Dental Implants Vs. Veneers

Dental Implants & Veneers in Scottsdale, AZ

Dental Implants Vs. Veneers – Which is Stronger?

Scottsdale, AZ residents visit S&C Dental for premier dental services, including dental implants and veneers. There are numerous cosmetic options for fixing the problem that is missing teeth—and two of them are dental implants and veneers. At our state-of-the-art dental practice, we understand the loss of confidence that missing teeth can cause, so we’re here to walk you through two excellent options. Keep reading to learn more about dental implants, dental veneers, and which one is stronger.

What Are Dental Implants?

Made from titanium or ceramic, dental implants are small posts that replace missing teeth roots. They act as an anchor for fixed or removable replacement teeth. Whether you select a titanium or ceramic dental implant, both are safe and biocompatible with the tissues inside the mouth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are placed into your jaw by an oral surgeon during oral surgery. After you’ve had the chance to heal from this initial procedure, your tooth replacements will then be placed atop your dental implants. Your tooth replacement options include dental crowns, dental bridges, or dentures, depending on your unique needs and health goals.

The Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implant procedure involves the initial implant placement and the integration of permanent artificial teeth onto the implants. Below, we’ve detailed the dental implant procedure:

• During the initial procedure, the dentist will numb the area, create an incision in the gums to expose the jawbone and drill a hole into the bone.
• The implant post is inserted and soundly secured into the bone. An x-ray is taken to evaluate the post’s placement.
• The dentist will place a temporary crown to protect the implant and provide you with an aesthetic preview of the final results.
• During your healing and recovery period, we will develop a permanent crown in the lab that perfectly matches the fit and appearance of the rest of your teeth.
• Once the area has adequately healed and had ample time to fuse to the bone, the dentist will replace the temporary crown with the permanent, custom-made tooth.

What’s Long-Term Eating Like With Dental Implants?

Because dental implants are durable and designed to act as one’s teeth, they minimally affect how one eats or what one can eat. Patients typically will retain 90 percent of their chewing ability with dental implants. Because you will not have 100 percent of your chewing ability, it is important to determine what is safe to eat and what isn’t. We recommend avoiding things like popcorn and chewing on ice, as these things have a high chance of causing damage to your dental implants.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin pieces of translucent porcelain that cover the teeth’s surface. They are designed to improve the appearance of the teeth. They also provide strength and resilience and are capable of mimicking natural tooth enamel. Their size, shape, color, and length are all customizable.

How Do Veneers Work?

Veneers are thin shells of translucent porcelain bonded to the front of one’s natural teeth. They cover the tooth’s front surface and improve the smile’s overall appearance.

Are Dental Veneers Permanent?

Dental veneers are considered permanent. They are attached to your teeth after a small fraction of your enamel is removed. Just because veneers are permanent, however, doesn’t mean they last forever. The lifespan of veneers is approximately 15 years, after which they will need to be replaced.

Choosing Between Dental Implants & Veneers

The choice between dental implants and veneers can sometimes be challenging, but your dentist will work with you to help you determine which option is best for you and your unique needs. Dental implants are likely to be your best option if you’re someone with missing teeth. If you still have all your natural teeth but want them cosmetically enhanced, then veneers might be best for you.

Contact Our Expert Dental Team Today

The highly-experienced dental team at S&C Dental offers dental implants and veneers to residents in and around Scottsdale. Contact us today to learn more about dental implants and veneers and which is right for you. We look forward to working with you and assisting you with your dental needs. If you have any questions or concerns regarding dental implants or veneers, please don’t hesitate to reach out.