Source: Dr. Marketing
When a patient's teeth have been affected to a certain degree by decay, they might consider dental veneers or implants as a resolution to their oral health concern. Although each form of treatment has its benefits, dental veneers and implants are used for specific cases that do differ. Our team at Bright Smile Dental, which is located in Santa Ana, California, has explained the differences between dental veneers and implants.
Dental veneers and dental implants are needed when you experience a broken, chipped, discolored, misshaped, decayed, or lost tooth. If you are uncertain as to which one is suitable for your issue, you can speak to one of our dentists and learn more. Today, many patients are seeking ways to improve their smile for aesthetic reasons. Some want a brighter, straighter, and overall perfect smile. This can be achieved through less invasive methods like orthodontics, clear aligners, and teeth whitening. However, depending on your overall smile goals, dental veneers or dental implants can provide a beautiful smile.
Dental veneers are thin shells that have a similar color to teeth. They are attached to the front surface of natural teeth to improve their appearance. Made from porcelain or resin-composite materials, dental veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth. Whether you have broken, chipped, discolored, or abnormally small teeth, dental veneers can be a helpful solution.
Dental implants are a great option if you have missing teeth, especially if your bite is being affected by the issue. These are artificial tooth roots that are placed into the jawbone through surgery. After a few months, the bone that surrounds the implant will grow and keep it in place. Your dentist will then use a metal connector to attach the new teeth to the implant.
Some of the benefits of dental veneers are:
There are also a few flaws with dental veneers, such as:
Dental Veneers and Cosmetic Dentistry
Most patients will require three visits to the dentist for their dental veneers, one of which will be the initial consultation and two to create and apply the veneers. The veneering process can treat one or several teeth at the same time.
During the initial appointment, you will inform our dentist, Dr. Bui of what you are attempting to achieve. Afterward, he or she will examine your teeth to ensure that dental veneers are ideal for you and discuss the procedure itself. They might take X-rays and make impressions of your mouth and teeth.
For the preparation of the tooth, the dentist will reshape the tooth's surface so that it nearly equals the thickness of the veneer that is to be applied. You can have your dentist numb the area before removing some of the enamel. Once the dentist makes a model or impression of your tooth, it is sent to a laboratory that will create the veneer. You can use temporary veneers until the permanent solution is returned, which often takes two to four weeks.
To attain the best fit, your dentist will first place the veneer on your tooth to examine its fit and color. Next, they will constantly remove and trim the veneer before cementing it to your tooth. Your tooth will then be cleaned, etched (roughens the tooth for a stronger bonding process), and polished to receive the veneer. After applying a unique cement to the veneer, it is placed on your tooth.
Having properly positioned the veneer, the dentist will then shine a special light beam on it that activates chemicals within the cement, while also inspecting your bite and making any necessary modifications. Our dentist might suggest that you return for a follow-up appointment in two weeks to further examine your gums and the veneer's placement.
Here are some of the advantages of dental implants:
Dental implants do have a few disadvantages:
First, you will have a specified treatment plan prepared by a group of professionals trained and experienced in oral surgery and restorative dentistry. The purpose of this is to identify your particular needs and ensure coordinated care throughout the process.
After that is completed, the tooth root implant (a small post made of titanium) is placed into the bone socket of the lost tooth. Your jawbone will heal over time, growing around the metal implanted post and anchoring it safely in the jaw. Overall, the healing requires six to 12 weeks.
Following the successful bonding of the implant to the jawbone, an abutment (a small connector post) is then attached to the post to hold the new tooth in place. Your dentist will make impressions of your teeth and develop a model of your bite, which serves to make the new tooth or teeth. A replacement tooth (dental crown) is attached to the abutment afterward.
Dental implants are specifically for patients seeking to replace missing teeth, while dental veneers enhance your smile's aesthetics. For teeth that are chipped, stained, broken, or largely spaced apart, dental veneers can restore your smile.
If you require more information about dental veneers or dental implants, the team at Bright Smile Dental is here to help. You can call us at (714) 775-0202 or visit our office directly at 642 South Harbor Blvd, Santa Ana, California and we will determine whether dental veneers or implants can assist your oral health.
Bright Smile Dental has been a trusted dental care provider in Santa Ana, California since 2008. Our patients throughout Santa Ana, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, Westminster, Midway City, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, and the surrounding area have continued to bring their friends and family to our practice because of our dedication to providing high quality care. Our patients expect the best dental experience, and we accomplish this by combining the latest dental technology with the most effective methods in dentistry.
"*" indicates required fields
Plan your visit today! Check out our office hours below