Dental Implants Versus Veneers – Everything You Need to Know

Dental Implants Versus Veneers – Everything You Need to Know

Dental implants versus Veneers, which is the right choice for you? The simple answer to this question is that one treatment is not better than the other. The most important distinction is that an implant is designed to replace a missing tooth, whilst veneers will only cover an existing tooth.

Both can bring a huge improvement to your smile (and thus to your confidence) but there are some differences between the two treatments and how they can benefit you. In some cases, it simply comes down to personal choice, and having all the facts and knowledge to hand can be really helpful.

A good, professional private dentist will explain all the pros of both types of dental work thoroughly. They will also help you to make the right choice based on your lifestyle and personal needs. Let’s take a look at the pros of both treatments and how they are carried out.

Dental Implants or Veneers – Which is Right For You?

Implants and veneers both have distinct advantages. The factors that patients must consider are the aesthetics, the procedural technique and also the financial aspects of the treatment. Implants are suitable as a treatment to replace a missing tooth, veneers will cover an existing tooth.

• Dental Implants

A dental implant is a replacement root for your tooth, which is built to be as hard wearing as a natural tooth root. In some cases, it can end up becoming stronger.

Implants are a threaded post of titanium alloy, that is then securely screwed in place on to the jawbone.

After the procedure and over a course of roughly three to six months it will naturally meld into the jaw. This process is known as osseo-integration.

Porcelain crowns can be attached over implants, and multiple implants can support a full set of artificial teeth, usually just by using an abutment.

The procedure to apply implants takes place over several appointments, but there is little to no pain during the procedure and if you are worried or anxious about the treatment Aesthetika work with a dental phobia nurse who will help put you at ease.

Implant procedure usually follows the following steps:

• Consultation and initial examination: This is the most essential first step. On your first appointment you will discuss your options with your private dentist. Your dental history will be examined and examine your mouth to ascertain your current dental health. X-Rays will be taken to look at your jaw bone. This is important, to make sure your jaw bone is able to support this procedure and will be able to stand up to everyday tasks such as eating, drinking and talking.
• Extraction of Poor Teeth: If any of your existing teeth are not in the best condition and likely to give you problems further down the line, they will be removed, and your gums given time to heal over properly.
• Implant installation: Holes are drilled into the structure at pre-calculated placements and angles. The implants are then fitted with an abutment, which will assist the artificial teeth later. Any gum flesh is then stitched over the implants. After this procedure the patient will have to wait three to six months for osseo-integration to occur.
• Crown placement: Once osseo-integration has occurred another appointment will be made. Specially created crowns are affixed to the implants through the abutments. If all the teeth are being restored, then a complete set of fourteen teeth can be supported on four different angled implants.

The Benefits of Dental implants?

• Long Life. With proper care, they can last up to, or indeed over, twenty years.
• No deterioration over time. Discoloration, cracking or dislocation will not occur.
• Osseo-integration. These implants are designed to perform osseo-integration (in other words, fusion with the bone) this enhances their life and gives them strength. Osseo-integration means that the implants also become a part of the patient’s mouth.
• Bone Growth. To a certain degree, implants can also encourage bone growth.
• No real aftercare required. Regular oral hygiene is all that is needed to support implants. You don’t need to avoid any foods or drinks.
• No dental caries or gum disease. Implant supported teeth can’t slip off and won’t suffer from decay.
• Full mouth restoration. Implants can be used for full mouth restoration, in a single jaw.

Veneers

Veneers are a shell like cap, usually less than half a millimetre in thickness. They are available in a wide range of shades and colours so they can be made to match the natural colour of your teeth perfectly, without any noticeable difference.

They are usually applied to the front teeth but can also be used on upper, lower, or both sets of teeth too.

They offer an answer to patients who wish to cover up any damaged, discoloured, or cracked teeth. As they are translucent, they will reflect the appearance of natural teeth. However, if teeth are badly stained coloured veneers can be applied, too.

Two visits to the dentists are required for this type of procedure.

• Impressions: The dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send this to the lab so that the veneers can be manufactured. The colour, shade, and material type that has been previously chosen by you and the dentist will also be sent along to the lab.
• Application of veneers: In the second appointment, the teeth are prepped, and the veneers are cemented onto them.

The Benefits of Veneers

Veneers are the perfect solution to cover up the following aesthetic issues and concerns:

• Discoloured teeth
• Teeth with gaps
• Teeth that are chipped
• Cracked teeth
• Crooked or deformed teeth

Choose Aesthetika For Your Implants or Veneers

If you’re still unsure or would like to speak to one of our private Kingston Dentists about the pros of either implants or veneers, then you can contact us for an appointment, where we can discuss all your options with you and help you make the right decision.

It is often down to personal choice, health concerns and general oral health as to which procedure one of our expert dentists will guide you towards.

You can also find further information here on Implants and here for  Porcelain Veneers. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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