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Are you looking to improve your dental health and get that beautiful smile you’ve always desired? Dental treatments, such as dental implants and veneers, can help you achieve that goal.
In this blog post, we will explain the differences between dental implants and veneers so that you can make an informed decision on your treatment options.
Table of Contents
- Dental Implants and Veneers: An Overview
- Dental Implants vs. Veneers: What Are the Differences?
- Maintain Your Oral Health for Success
- Dental Implants in Deer Park, IL
- Additional Resources
Dental Implants and Veneers: An Overview
Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jaw bone, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth. They maintain bone structure, prevent bone loss, and offer a long-lasting foundation.
Dental veneers are custom-made covers for the front surface of natural teeth. These thin shells, crafted from composite resin or porcelain, bond to the front of natural teeth to enhance their appearance without the need to remove the entire tooth structure.
While both procedures aim to improve overall oral health and appearance, they serve different purposes and can complement each other.
Can You Get Veneers if You Have Dental Implants?
Veneers can be used in conjunction with dental implants for a complete smile makeover. A dental implant and restoration (dental crown) will replace a missing tooth, while a veneer will improve the look of your existing teeth. You can’t get a veneer on a dental implant restoration.
Key Takeaway
Dental implants and veneers are two effective treatments for improving your smile and oral health. Implants replace missing teeth and maintain bone structure, while veneers address issues like discoloration, chips, or gaps. For personalized advice or a consultation, contact Oral Facial & Implant Specialists.
Dental Implants vs. Veneers: What Are the Differences?
Dental implants and veneers are very different from each other, both in function and procedure. Here are some key differences to keep in mind when considering these treatments.
Purpose
Dental implants are primarily used to replace missing or irreparable teeth. They provide a permanent solution, preventing bone loss and jaw deterioration while improving oral health. Implants may also support dental bridges and dentures for individuals missing multiple teeth.
Dental veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure used to improve the appearance of damaged, stained, or misaligned teeth. Veneers require a natural tooth for support. They enhance smile aesthetics but don’t address bone loss or contribute to overall dental health.
Material
Dental implants are typically made of titanium, a durable material compatible with the human body. The crown, the visible part of the restoration, is made of porcelain or ceramic, which mimics the look and feel of natural teeth.
Veneers can be made of porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain, the more popular choice, offers durability and a natural appearance.
Longevity
Due to their surgical procedure and material, dental implants boast a high success rate and can last a lifetime with proper care. However, the restoration or crown may need replacement due to wear and tear. They can last for an average of 10-15 years with proper care. Veneers, however, may need replacement after 10-15 years due to wear and tear.
Procedure
For Dental Implants:
- Implant placement: The first stage involves the surgical placement of the implant into the jawbone. This may require a healing period of 3-6 months for the implant to fuse with the bone. If you are a candidate for All-on-4 implants, your replacement arch may be placed on the same day.
- Abutment placement: Once the implant has fused, a small incision is made to expose the top of the implant, and an abutment is attached. This serves as a connector between the implant and the dental crown.
- Crown placement: Once the gums have healed, a custom-made dental crown is placed on top of the abutment to complete the treatment.
For Veneers:
- A small amount of enamel is removed from the surface of the teeth to make room for the veneer.
- An impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory where custom-made veneers are created.
- Once the veneers are ready, they are bonded to the front of your teeth using a special adhesive.
Maintain Your Oral Health for Success
Oral health is more than just a pretty smile. It’s also about ensuring the health of your gums, mouth, and body as a whole. Whether you opt for dental implants, veneers, or any other treatment, their longevity and success largely depend on the care they receive post-procedure.
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.
- Avoid bad habits such as smoking and excessive consumption of sugar to maintain the longevity of your dental treatments.
Dental Implants in Deer Park, IL
Visit Oral Facial & Implant Specialists to see why they are the leaders in dental implant surgery. Our experienced oral surgeonsuse the highest quality materials and the latest techniques to restore your smile. We go out of our way to make you feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire dental implant process.
If you live in suburban Chicago and are looking for dental implants in Deer Park or dental implants in Buffalo Grove, IL, contact the experts at Oral Facial & Implant Specialists. Call (847) 381-0106 or complete the online booking form to book your free dental implant consultation. Dr. Thompson or Dr. Martin look forward to helping you smile with confidence!
If you are searching for “dental implants near me,’ contact Oral Facial & Implant Specialists.