Having a dazzling white smile can make us feel more confident and comfortable with our own appearance. Unfortunately, we are not all born with the teeth we want. Having damaged teeth can negatively affect our self-esteem as well as how we eat and speak.
Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way to help repair damaged teeth safely and relatively easily. Procedures such as dental implants and veneers are popular solutions to bring back your beautiful smile, but what is the difference between the two?
Let’s find out!
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium tooth roots inserted into the jawbone. Once the implant and the jawbone have fused, an artificial replacement tooth is secured onto the implant. The procedure’s length depends on how well your jawbone fuses with the implant and can take several dental visits spanning over a few months to complete. However, the replacement teeth are robust, durable and look and act very much like natural teeth. As long as you regularly brush and floss your teeth, you would likely need nothing more than regular dental check-ups to keep them in good condition.
Dental implants are usually recommended for those with missing teeth and work best to replace the back teeth where the root will not be visible. Other reasons for dental implants include:
- Joint pain or bite problems due to shifting teeth
- Chewing, speech and digestion issues
- Restore facial structure
- To secure dentures and make them more comfortable
Veneers
Veneers are medical-grade ceramic coverings on the surface of natural teeth. The procedure is comparatively simple and only requires a dental adhesive to apply the veneer to each tooth. Veneers tend to be the suggested solution for cosmetic problems such as staining, chipping or gaps between teeth.
There are two types of veneers:
- Composite veneers- Only one dental visit is required to apply the coating to the teeth. They last for five to seven years on average before needing to be replaced.
Porcelain veneers- Coatings are custom-made for your teeth, so two dental visits are required: one to mould your teeth and another to put them in place. Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers, but they can last from ten to fifteen years. They are also more resistant to stains and are usually more natural-looking.
So Which One Is Right For Me?
It depends! Implants may be the solution for you if you have missing teeth and are looking for a long-term solution. If you would like to enhance the appearance of your smile and do not have any severe damage to your teeth, then veneers may be the choice for you.
Dental implants and veneers serve different purposes and come with different benefits. As always, we recommend consulting a dentist to find out which option is best for you.
When it comes to your oral health, Roseland Family Dental is committed to providing you with the best care and treatment possible. Your comfort and health is our top priority. Call our team at 519-966-6556 or visit our Windsor clinic today to bring back your beautiful smile!
