If you’ve ever felt insecure about your teeth in public or compared your grin to that of a beaming Instagram model, you may have wondered how other people came by those perfect white smiles. Well, it may surprise you to know that they aren’t always naturally grown. Dental clinics now offer a range of procedures to fix up patients’ teeth. In fact, nowadays cosmetic dental procedures have become are more popular than ever. Making up 15% of Dental Helpline’s daily calls, the number of inquiries about dental veneers and implants has grown by 33% in the last ten years.
Like any product, when it comes to your dream teeth, you have a choice. Let’s look at the difference between two popular options for fixing an imperfect smile: dental implants and veneers.
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Dental Veneers: What does the procedure involve?
Veneers are a thin covering that is placed on the front of the teeth. These can be made of either composite resin or porcelain. For composite resin, a chemical adhesive is applied to the tooth and the veneer is placed in layers. The dentist will harden each layer with a curing light and then shape and polish it into the final product. Porcelain, on the other hand, requires a layer of enamel to be stripped from the tooth before the dentist can place the veneer. He or she will then take a mold of the teeth to custom fit your veneers, and these will be cemented in place on the following visit.
Dental Veneers: the Pros and Cons
All veneers, regardless of their material, can be compromised if a cavity forms beneath it, so it’s important to brush and floss regularly. Be careful with hard foods and clenching or grinding your teeth with veneers, because these activities carry the risk of chipping or even dislodging the veneer. If there is tooth decay or gum disease, these problems must be treated before a veneer can be applied at all. While porcelain veneers last longer and are more durable and resistant to staining than composite resin, they also take multiple procedures to apply. The removal of enamel may also leave the patient sensitive to hot and cold. Composite resin, however, may more closely match the colour of surrounding teeth.
Dental Implants: What does the procedure involve?
Dental implants involve inserting an artificial root made of metal into the gum and then fixing an artificial tooth (a crown) on top of it. This procedure is performed by an oral surgeon or a prosthodontist, who have special training that a dentist may not have. The first stage involves taking x-rays of the jaw and assessing the patient’s oral health. Then, a metal rod is implanted in the gum, which over time will bond with the jawbone over several months as the surgical wound heals. Once the area is ready, an artificial tooth is crafted to be fixed on top of the metal rod; this may require several appointments to be properly fitted.
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Dental Implants: Pros and Cons
Dental implants look and act just like regular teeth, and though they must be cared for with brushing and flossing, they are less likely to break or chip than veneers are. However, this option is also considerably more expensive and requires multiple visits to a specialist over several months. Even after the implants have healed, the dentist will ask you to come in for checkups to ensure they are working properly. In rare cases, complications like infection or numbness in surrounding muscle can arise if implants do not bond properly to the jawbone.
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Which Dental Cosmetic Procedure is right for you?
In the end, both veneers and implants will give you the perfect smile that you expect from a cosmetic procedure. The choice really depends on the individual circumstances surrounding your oral health, insurance, and how much time and money you are willing to put into it. Experienced dentists at Smile Well Dental are a great source to consult. So contact us by email ([email protected]) or by phone (778-340-2897) to find out what options are available to you. With the right dentists, you’ll be well on your way to a bright new smile.
