hesitate to smile at work or social functions, you understand that how our teeth look can seriously impact our self-esteem, not to mention that dental issues affect our overall health.
For those considering teeth replacement solutions, whether, for medical or cosmetic reasons, there are several options available. Two of these options are dental implants and dental veneers.
There are advantages to both procedures and, choosing which is right for you, depends on your specific situation. To help you decide which procedure you need, here is a closer look at the benefits of dental implants vs veneers.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small screw-like structures, usually made from the highly biocompatible material, titanium.
They are inserted into the jawbone and, when the bone fuses to them, they form a sturdy base to which an artificial tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or denture, can be attached.
The artificial tooth is expertly crafted to match the colour, shape, and size of your other teeth. Once fitted, dental implants look and feel like natural teeth.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are a thin, tooth-coloured shell, typically made from porcelain or resin composite materials that are attached to the front of the tooth. There are several types of dental veneers which require different degrees of preparation of the tooth before application.
Dental Implants vs Veneers: the Purpose
When a tooth is missing the jawbone can deteriorate and collapse inwards, affecting your health and day-to-day life. For patients with one or more missing teeth, or with significantly damaged teeth, dental implants are a practical, long-lasting tooth replacement solution. Implants can be used to replace individual teeth, or they can act as an anchor for dental bridges or dentures covering several teeth.
Dental implants are inserted directly into the jawbone. This means they are suitable for patients who do not have advanced gum disease and have a fully-grown jawbone with enough tissue density. However, patients must not have an existing condition that affects bone healing such as diabetes or an autoimmune disorder.
The application of dental veneers is a cosmetic procedure that is used to cover up numerous aesthetic dental flaws. These flaws include chipped teeth, gaps in teeth, misaligned teeth, discoloured teeth, and smaller-than-average or unusually-shaped teeth.
Dental veneers recreate the look of natural teeth and can also provide strength and resilience against plaque and bacteria, similarly to natural tooth enamel. They can be fitted to individual teeth or the entire top and bottom row of teeth to create a beautifully even, white smile.
Dental Implants vs Veneers: the Procedure
Dental Implants
At your first dental implant consultation, your dentist will determine if implants are right for you. They will take various X-rays to get a clear picture of the implant site. At No Gaps Dental, we offer intra- and extra-oral X-rays, as well as digital dental X-rays; these tools give us an accurate view of your oral health.
If your implant is replacing an existing tooth, this is extracted and given time to heal before the implant is fitted. When you are ready for the surgery, the dentist makes a small incision in your gum and drills a hole into the jawbone. The implant will be secured, and the gum is stitched closed.
When the implant site has healed, your No Gaps Dental dentist scans the area, and the information is used to create your artificial crown chairside using advanced CEREC technology. Once the artificial tooth is ready, it will be fitted, ensuring that it matches your other teeth. From your first consultation to the final appointment, the dental implant process typically takes several months.
Dental Veneers
Just as with implants, before getting dental veneers, you will have a consultation with your dentist who will assess if you are a good candidate for veneers and what kind of preparation your teeth will need before going ahead with the procedure. In some cases where teeth are particularly crooked or uneven, you may be required to wear braces before veneers can be fitted.
The dentist removes a small layer of tooth enamel with a grinding tool, creating a rough surface to which the veneer adheres. They then take an impression of your tooth, which is used to create the veneers.
A few weeks later, when the veneers are ready, the dentist fits them using dental cement and ultraviolet light, making sure the veneers are the appropriate colour, shape, and size. This is a relatively quick and easy appointment, and you’ll leave with a brand new smile.
Dental Implants vs Veneers: the Pros and Cons
Dental Implant Pros
- One of the greatest benefits of implants is that they look and feel just like natural teeth. They allow you to go about your everyday life without worrying about your teeth and require the same maintenance as your other teeth.
- Unlike veneers and crowns, implants are exceptionally durable; if you have good oral hygiene, they can last a lifetime.
- Their longevity makes them a cost-effective option as they won’t need to be replaced. At No Gaps Dental, we are aware that the cost of dental treatment can be prohibitive and so we offer our patients manageable payment plans.
- Unlike some other forms of tooth replacement, dental implants prevent bone loss as they provide an artificial tooth root that the jawbone fuses to, helping it to remain strong.
Dental Implant Cons
- A patient must meet specific requirements in order to be a suitable candidate for implants.
- Compared to other dental procedures, the dental implant process can be lengthy, especially if you require preparatory treatment such as a bone graft or sinus lift.
- Although they are cost-effective long-term, they are more expensive initially than other tooth replacements.
Dental Veneers Pros
- Veneers are an effective way to disguise dental flaws.
- The process of fitting veneers is relatively quick and should only require two visits to the dentist.
- Veneers can be used to replace damaged tooth enamel, protecting your teeth from further erosion.
Dental Veneers Cons
- Unlike dental implants, veneers only last around ten years before they have to be replaced.
- If they are not fitted properly, they can shift, leaving space for bacteria to erode the tooth.
- Veneers are permanent, so if you are getting them for cosmetic reasons, you should be sure they are the right choice for you.
- Veneers do not support the underlying bone and gum tissue and are unsuitable as a tooth replacement option.
The Takeaway
Dental implants and veneers serve different purposes for improving your oral health. While veneers are suitable for cosmetic improvements to your smile, only dental implants offer the long-lasting stability to replace a missing tooth.
Before you decide to go ahead with one procedure or another, it’s crucial to consult with a dental professional. At No Gaps Dental, our highly qualified dental professions are here to answer your questions about implants and veneers. We provide our patients with skilled and compassionate dental care at every appointment.
Contact us on (02) 8806 0227 to arrange a consultation at a No Gaps Dental location near you.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.