Having a smile as beautiful as those on TV adverts is possible, and there are many options to make your dream come through. But the many options available can be a bit confusing.
Take dental veneers, dental crowns, and implants, for example. Each procedure enhances your smile, but they have different applications. Many are unaware of the differences, how they compare, and the applications of each restorative modality, which we aim to rectify.
Let’s dive in already, shall we?
Dental Veneers vs Dental Crowns vs Dental Implants
Comparing dental veneers and dental crowns to dental implants is like comparing a vehicle to a lawn mower. While both have four wheels, each addresses an entirely different issue. A dental implant is a root replacement option adopted after a tooth extraction or when there’s a missing tooth and there’s a need for an anchor for the missing tooth.
A dental implant is not a restorative procedure but rather involves placing a screw on the bone of a missing tooth to allow the placement of crowns on top of the implant.
On the other hand, a veneer is a restorative modality (albeit a conservative one) used to restore a tooth’s surface when there’s been a chip, discoloration, fracture, or misalignment of the teeth.
Let’s consider all three smile procedures:
Dental Veneers
A dental veneer is a thin layer of material (such as porcelain) of about 1mm that’s bonded to the front tooth. Veneers are porcelain faces created to fit and bond to the surface of the teeth and are used to improve the integrity, shape, alignment, and color of a tooth.
Veneers are ideal for restoring broken, uneven, or stained teeth. They are easy to apply and can be bonded to both bottom and top teeth. A veneer is a permanent way to restore your teeth to good shape.
Porcelain veneers, in particular, are made of ceramic. When bonded, they are durable and resilient and provide visible aesthetic improvement in no time.
Custom veneers require a high level of skill and keen attention to detail due to the demanding bonding procedure. The final result is usually virtually undetectable and is stain resistant, thus giving an impression of a natural, healthy tooth.
Here’s how dental veneers work
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- The doctor makes an impression
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The dentist will first make an impression on the teeth. This involves creating a form that the dentist will use to create the porcelain veneers.
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- A temporal veneer is fitted
The dentist may decide to fit the patient with a temporal veneer while waiting for the permanent veneer. This will stay on while the dental team works on creating a permanent veneer.
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- The arrival of customized veneer
Once the veneer is ready, the dentist will fit them to the surface of the patient’s teeth. The procedure is usually painless and quick and provides an immediate and visible improvement to the quality of the patient’s smile.
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Application of Dental Veneers
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- To improve teeth alignment when there’s no extensive crowding
- To repair cracks or large chips in teeth
- To change a tooth’s color or cover stains
- To improve a patient’s overall smile aesthetics
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Pros:
Veneers are a gentle and durable solution for cosmetic smile concerns. The benefits of veneers include:
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- Veneers have a natural look and have the same appearance and feel as permanent teeth
- They are durable, with a lifespan of about 15 years
- Veneers are versatile. It adapts easily to a person’s unique smile and mouth shape
- Veneers are stain-resistant and are long-lasting; hence one can maintain a great smile for many years
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Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are custom-made caps created to match a patient’s teeth. The cap is typically placed over a damaged or broken tooth to give it stability, shape, and structure and remove any exposed root or sharp edges in the mouth.
A dental crown can be used on a dental implant as a restorative modality. It’s either screwed into the dental implant or glued on an abutment. In comparison, a dental crown is a more aggressive restorative option; it’s sometimes a better option depending on the case.
Crowns are bondable for micromechanical retention; however, the retention depends on the preparation design.
Permanent dental crowns are made of different materials, namely metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, ceramic, porcelain, or pressed ceramic. Each material has its unique features, pros, and cons.
Here’s how dental crowns work
First visit
On the first visit, the tooth to receive the dental crown is prepared and examined. The tooth is x-rayed along with the other surrounding tooth. After this, a temporal crown is fixed.
The doctor may carry out root canal treatment if there’s a risk of infection, tooth decay, or injured tooth pulp.
Second visit
The temporal crown is removed while the permanent one is checked to see if it fits the color of your tooth, after which the dentist fixes the crown on the tooth. The doctor may apply a local anesthetic during the process.
