Need Dental Restoration? The Pros and Cons of Veneers and Dental Implants

Dental restoration has grown by leaps and bounds over the past couple of decades. Where our grandparents had very few options but dentures, we are fortunate. Today’s dentist can restore your teeth to their former glory. In fact, some patients say their teeth look better than ever, when they choose veneers or dental implants.

Curious to know about these advancements? Read on.

DENTAL VENEERS

You may have heard of dental veneers referred to as a porcelain veneer. This is thin material lays over each tooth. It’s custom-made to every single tooth for a perfect fit. A dentist bonds it to the front of your teeth. This technology is normally used to fix chipped, uneven, or discolored teeth or to close gaps.  

Dental Veneer Pros:

A Natural Look: Veneers look very natural. Indeed, many patients report that not only are their teeth restored, but their confidence in a gorgeous smile is also restored by this technology!

Resist Staining: Some patients choose veneers because their teeth have become yellow, stained, and discolored over the years. This can happen from smoking cigarettes, eating foods that have worn down the enamel or taking certain medicines

Not Painful: Most patients who receive veneers state that the process is not at all painful. The dentist grinds off a thin layer of the tooth enamel to give the bonding agent a strong grip; applies the bonding adhesive; and attaches the dental veneer. In one appointment, the patient receives a mouth makeover.

Dental Veneer Cons:

It’s permanent: Because the dentist had to grind down some enamel to attach the veneer, the process cannot be reversed. Should you have a problem with a veneer, you will need to get a crown.

Not repairable: Although it’s rare, a dental veneer could develop a crack. When this happens, they can’t be repaired. Again, the only option is removing the veneer to make way for a crown.

Sensitive Teeth: The grinding down of the enamel of the teeth to prepare for veneers can leave some patients reporting newfound sensitivity to hot or cold.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

What’s A Dental Implant?

Receiving a dental implant is actually a surgical procedure. During the surgery, the dentist inserts titanium posts into your jawbone. Those posts become the structure to which the surgeon then attaches your new teeth. This process is a permanent fix for the patient.

Dental Implant Pros:

A Permanent Fix: Need a permanent fix? Dental implants are the go-to for patients who want to avoid the daily hassle of dentures.

Sturdy: Dental implants are very sturdy, and you can eat virtually anything that you want! Patients love that they don’t need to give up on their favorite foods.

Cutting Edge: Dental implant technology offers patients advanced restorations that appear as good as (or even better than) their natural teeth. Your implants can be your own secret.

Dental Implant Cons:

Surgical Risks: There are inherent minor risks with every surgical procedure. Dental implants are no exception!

Costly: Of all the dental restoration options, dental implants are the costliest. In addition, they are not usually covered by dental insurance plans.

Gum Disease: If you have gingivitis or other gum disease, especially in advanced stages, you may not qualify for this treatment. You and your dentist need to have an open discussion about this.

SUMMARY

Our generation is fortunate. We have advanced technologies that our grandparents had never dreamed of. While avoiding the need for dental restoration through careful care of your teeth is everyone’s goal, it just isn’t always possible to keep your teeth for your lifetime. When the need for replacement arises, it’s wonderful to know that we have these options.

AUTHOR BIO: Dr. Holly Gregory is a dentist in Humble, Texas and specializes in dental restoration. You can contact her via her website: nehoustonimplants.com.