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Veneers vs. Implants: Which is Best For Me?

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Your smile is one of your most important accessories, whether you’re at work, a social event, or just trying to make a good first impression. If your teeth are damaged or decayed, it can negatively affect not just your confidence, but your overall health.

When you’re considering your dental restoration options, My Family Dentistry can help you decide between veneers vs. implants. Keep reading to learn more about each of these excellent solutions to figure out which is right for you.

Dental Implants

Unlike veneers, dental implants are intended to replace missing teeth, or teeth that are decayed or damaged to the point where they are no longer functional. The process involves placing a biocompatible titanium implant into the jawbone to mimic a tooth root, which is then topped by an artificial tooth.

Dental implants also do the following:

  • Look natural and function just like normal teeth
  • Stimulate the jaw and prevent bone loss or deterioration
  • Help resolve joint pain or biting issues caused by tooth alignment issues or crooked teeth
  • On average, dental implants last 20 years or more with proper care

Since they require oral surgery, dental implants are typically more expensive than veneers. While the process of installing the implant can go quickly, the lead-up often requires multiple steps – including an assessment of your jawbone health, possible bone grafts, and a waiting period lasting up to 6 months while the implant settles.

Veneers

If the issues with your teeth are mostly cosmetic, veneers are the best choice for beautiful, natural-looking results. For teeth with stains, chips, cracks, or gaps, veneers help to improve the look and function of your teeth. A thin shell made of tooth-colored porcelain or resin is placed over the affected teeth, then bonded to the outer surface to keep them from shifting.

Veneers are best for quick and easy smile restoration, as they:

  • Instantly cover up unsightly teeth
  • Cover up alignment issues by filling in gaps and hiding crooked teeth
  • Protect worn down tooth enamel from further wear and tear
  • Generally, veneers last for 10 years before they need to be replaced

Veneers do not prevent oral health concerns such as gum disease, tooth decay, or bacterial infections, however. If they’re not bonded to your teeth correctly, they can shift around on the surface of the tooth and require replacement much sooner. When veneers shift, they can also recede from the gum line and cause future issues.

When it comes to the question of veneers vs. implants, your best option depends on your personal needs, preferences, and oral health. Meeting with Dr. Mullins and the My Family Dentistry team can help. Contact us to set up your appointment today.

This post was originally published on November 23, 2016, but has sense been updated. 

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Dr. Wesley Mullins

Dentist at My Family Dentistry
We're so glad you've found My Family Dentistry, and we want you to get to know us! My Family Dentistry serving Powell and Knoxville, TN practices a uniquely comfortable dentistry approach to dental services.