Dental implants or veneers?

What are veneers?

Tooth veneers are thin, almost transparent overlays that are permanently glued to the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. They can be made of porcelain or composite materials, each of which has its own unique advantages. Veneers are mainly used for cosmetic improvement of the smile, allowing to change the color, shape, size and length of teeth.

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to discoloration and can resemble the natural shine of teeth, making them a very popular choice for those looking for a lasting change in the aesthetics of their smile. Their execution requires at least two visits to the dentist — during the first, the teeth are prepared by gently grinding their surface, and then an impression is taken, on the basis of which the dental laboratory makes individually matched veneers. During the second visit, veneers are glued to the teeth.

Composite veneers can be made directly on the tooth in one visit to the dentist. They are modeled and hardened on the teeth, which allows you to quickly achieve the desired effect. Although they are more prone to discoloration and may not be as durable as porcelain veneers, they offer a less invasive and often cheaper option.

When is it worth applying veneers?

Veneers are especially indicated in the following cases, when the patient wants to improve the aesthetics of his smile:

• Tooth discoloration — especially those that are difficult to remove with standard bleaching methods, e.g. discoloration caused by antibiotics, excessive fluoride intake, as well as internal discoloration.
• Tooth damage — cracks or breakage of teeth that not only affect aesthetics, but can also lead to further damage.
• Unevenness and small gaps between the teeth — veneers can quickly and effectively correct minor orthodontic problems without the need for braces.
• Abnormal tooth shape Teeth that are too small, irregularly shaped, or are unnaturally short can be corrected with veneers to ensure a more harmonious and proportionate smile.
• Teeth that do not respond to whitening In the event that standard teeth whitening methods do not bring the expected results, veneers can provide a white and even smile.
• Enamel erosion — thin veneers can also serve as protection for teeth with damaged enamel, preventing its further destruction.
• Restoration of teeth after orthodontic treatment — as a final cosmetic accent after the end of the orthodontic treatment, correcting minor imperfections and achieving a perfect smile.

Contraindications to the installation of veneers?

Putting on veneers, although it is a popular and effective method of improving the aesthetics of a smile, is not suitable for everyone. There are some contraindications that can prevent you from using this option.

• Advanced gum disease — patients with active periodontal disease may not be eligible for veneers because healthy gums are critical to keeping veneers in place.
• Large dental cavities - if the tooth has large cavities or there is a significant loss of dental tissue, veneers may not provide sufficient strength and stability. In such situations, dental crowns may be more appropriate.
• Bruxism (gnashing of teeth) — People who grind their teeth or have other problems with excessive tooth abrasion can quickly damage veneers. Although it is not an absolute contraindication, it requires special evaluation and possible treatment before the veneers are installed.
• Insufficient amount of healthy tooth tissue — veneers require grinding a small amount of enamel. If the tooth is already very damaged or weakened, removing even a small part of the enamel may not be advisable.
• Abnormal bite or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems — people with severe bite problems or temporomandibular dysfunction may need orthodontic treatment or other interventions first before veneers are considered.
• Improper oral hygiene — in order for veneers to serve for a long time, good oral hygiene is necessary. People who are unable to maintain proper hygiene may not be good candidates.
• Expectations inconsistent with opportunities Patients expecting unrealistic results or having an incorrect idea of the possibilities and limitations of veneers may not be satisfied with the results of their installation.

Aesthetic restoration procedure with veneers?

The process of aesthetic restoration of teeth using veneers is quite complex and requires accuracy and cooperation between the patient and the dentist. Below are the steps that are usually taken during this process:

• Step 1. Initial consultation and treatment planning
• At the initial appointment, the dentist assesses the patient's overall oral health, discusses aesthetic expectations and conducts a thorough examination of the teeth to be veneered. You may need to take x-rays or impressions to better understand the structure of the teeth and determine if the patient is a good candidate for the procedure.
• Step 2. Smile Design
• Thanks to modern technologies such as Digital Smile Design, patients can see the expected results of the treatment even before it begins. This allows you to accurately match the shape, size and color of veneers to the individual needs and expectations of the patient.
• Step 3. Production of veneers
• Prints from prepared teeth are sent to the prosthetic laboratory, where, on their basis, the dental technician manually creates veneers. This process can take from several days to several weeks, depending on the material chosen and the complexity of the case.
• Step 4. Preparing the teeth
• To place veneers, the dentist needs to remove a small amount of enamel from the front surface of the teeth — usually about 0.5 mm. This is necessary so that the veneers can adhere well and look natural. Depending on the material from which the veneers are to be made, this step may be minimal or unnecessary (for some composite veneers).
• Step 5. Veneer sizing
• When the veneers are ready, the dentist places them on the teeth without permanent fixation to check their fit, color and overall appearance. This is an important step because it allows you to make any adjustments before the final assumption.
• Step 6. Cementing veneers
• After the patient approves the appearance and fit of the veneers, the dentist permanently fixes them on the teeth, using a special cement. Then any excess material is removed and the edges are polished for comfort and a natural look.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are an advanced prosthetic solution used to replace missing teeth. They are considered one of the most durable and effective methods of restoring lost teeth, providing both functionality and aesthetics reminiscent of natural teeth. Implants consist of three main components: the implant, the abutment and the prosthetic crown.

