Dental implants and veneers are both highly effective treatments for restoring the appearance of your smile, but each serves a different purpose depending on your specific needs. At Affordable Dentures & Implants, we can guide you through the benefits of both options, helping you determine which one is best suited to achieve your desired results.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is the full replacement for a tooth, involving the placement of a titanium screw into the jawbone, followed by the attachment of a crown once the jaw has healed. Several types of dental implants are available, including single-tooth replacements, dental bridges where implants on either side hold an additional tooth in between, and the ALL-IN-ONE Solution™. This innovative approach uses just four titanium screws to support a full arch of teeth, whether for the upper or lower jaw.
Veneers
In contrast, a veneer is a layer of porcelain, resin or dental composite that is applied on top of an existing tooth to improve its appearance, correcting discoloration or concealing a chip.
When Are Dental Implants The Best Option?
Replace Damaged Or Missing Teeth
When teeth are severely damaged or missing, a dental implant is ideal, as it will fully replace the tooth, including the root. If missing teeth are left untreated, it can lead to bone loss in the jaw, which may eventually impact surrounding healthy teeth. Additionally, bone loss can also cause a sunken appearance in the face, especially around the mouth. Dental implants not only restore your smile but also help maintain the natural shape of your face, helping you look more youthful and feel more confident. Learn more about our single or multiple tooth implants to see which option is right for you.
When Are Veneers The Best Option?
Cosmetic Treatment For Existing Teeth
Veneers are most commonly used when a patient has cosmetic issues with their teeth that they would like to correct. Generally, the tooth is structurally sound, but may be chipped, stained or discolored, or have an irregular shape or size. In these cases, a thin layer of porcelain or composite is applied to the tooth's surface, effectively improving its appearance and delivering a natural-looking result.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Permanent Solution
Dental implants can last decades when well-maintained. This is due to a process called osseointegration, where the titanium screw that replaces your tooth’s root bonds with the jawbone, creating a strong and durable foundation for the implant. The best type of dental implant for you depends on your health history and the structure of your jaw. There are two primary types of dental implants, along with a few alternatives, that we offer to ensure you find the right solution for your needs. Learn more about the different types of dental implants to discover which option may be ideal for you.
Benefits of Veneers
Fast recovery time
In situations where veneers are appropriate, one benefit of this type of treatment is the fast recovery time. A thin layer of dental enamel is removed to help the veneers bond securely to the tooth, and minimize bulkiness. While this process can cause some initial sensitivity, it typically subsides within two weeks.
Caring For Your Teeth After Implants or Veneers
After getting either veneers or dental implants, maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for preserving the longevity of your new smile. Just like with your natural teeth, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth twice a day in order to prevent plaque buildup that could lead to decay.
Both veneers and implants can be affected by teeth grinding. This habit can wear down your veneers, causing them to chip. For patients with implants, it could damage the external crown, or the titanium post inside the jaw. If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a night guard to protect your natural teeth as well as any veneers, implants, crowns or fillings you may have. To address these and other common dental concerns, our general dentistry services provide comprehensive care to keep your smile healthy and strong.
After Implants
After getting dental implants, there are a few important steps to follow to support the healing of your gums and jaw. While most patients find that their implants have mostly healed within two weeks, the process of osseointegration—when the titanium posts fuse with the jawbone — can take up to six months. The dental implant recovery timeline may vary depending on individual factors, but understanding the general stages can help you know what to expect as you heal.
During the initial recovery period, it’s important to eat soft foods for the first week and avoid using straws for at least 48 hours. For more guidance, explore our what to eat after a dental implant procedure guide to ensure a smooth recovery.
Quitting smoking will help your implants successfully settle. Smoking can increase irritation in your gums, increase the risk of infection and make it harder for your implants to settle properly into the jawbone.
One advantage of implants is that once they are fully healed, you can eat whatever foods you want, as your dental implants will be securely anchored in your jaw.
After Veneers
People with veneers should avoid using their teeth for tasks they weren’t intended for, as veneers are not as strong as natural teeth and could chip. Many people who have had this treatment prefer to avoid very hard or chewy foods to prevent cracking or chipping their veneers. Porcelain veneers are stain resistant but some forms of composite veneers can become stained by cigarette smoke, or drinks like coffee, tea and red wine.
Alternative Options
Crowns
If your tooth is too damaged for a veneer but does not need to be fully replaced, a dental crown may be the best solution. The damaged part of the tooth will be removed, and a cap is placed over it to restore its function and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials including porcelain, ceramic, metal or a combination of porcelain and metal, depending on your preference and the placement of the crown in your mouth.
Bonding or No-Prep Veneers
If you’re looking to correct cosmetic issues with your teeth but feel that veneers might be too invasive, there are alternative options that involve quicker and less invasive procedures.
In these types of treatment, the teeth are not prepared and no enamel is removed - the porcelain or composite layer is attached directly to the outer surface of the tooth. This also means the veneers can be removed if needed. However, it’s important to note that this type of veneers may not last as long as traditional ones. Ready to explore the best option for your smile? Start with a free consultation and X-ray to see what’s right for you.
Making Your Decision
Making an informed decision about your dental care is crucial to achieving the smile you’ve always wanted. Understanding the cost of dental implants is an important part of the process, as it can help you weigh the benefits of each treatment option. When you’re ready to explore the best solution for your unique needs, contact your local Affordable Dentures & Implants practice to discuss your options and take the first step toward a more confident smile.