The Dr.’s Blog

A cracked tooth is painful both literally and figuratively. It has the power of damaging your self-image, more so if you cracked a front tooth. The good news, it’s a correctable problem. Unlike in the past when you had to learn how to live with a broken tooth, various solutions are available today. But which should you choose? This post looks at the pros and cons of veneers vs. implants. What is a veneer? When you have a broken tooth, your dentist may recommend getting a veneer. The procedure involves covering the front surface of your damaged tooth using a thin ceramic or porcelain shell that is colored to look like your teeth. Veneers are used to conceal chipped or broken teeth, treat stains, and fill gaps between teeth. During the treatment, the dentist will bond the veneer to your teeth using a dental adhesive. A veneer can be used on both top and bottom teeth to enhance a natural appearance. They are perfect for the front teeth. What are dental implants? Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are designed to attach a replacement tooth to the gum. These are different from crowns because they replace an entire tooth and not just encasing a tooth. Due to the fact that they replace a whole tooth, implants are durable, stable, and last for years. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are designed to attach a replacement tooth to the gum. These are different from crowns because they replace an entire tooth and not just encasing a tooth. Due to the fact that they replace a whole tooth, implants are durable, stable, and last for years. Can a veneer be used together with a dental implant? Implants and veneers are dental options that don’t need to be used exclusively. This means that your dentist can use a veneer over your dental implants to create a better appearance. The two treatment options can be combined to achieve better cosmetic results. Pros of Implants Implants are used to replace missing teeth. This is something a veneer will not be able to do. Implants are also preferred over dentures because they are secure and offer better stability. They will not move around in the mouth when talking or eating. Since they are permanently fixed in the jawbone, you never have to worry about them falling out. If you need a natural, healthy and comfortable feeling, you should go with a dental implant. When finished with a crown, implants look like natural teeth and, when cared for properly, can last up to 50 years. A dental implant will also resist gum problems and decay, thus guaranteeing you never have to worry about health problems. Cons of Implants While they are great, implants are not without a few drawbacks. The main disadvantage is that a dental implant is more expensive than most cosmetic dental options. In addition, the procedure of getting the implants inserted is time-consuming. Based on your condition, getting imaging, removing damaged teeth, getting the jawbone ready, placing implants, and finishing with a crown can take months. Pros of a Veneer When comparing veneers vs. implants, one area a veneer excels in is that the procedure takes a shorter time. As a matter of fact, a veneer has, for years, been the best and fastest way to cover wear and tear on teeth. It is also good to note that veneers are inexpensive when compared with other procedures.  Cons of a Veneer As for the disadvantages, a veneer will be susceptible to breaking, chipping, and staining. They are fragile and will last between 10 to 15 years when cared for properly. You may be forced to get veneers on several teeth to get that natural and balanced smile.  As for the disadvantages, a veneer will be susceptible to breaking, chipping, and staining. They are fragile and will last between 10 to 15 years when cared for properly. You may be forced to get veneers on several teeth to get that natural and balanced smile. Choosing the proper dental procedure requires discussing your options with a dentist. The dentist will evaluate the extent of tooth damage, needs for bite correction, and the longevity of the process to give you an informed recommendation. For a consultation, get in touch with Dental 32 Fresh Smiles. Our team is committed to helping you improve your smile in any of 9 ways. Book an appointment today.

A dental implant effectively improves your smile, confidence, and facial structure by serving as an artificial replacement for a missing or damaged tooth.But how long do dental implants last? This post compiled by our team at Dental 32 Fresh Smile- a leading dental office in Ashburn, VA- comprehensively answers this question. But first, let’s learn how dental implants work. How Do Dental Implants Work? Implants dental surgery is a highly successful procedure at Dental 32 Fresh Smiles. During your initial consultation, a dentist examines the dental implant site, studies dental images, and assesses the quality and quantity of jawbone. Once done with the first assessment, a professional arranges for the procedure to be performed under general or local anesthesia depending on the extent of surgery required and your specific needs. The first stage of dental surgery is extracting existing damaged teeth from the dental implant site(s). If there’s no missing tooth, the dental specialist places gum tissue on top of the existing jawbone. The graft is allowed to integrate into your jawbone for 2-6 months. During the implant placement appointment, your dentist inserts a titanium post in the bone using special tools and then stitches up the gum. The gum tissue is allowed to grow around the implant for around 3-6 weeks. During the healing phase, follow-up sessions may be required to check for infections and assess the healing progress. The dental specialist fastens a prosthetic component (abutment) to the dental implant during the next appointment using a screw. Finally, your dentist cements a custom implant crown to the abutment. Dental crowns are made from porcelain, resin, metal, or ceramic. How Long Do Dental Implants Last? With proper maintenance and care, dental implants can last between 20 and 30 years. However, for your mouth to heal wholly and efficiently, you must follow your dentist’s pre-and post-surgery instructions. Upon healing, practice excellent oral hygiene to ensure a longer lifespan of your implant. Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride paste. Floss daily to remove hidden bacteria and plaque, protect your gums, and maintain superior oral health, and, resultantly, protect your dental implant. Note that dental crowns require replacement after 5-15 years due to wear and tear. However, excellent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups could extend the lifespan beyond 15 years. Factors that affect the durability of dental implants include: Cost of Full Mouth Dental Implants Full mouth dental implants average between $12,000 and $25,000 per jaw. The costs vary depending on the factors below: You’ll need to check if your dental or medical insurance policy covers dental implants. Several dental offices in Virginia offer a range of financing options to ease the payment burden for their patients. Get Quality Dental Implants in Ashburn, VA Are you looking for dental implant services in Ashburn, VA? Look no further than Dental 32 Fresh Smiles. We customized our dental implant plans to your specific needs to help you restore your smile and confidence. Call us today at 703-672-1121 or complete our online form to schedule an appointment with a highly experienced dental implant surgeon committed to your success.