Application of Dental Crowns
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- To fix a broken tooth
- To improve teeth alignment when there’s no extensive crowding
- To restore the teeth when veneers aren’t recommended due to old and deep restorations, tooth darkness, structural integrity, and so on
- To improve the overall aesthetic of the teeth
- To hold a dental bridge
- To cover a dental implant
- To cover a root-canal treated tooth
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Pros:
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- It’s a simple procedure
- It helps to relieve pain and discomfort
- Dental crowns are custom made to fit your needs
- It lasts for a long time
- Dental crowns can restore the teeth’s appearance
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Dental Implants
Dental implants are replacement teeth made of titanium. It provides solid support and typically has a crown placed over it to improve the tooth’s appearance and functionality.
Small metals are driven into the jawbone and gums to replace a missing tooth.
Dental implants look and feel like a natural tooth and are an excellent option for people with missing teeth.
How dental implants work
Planning
The planning phase for the dental implant may involve several specialists, including dentists, surgeons (oral and maxillofacial), periodontists, prosthodontists, and ENT.
The first step consists of carrying out a comprehensive test which includes 3D images and x-rays to determine the condition of the jaw and teeth and what procedure will suit the situation.
Treatment
The process of placing a dental implant involves steps such as:
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- Removal of the damaged tooth
- Jawbone grafting (when required)
- Placement of dental implant
- Growth and healing of the bone
- Placement of abutment
- Placement of artificial tooth
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The whole process may take several months, and it may involve other treatment depending on the tooth condition.
Application of Dental Implants
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- When there’s a jaw bone that has reached total growth
- To replace a missing root canal without affecting other adjacent teeth
- To support other dental restorations such as dentures and bridges
- When you can have a bone graft or there’s sufficient bone to support an implant
- Under a temporal denture to improve chewing efficiency
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Pros:
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- It enhances the appearance of the teeth
- Dental implants improve speech
- It enhances comfort
- It makes it easier to eat
- Causes improved oral health and self-esteem
- It is durable and convenient
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Comparison Between Dental Veneers, Dental Crowns and Dental Implants
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| DENTAL VENEERS | DENTAL CROWNS | DENTAL IMPLANTS |
| It is a cosmetic and restorative procedure | It is a dental restorative method | It is a dental restorative procedure |
| Covers the front of a tooth | Covers the entire tooth | Replaces tooth root canal |
| It’s a thin layer of about 1mm | Crowns have a thickness of about 2mm | It is a thin titanium driven into the tooth bone |
| Ideal for minor shape correction and cosmetic purposes | Ideal for minor shape correction and cosmetic purposes Ideal for closing large fillings, cracked or worn teeth, and root canals Ideal for replacing damaged bone for jawbone grafting | Ideal for replacing damaged bone for jawbone grafting |
| More aesthetically pleasing as they do not show gum margins | It has a natural look and feel | Improves the appearance of the teeth |
| It can be used with a dental crown | Can work alone | Designed to be fused with the bone |
| Not covered by most insurance policies | It is usually covered by most dental insurance. | Most insurance policies do not cover dental implants |
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FAQ
Which is better, a dental veneer or dental crown?
Both dental veneer and dental crowns can improve the appearance of the teeth. Veneers are basically for cosmetic and functional purposes but cannot enhance teeth’ function beyond repair.
Dental crowns help improve the teeth’s appearance and offer protection.
Can I use any dental restorative method for my teeth?
Your dentist will decide what treatment option is most suitable for you. Your dental condition determines the method to apply.
If it involves replacing a missing tooth, then a dental implant is more suitable. On the other hand, a veneer or crown will suffice if it’s primarily for enhanced appearance.
How do I care for my veneer, implant, or crown?
All three require the same care and maintenance as a natural tooth. Such dental care includes brushing twice a day, regular flossing of the teeth, proper rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and regular visits to the dentist.
CONCLUSION
Dental veneers, crowns, and implants can improve your smile and oral health. While veneers and crowns are more for cosmetic purposes, implants are ideal for tooth replacement.
Regardless of whatever option you go for, you are sure to have a smile that will enhance your confidence.
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