What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made “shells” or coverings that we can fit over your front teeth to improve their appearance. They are easy to apply and most cases require no anesthetic. Veneers are a popular dentistry option for cracked, broken, chipped, or discolored teeth.
We can place veneers directly onto your tooth’s surface. They are then bonded with a dental adhesive to create a beautiful, flawless smile. So, instead of replacing an entire tooth (or teeth), veneers cover up the flaws on existing teeth. And veneers can be placed on both the top and bottom of your front teeth to give you a consistent, natural appearance.
Most veneers are made from either porcelain or ceramic tooth-colored shells and can restore the look and feel of your teeth, especially if you have chips, breaks, gaps, or stains on your natural teeth. Veneers can also help to strengthen your natural teeth by placing a protective covering material over them.
Veneers cannot replace missing teeth. To fit a veneer, our dentist needs to have a healthy tooth on which to place the shell. Veneers are an excellent and more affordable solution for covering healthy, but cracked or chipped teeth that need cosmetic repair. And with proper dental care, veneers can last from 15 to 20 years or more.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants can replace a missing or completely damaged tooth. Implants are constructed of titanium metal “roots” that are surgically inserted into the jawbone after the damaged tooth and root is removed. Once the titanium roots are firmly attached to the jawbone, a replacement crown is fastened to the metal root. Dental implants are extremely stable, and strong enough to last many years.
A dental implant and crown is a perfect way to replace missing teeth and unlike dentures, it provides a strong, permanent solution for a comfortable, natural, and healthy-looking tooth or set of teeth. A dental implant is a screw that replaces the root of your tooth and can last up to 50 years with regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups every 6 months. The implant crown is placed onto the screw and is custom made to look exactly like your own natural teeth. The crown, however, usually lasts about 10-15 years before it may need to be replaced due to wear and tear.
Because of the material they are constructed with, dental implants resist decay, while preserving the adjacent teeth and jawbone.
Veneers vs. Implants
Veneer Pros
Veneers are the fastest and relatively least expensive dental option available today. With just a few visits, veneers can quickly cover worn, fractured, chipped, or discolored teeth.
Veneers can also be customized to fit your personality, your facial structure, and the shape, length, and width of your natural teeth. Their style may differ with gender and can soften your look. They can allow for an exact replica of your natural tooth’s color, make your teeth stronger than they were, they are completely natural looking, and allow for a true smile makeover.
Veneer Cons
The placement of veneers is irreversible. You cannot remove veneers once they are bonded onto your teeth. They need to be replaced after 15 to 20 years, so your age comes into consideration when contemplating this dental option.
There are no do-overs. Chipped or damaged veneers cannot be repaired or replaced. Your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold if some of your tooth’s covering has been removed to make way for the veneer. You may be advised to avoid some beverages that could stain or discolor your veneers, such as coffee, tea, or red wine.
Not every patient is able to have a veneer shell. Some of our patients with especially weakened teeth, a bite issue, or a problem with grinding teeth at night may have to consider other options.
Dental Implant Pros
Dental implants can last a long time. They are durable and can handle lifelong wear and tear. You can replace as many teeth as needed.
Dental implant technology has grown year after year and is now considered state-of-the-art dental technology. At Florissant Dental Care, we have a dental implant success rate making this option the most proven and effective procedure in today’s dental profession.
Dental Implant Cons
The porcelain crown can wear out, especially on the bite surface, and may need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years or so.
If you have any kind of gum disease or lack of jawbone, it’s nearly impossible to implant the titanium “roots” on which the crown is installed. While a bone graft is possible, it will add to the expense and time it takes to complete this dental implant procedure. Also, some systemic conditions are contraindications for placement of dental implants.
Dental implants are the most expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. It is time-consuming, it has a somewhat longer surgical recovery time, and it can take several months for the entire implant procedure to be completed over multiple appointments.