Many people have improved their quality of life by getting dental implants to replace a bad tooth. They are strong and last a long time which makes them a perfect option for many. It isn’t the only option, however.
Although the cost of implants has gone down considerably over the last few years, they are still quite expensive. And since insurance doesn’t typically cover them it can put implants out of reach for some. There are also veneers that people opt for. It all depends on what the problem is that you are trying to remedy.
In this article, we will go over what to know between the two so you can decide which one is the better option.
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What are veneers?
When you have cosmetic issues with your teeth but they aren’t rotten or have cavities, then the best porcelain veneers are a good way to fix a smile. Teeth get broken, chipped, and there can be gaps between them. They are simply covers that hide these imperfections so a smile looks better.
The porcelain is very strong and it can be matched to the teeth that you have in terms of color and aesthetic. They are not meant to heal a tooth that has problems beyond a cosmetic issue. In other words, if you need a root canal then a veneer alone is not going to fix that tooth. And a tooth that has lots of cavities and is infected needs to be pulled. It can’t be fixed with a veneer.
A veneer can still wear down, particularly if it is on a molar tooth that sees a lot of wear and grinding of food. A veneer lasts around 10 to 15 years, but there can be issues that cause them to fail even earlier than that.
There are sometimes problems with the veneers slipping away from the gum line and exposing the native tooth underneath. This raises the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Veneers still need to be treated like regular teeth to prevent these failures.
What is an implant?
Dental implants are essentially a man-made tooth that replaces a regular one completely. That even includes the root. They are anchored to the bone itself in the jaw with a titanium screw on top of which the rest of the tooth is attached. The abutment joins the crown and the implant together to make the tooth complete.
They are made to replace a tooth that can’t be saved. Even some teeth that can be saved by doing a root canal are removed and replaced with an implant as it is a long term solution.
Should you get an dental implant to replace a tooth that is damaged but otherwise healthy? This all depends but it is generally considered overkill to do so. A veneer is strong and costs a fraction of what an implant costs. An implant isn’t just for cosmetic reasons as it can help improve bite problems or replace missing teeth.