Crowns vs. Implants: What’s the Difference?

When you decide to use cosmetic dentistry methods, the first question that comes to your mind is, which method is best for your teeth? In this article, we want to talk about the difference between two common options in cosmetic dentistry, dental crowns and implants.

Each person’s smile can reveal a lot of information about their personality such as charm, self-confidence, and even a sense of humor. But in the case of cosmetic problems related to the teeth, the smile can also be a sign of a problem in the health of the teeth. Therefore, taking care of teeth is very important.

People who face dental problems, in addition to social problems, also face the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. In this situation, two common options in cosmetic dentistry come to the rescue: dental implants and veneers.

Dental implants and veneers have advantages and disadvantages, and to choose the best option, you must know the differences between these two methods carefully. In this article, we will introduce you to the two methods of dental veneers and implants and help you choose the best option according to the severity of your tooth damage.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a surgical procedure in which a replacement tooth is implanted in the jaw bone using an artificial root. Implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, or even the entire teeth inside the mouth. Artificial roots in implants are mainly made of titanium, which is a natural metal in the soil. Dental implant surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in a hospital or dental clinic. Before the procedure begins, you will have local anesthesia and a sedative may also be used to increase your comfort.

In implant surgery, the patient’s gum tissue is first cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Then, the implant is placed in the jawbone using a special surgical tool called an osteotome.

Local anesthesia is used during the procedure, so you will not feel any pain. After placing the implant, it takes about three months for the surrounding bone tissue to be well prepared for dental crowns or bridges to be placed in the mouth.

What is a dental veneer?

A dental crown is a thin covering that is placed on the front part of the teeth. Dental crowns are usually made of ceramic materials or synthetic resin composite. Although the main purpose of using veneers is to improve the appearance of the front teeth, in some cases they can also be used to improve the condition of the back teeth. Dental veneers are usually used in the following cases:

1. Repairing fractures or cracks in the teeth.
2. Eliminating the distance between the teeth.
3. Aligning irregular teeth.
4. Removing dark spots on the teeth.

Dental veneers can increase the beauty of teeth by solving problems. One of the great advantages of veneers is that dentists can use them to treat various cosmetic problems.

How to do dental veneers

The procedure for dental veneers includes the following steps:

First, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to begin the treatment process. Placing the crown on the teeth requires applying pressure. It may be painful, but you won’t feel it.

Your dentist will then precisely shape and polish your enamel before placing the crown on your tooth. The duration of this process depends on the number of restorations required during one session, and your treatment may take more than one session. Therefore, the duration of this procedure is variable and depends on the number of restorations in each session. However, each session usually lasts about an hour.

Advantages of dental implants

Using dental implants as a solution to replace missing teeth is an excellent option. Implants consist of small titanium columns and are placed in the jawbone by a specialist doctor. Over time, the titanium metal fuses with the jaw and eventually becomes a permanent part of your mouth.

1. Due to the firm connection with the jaw bone, implants do not need to be replaced frequently, which distinguishes implants from prostheses or conventional bridges. This method is an ideal choice for people who have lost their teeth for any reason.
2. Using an implant makes eating easier. A denture causes food to get stuck behind it, while an implant does not. This means that implants reduce the risk of choking and make eating more enjoyable.
3. Implants are more stable than prostheses.
4. Implants are attached to the jawbone and significantly reduce the risk of loose teeth.
5. Implants give the tooth a more natural appearance because dental implants integrate with the jawbone and look exactly like your missing teeth.
6. Implants also look more like natural teeth and make eating much more enjoyable.
7. In addition, the implants themselves are highly compatible, which means they can integrate well with the jawbone and surrounding tissue.

Disadvantages of using dental implants

Using dental implants as an option to replace missing teeth is undoubtedly an important step toward improving the appearance and function of the mouth. However, this method also has disadvantages:

1. High cost: One of the main disadvantages of dental implants is their high cost. The cost of dental implants usually ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 and even more, depending on your specialist doctor and the type of implant used.
2. Possible side effects: Although dental implants do not have side effects in most people, some patients may face problems such as infections and other issues. For this reason, it is very important to choose a skilled dentist and follow the instructions carefully.
3. Long recovery time: The process of dental implant implantation usually takes about six months. During this period, the gums and soft tissues around the implant should be well taken care of to reduce the possibility of complications.
4. Not suitable for everyone: Dental implants are not suitable for some people, especially those with little gum tissue. These cases require careful evaluation by a dentist.

