When Are Veneers a Better Choice Than Implants?

When it comes to getting the smile you want, you have lots of options — so many, in fact, you may struggle to understand what’s best. Take a moment as we describe the differences in veneers and implants, and when one might be better than the other.

You’ve probably heard of dental implants and dental veneers, but you may not know how these two dental procedures work, or why your dentist might recommend one over the other. The two are quite different despite having some things in common.

Dr. Ben Mohrman and his team at Affordable Dental East in Indianapolis, Indiana, seek to help patients attain optimal oral health, and that often includes guiding you through decisions such as which procedure suits your circumstances the best.

If you’re considering veneers or a dental implant, we’re to help by clarifying your options.

What you need to know about veneers

Porcelain veneers are very thin, shell-like pieces that attach to the front of your tooth. They’re customized to completely change the appearance of your teeth, and they can be designed to fit in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. They can be used to correct numerous issues including:

Gaps and uneven spacing
Chipped or cracked teeth
Misshapen teeth
Uneven teeth
Crooked teeth
Worn teeth
Discolored teeth

Veneers can be placed on one, multiple, or all of your teeth.

In most cases, you need two appointments to get your veneers. At your first visit, Dr. Mohrman removes a sliver of your natural enamel to make room for the veneer to fit properly. We also make an impression of your teeth and send it to the lab, where your veneers are custom made.

During your second visit, Dr. Mohrman uses dental adhesive to attach the veneers to your teeth. He then carefully shapes it so it feels great and looks perfect.

Once your veneers are in place, you care for them normally with daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to our office for professional cleanings and exams.

What you need to know about dental implants

Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. An implant provides you with a prosthetic tooth root, in the form of a titanium post that is embedded into your jawbone. The post supports an artificial tooth in the form of a crown.

Implants provide stimulation to your jawbone, keeping it healthy, and because they’re implanted, they’re very secure and comfortable. Thanks to the stimulation of your jawbone, they can also help prevent future tooth loss.

Similar to veneers, most implants require two office visits. During the first one, Dr. Mohrman places the post. Then, you heal for several weeks as the post fuses to your bone. After that, you return and he places a crown and adjusts it so it fits perfectly.

Getting the treatment you need

Generally speaking, veneers are best for cosmetic issues, and dental implants replace missing teeth. When you come in for a consultation, we discuss your concerns, provide an evaluation, and Dr. Mohrman recommends a course of treatment that is most likely to help you reach your goals.

Book your appointment online or call Affordable Dental East today, and find out how you can get the smile of your dreams!