Implant dentistry often crosses over into cosmetic dentistry – they do achieve great-looking results, after all – but the two types of dentistry are very different indeed. The differences between dental implants and veneers, for example, are mountainous and they’re both suited to very different people for very different dental conditions. What’s the difference between dental implants and veneers, and which would you be better suited to?

All about dental implants

Dental implants are the ultimate treatment for replacing missing teeth. They mainly comprise of two different parts: the root (dental implant) and the crown (tooth implant), which is the part that looks like the tooth. When looked after properly, they can be placed and kept for life!

All about veneers

Veneers are thin sheets of porcelain or dental composite that are fit and bonded over the front of your natural teeth. They help to improve the physical appearance of your smile by masking chipped, broken, or malformed teeth.

How dental implants are placed

Dental implants are placed in different steps, and your treatment journey will usually be unique to you as this depends how long you take to heal intermittently. Placement begins with the tooth root, or the titanium root. It is placed in your jawbone and resembles a metal screw that your crown will fit onto. Then, after your root placement has healed over the coming weeks, we place the crown. This is the part of the dental implant that looks like a tooth, and it will be shape- and colour-matched to your existing teeth.

How veneers are fitted

Veneers are very different dental implants in that they don’t replace missing teeth but improve the cosmetic appearance of your natural or existing teeth. Your veneers will either consist of dental composite or porcelain, which in itself are two different treatment methods! Dental composite is the same material used in fillings and is built up on and around the tooth for a more pleasing appearance. This method requires less preparation than ceramic veneers, that need the top layer of the tooth shaved and ‘roughed up’ to procure a better sticking surface for the adhesive and veneer. The veneer itself is a cap that fits over the tooth, sort of like a false nail, and it is custom-created to your natural teeth.

Who is suitable for which treatment?

Do I need a dental implant? You’re better suited to a dental implant – whether single or multiple – if you have a missing tooth or teeth and wish to restore your full mouth function. Missing a tooth can impede your quality of speech, your confidence and smiling, and actually comes with a few health problems too such as increased risk of gum disease, cavities, and jaw bone weakening.

Do I need veneers? You’d benefit from veneers if you’re not seeking to replace a missing tooth, but rather improve the appearance of your natural teeth. Veneers aid in the appearance of broken, discoloured, chipped, or malformed teeth like ‘peg’ teeth. They are a popular treatment in cosmetic dentistry but differ greatly from implant dentistry.

There are major differences between veneers and dental implants in how they’re placed, what they’re made of, and what they treat, but they share a similarity in that they can dramatically boost how you feel about your smile. Discover cosmetic dentistry or implant dentistry here in Kent with Roseacre Dental today. Enquire online or book your consultation on 01622 730 548.