Who is eligible for dental implants?

If you have replaced missing teeth and prefer not to use removable dentures, dental implants can be a good option for you. But provided that your mouth and teeth are in good condition and there is enough bone to support the implant in your jaw.

Before deciding to implant a dental implant, your teeth and gums must be examined by a dentist. A dental professional can determine if there is enough bone in your jaw to support an implant. Also, you should not ignore the cost of this process and you should include it in your calculations.

Benefits of dental veneers

Dental crowns are thin, customized coverings that are placed on the front surface of teeth and are made of materials such as ceramic, composite resin, or a combination of the two. The main purpose of dental veneers is to improve the appearance of your smile while maintaining the natural structure of your teeth.

1. Enhance the beauty of teeth: Dental crowns are made of materials such as synthetic composite resin or natural ceramic and allow you to improve the appearance of your teeth.
2. Strength and durability: Veneers are also very strong and durable and can be custom-made for your teeth.
3. Improve dental health: Veneers help improve the condition of your teeth. Also, these veneers are durable and resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for people with sensitive teeth.
4. Treatment of tooth discoloration: If your teeth are stained due to factors such as smoking or drinking coffee, veneers can help cover these changes.
5. Affordability: Veneers are one of the most economical ways to beautify teeth.
6. Easy care: The care and maintenance of the covers is very easy. Since these crowns are attached to your teeth, they are maintained just like natural teeth.

What are the disadvantages of dental veneers?

If you are looking for a beautiful smile, veneers can be a great choice. But before going to the dentist, it is important to have enough information about veneers and consider their possible disadvantages.

1. Limited durability: Although veneers make teeth look beautiful for a long time, you should keep in mind that they do not last forever. You should usually replace them every 10 to 15 years.
2. The treatment process is time-consuming: the process of doing dental veneers may be time-consuming and you have to go to the dentist for several sessions to prepare your teeth for veneer installation.
3. Health risks: Crowns can damage the health of the teeth if they are not installed correctly. This can cause damage and decay to the teeth under the veneer, so choosing a skilled dentist is very important.

Who is eligible for dental veneers?

Dental crowns are a great choice for people who have minor dental problems and do not need more invasive methods like implants to correct their teeth. In addition, veneers are a great option for patients looking to get dental procedures done quickly.

• Minor dental problems: If you have minor defects such as cracks, gaps between teeth, or discoloration in your teeth, veneers are known to be a suitable and effective solution.
• Less time at the dentist: If you don’t have enough time for several dental visits to perform complex procedures, veneers are a good option for you. The average time of a dental visit to install dental veneers is about an hour or less.
• Sensitive teeth: If you have sensitive teeth, you can consider veneers instead of dental procedures that use anesthetic. This method is a good option for people who have tooth sensitivity.

What are the risks of dental implants?

The use of dental implants is generally associated with few risks. The most common complications associated with dental implants include gingivitis. Some of the risks of implants include the following:

1. Gingivitis: One of the most common complications of dental implants is gingivitis. Infection can lead to gingivitis. This problem will usually be solved by using antibiotics.
2. Displacement of the implant: In rare cases, the dental implant may be displaced from its original location. If this happens, your dentist in Hamilton may need to perform other procedures to restore the dental implant.

What are the risks of dental veneers?

The use of dental veneers is generally associated with few risks. However, some people may experience complications such as tooth sensitivity or changes in the root during the use of veneers, which can be improved with the advice of a dentist.

1. Sensitivity: Veneers are thin layers that are placed on the teeth. This may increase the sensitivity of the teeth to changes in the temperature of the mouth during drinking or eating. This sensitivity is usually temporary and will improve over time.
2. Bite changes: Due to the extra pressure applied by the veneers, the roots of the teeth may change. These changes may cause gum tissue to recede and in some cases prematurely break the veneers.