A beautiful, perfect smile used to be the exclusive feature of the classic Hollywood movie star. Thanks to technological advances, the perfect smile is now an affordable option for any of us. But with so many cosmetic dental treatments on the market, choosing the right option can seem challenging. When it comes to dental implants vs. veneers, which one is the best option?
Dental Implants Vs. Veneers: Here Are the Pros and Cons!
While dental implants replace missing teeth entirely, veneers focus on the surface to create a more even and aesthetically-pleasing smile. Here’s what you need to know about implants and veneers, their pros and cons, and what treatment you should opt for to get that dazzling smile.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is used to replace a missing tooth or where a tooth is severely decaying. A dentist will place a titanium screw in the space where the old tooth’s root used to live. The dentist connects this screw to the jawbone.
Pros
Dental implants are a safe treatment. They have been used for over 50 years and are a well-established procedure. They also have a high success rate of over 98% due to advancements in dentistry.
Implants look the same as natural teeth and are particularly beneficial on back teeth, as the titanium root is not noticeable.
Implants are long-lasting, and a good dentist can construct dental implants that last several decades.
Cons
Implants aren’t ideal for front or visible teeth, as the gap between the crown and the gum line can be visible.
Recovery time from implants can vary depending on how far the dentist operates into the jawbone. In more complex procedures, the treatment can take up to six months.
Veneers
A veneer is a porcelain fixture created in the natural shape of a tooth and permanently bonded to an existing tooth suffering from damage or a cosmetic issue.
Pros
Porcelain veneers attach directly to the teeth. They look natural and are a good option for visible teeth, such as the front or canine teeth.
Veneers are ideal for fixing gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, or broken teeth and are designed to fix most cosmetic issues.
Veneers are relatively quick and painless, with most treatments completed over two to three dental appointments.
Cons
Veneers aren’t suitable for missing or extracted teeth or where the tooth or tooth root is so decayed that a veneer cannot be permanently attached.
Veneers can occasionally come loose over time, leaving you with temporary cosmetic problems with your teeth and the expense of replacing broken veneers.
Implants Vs. Veneers
If you want cosmetic dentistry that improves the appearance of your smile, veneers are the right option. The porcelain appearance will give you a long-lasting, bright white finish.
Implants will give you a more permanent solution if you suffer from severely decaying back teeth. Implants are also the only option for front teeth if you have lost the tooth or suffered decay at the root.
Implants typically cost more than veneers, with an individual tooth costing upwards of $3,000. Veneers, on the other hand, can cost upwards of $1,000.
Is It Time to Fix Your Smile?
If you are self-conscious about your teeth, you mustn’t hide your smile forever. You can solve even the most severe tooth decay with a good dentist and make that crucial decision of implants vs. veneers. Reach out to dental implants in chattanooga – they offer dental implants, veneers, and other dental services.