• Implant (implant screw) — this is usually a titanium screw that is placed in the jaw bone or lower jaw. Titanium is a biocompatible material, which means that it is well tolerated by the human body and does not cause rejection reactions. This screw performs the function of the tooth root and is the basis for further elements of the prosthetic structure.
• Coupler — it is a fixing element that connects the implant to the prosthetic crown. The fastener is placed on the implant screw and serves as the basis for the final crown, bridge or prosthesis.
• Prosthetic crown This is a visible part of the implant that mimics a natural tooth. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, such as porcelain, ceramics, and are individually selected to match in color and shape to the rest of the patient's teeth.

When are dental implants used?

Dental implants are an advanced dental solution that can be used in many situations, providing a permanent and aesthetically attractive restoration of missing teeth. Here are the most important cases in which implants are particularly indicated:

• Lack of a single tooth — Implants are an excellent solution for people who have lost a single tooth, allowing restoration without the need to grind adjacent teeth, which is required with a traditional bridge.
• Lack of several teeth — in the absence of several teeth, implants can serve as support points for prosthetic bridges, eliminating the need to wear removable partial dentures.
• Total loss of teeth — for people who have lost all teeth in one or both jaws, implants can be used to stabilize total dentures, significantly improving their wearing comfort and chewing function.
• Increasing the comfort of use of the prosthesis — implants can be used to stabilize movable prostheses, which significantly improves the comfort of use, eliminates the problem of prosthesis displacement and increases chewing efficiency.
• Prevention of bone atrophy — after tooth loss, there is a gradual atrophy of the jaw bone, which can lead to changes in the shape of the face. Dental implants stimulate bone to regenerate and maintain its density, just like natural tooth roots.
• Improving aesthetics and self-confidence — implants provide a very natural visual effect, which can significantly improve the aesthetics of a smile and overall self-confidence.
• Alternative to bridges and prostheses — for people for whom bridges or traditional prostheses are not suitable or comfortable, implants are a permanent alternative that can better meet their needs and expectations.
• Problems with chewing and speaking Implants improve chewing function and are stable, which translates into greater comfort when eating and can help eliminate speech problems that often occur in people who use removable dentures.

Implantation procedure

The procedure for implantation of teeth is a complex process that requires precise planning and execution. The following are the steps that are usually taken throughout the process:

• Step 1. Preliminary assessment and planning
• The first step is a detailed assessment of the patient's oral health, including the condition of the bone where the implant is to be placed. The dentist may recommend X-rays or computed tomography (CBCT) of the jaw to assess bone density and determine the optimal position of the implant. During this time, the patient's expectations and possible treatment options are also discussed.
• Step 2. Preparation of the implantation site
• In some cases, it may be necessary to carry out additional procedures, such as bone augmentation (its restoration) or raising the bottom of the maxillary sinus to ensure that there is enough bone for stable fixation of the implant.
• Step 3. Implant placement
• The procedure begins with local anesthesia. The surgeon then makes an incision in the gum to expose the bone where the implant is to be placed. Using special tools, he drills a hole in the bone, and then screws in the implant. At the end, the incision is sewn.
• Step 4. Healing and osseointegration
• After the implant is placed, there is a healing stage, during which osseointegration occurs, that is, the fusion of the implant with the bone. This process can last from several weeks to several months, depending on the individual conditions of the patient and the place of implantation.
• Step 5. Placement of the fastener (abutment)
• After successful osseointegration, another surgical procedure follows, which consists in exposing the implant and placing a fastener on it, which will serve as the basis for the prosthetic crown. In some cases, the fastener can be installed simultaneously with the implant.
• Step 6. Prosthetic restoration
• The final stage is the manufacture and fixation of a prosthetic crown, bridge or prosthesis on the fastener. For this, the dentist takes impressions of the oral cavity to match the restoration to the patient's natural smile. The finished crown is then fixed on the fastener, restoring the functionality and aesthetic appearance of the teeth.

So which is the better choice — veneers or implants? The choice between veneers and dental implants depends on the individual needs, the state of oral health and the aesthetic expectations of the patient. Veneers are an excellent solution for people who want to improve the appearance of their teeth by correcting their color, shape or position, without the need for surgical intervention. In turn, implants are the best choice for people with missing teeth, offering a durable and functional solution that not only restores the natural appearance, but also the full functionality of the dentition. The final decision should be made after consultation with an experienced dentist who will help evaluate all the pros and cons and adjust the treatment option to the specific conditions and needs of the patient, guaranteeing the best possible results.