Dental Implants vs Veneers
A damaged tooth can be very frustrating to deal with. Fortunately, Ridge View Dental provides many options for restoring teeth, including dental implants and veneers. These two methods are recommended in different circumstances.
About Dental Implants
If you have missing teeth or teeth that need to be removed due to damage or decay, dental implants can completely replace them. A dental implant consists of an artificial tooth root made of titanium, and a restorative crown fixed on top. The root is made of titanium because this material can graft with your bone tissue. Once the titanium root is placed in the jawbone, a process called osseointegration begins, where bone tissue will attach to the root, eventually becoming as strong as a real tooth. Then the artificial tooth, made to look like your real teeth, is secured to the root with an abutment.
Pros and cons of dental implants include:
Pros
Can last a lifetime
Durable
Closest to real teeth in appearance, feel, and function
Cons
Requires surgery
More expensive than other options
Treatment from start to finish can take several months
About Veneers
Veneers are ideal for when you have healthy teeth but want a more impressive smile. Made of a thin layer of tooth-colored porcelain or ceramic, veneers can cover stains, gaps, chips, or oddly shaped teeth. They can be used on any teeth but they are most commonly used for the front, most visible teeth to enhance a smile.
Pros and cons of veneers include:
Pros
Less expensive compared to other options
No surgery required
Process may only take a few days
Cons
May require filing down natural teeth to fit
Not very durable
Need to be replaced every 10-15 years
Please feel free to call or visit us at Ridge View Dental if you have any further questions about dental implants or veneers.