The difference between the dental implant and dental laminate and composite

If you are not a professional in the dental industry, it will be difficult for you to tell the difference between dental implants and dental laminates. Ceramic and composite laminates are used to improve the appearance and beauty of your smile, while dental implants are used as replacements for missing teeth. Here’s everything you need to know about dental implants and laminates:

Problems that are solved by dental laminates and dental implants

The use of laminates, whether ceramic or composite veneer, is an excellent solution for teeth that are healthy but do not look beautiful. Laminates cover any defects in tooth scaling, cracks, stains, and other things on the tooth. They only cover the front part of the tooth, i.e. its outer surface. They look like natural teeth and are custom designed to fit your smile. Laminates increase your confidence but do not affect the function of your teeth in any way.

Dental implants are an alternative to permanent teeth. They can be used to replace one or more teeth or, in extreme cases, all teeth. Implants are a suitable solution for the treatment of bone loss, tooth loss, and receding gums and are very important and practical for people who have lost their teeth.

If the missing teeth are not replaced, the jawbone recedes and if the roots of the teeth are not there to stimulate the jawbone, the jaw begins to deteriorate. This affects not only the health of the teeth, but also the health of the whole body, making it more difficult to eat and speak, and it also changes the bone structure of the face.

Components of dental laminates and implants

• Laminates are made of porcelain (ceramic) or composite resin materials or so-called composite veneer.
• Implants are made of titanium and dental veneers.

How long do they last?

Ceramic laminates usually last between 10 and 15 years. Dental composite veneer also lasts about 7 years. After this period, it is recommended to replace them. If for any reason the laminates are not properly attached to the teeth, they may shift and cause them to recede from the gum line. This can lead to problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Laminates are removable and made to be replaced.

On the contrary, dental implants are permanent and last a lifetime. Although the probability of this is very low, if 25 to 30 years have passed since the implantation of an individual implant, that person can take action to reset it. Sometimes implants need to be tightened over the years and need to be replaced when necessary, but in general, they are used permanently.

Is a dental implant or dental laminate better for smile correction?

It is difficult to say that laminate or dental implant is better for smile restoration because each one plays a unique role.

If you have structurally sound teeth – but have concerns about the aesthetics of your teeth and smile – then removing them for implants is unnecessary. A better option is to improve the external appearance by bonding the crown to the front of the corresponding tooth. Laminates are used to manage surface problems, such as:

• Small spaces between teeth
• Stains or deep discoloration
• Slight overlap or crowding
• Rough and chipped tooth enamel

As long as there is no aggressive structural damage or periodontal disease, laminates provide the best cosmetic results for people with these types of surface problems.

On the other hand, dental laminates cannot replace missing teeth. When there is no tooth structure to attach them to, you are left with only a few options. Dental implants are perhaps one of the best smile restoration options for missing teeth. Their simple design and strength make them able to restore one or more teeth. Eating, talking, and smiling with implants are like natural teeth.

Is there a risk of decay?

Dental implants are different from natural tooth structures. Because of this, they are resistant to tooth decay. However, they can still attract plaque, grime, and stains. These bacterial contaminations must be cleaned regularly to ensure the health of the gums and surrounding bone tissues. If there is no regular dental hygiene, it may cause gum disease. And lead to the failure of your new dental implant.

Porcelain or composite material in the dental veneer is also resistant to decay, but the tooth behind it is not. If for any reason a cavity develops in the underlying tooth, it can spread under the veneer and lead to a failed restoration.

For the best results and to ensure the longest-lasting results for your new implant or laminate, you should protect it as you would a natural tooth. Daily brushing and flossing are essential.

Dental implant placement process

Implantation of dental implants often requires several surgeries and it takes months for complete recovery in this treatment method.

The typical process for placing a dental implant is as follows:

1. Extraction and removal of damaged and problematic teeth by a dentist.
2. Preparing the jawbone for bone grafting if it is not strong or thick enough.
3. Making an incision in the gum to expose the bone and then making a hole in the bone.
4. Placing the metal base of the dental implant, which is used to restore the tooth root.
5. Placing a temporary prosthesis to improve the appearance of the teeth (this step is not necessary and may not be done)
6. After several months of healing, the bone grafting process takes place in the jaw bone, and this is how the base of the artificial tooth is created.
7. A second minor surgery is performed under local anesthesia where the dentist opens the gum again to expose the metal post.
8. Connecting the abutment to the mentioned post and closing the gum tissue around the tooth.
9. Connecting the denture with screws to the abutment after one or two weeks of healing.

The process of placing dental laminate is usually like this

1. Removal of approximately 1.2 mm of tooth surface enamel.
2. Making a model of teeth without enamel and sending them to the laboratory to make a laminate.
3. Sending the manufactured laminate to the dentist again to ensure its fit with the natural tooth.
4. If the fit is not done correctly, the dentist will trim the laminate so that it fits correctly on the tooth.
5. Preparing the teeth by cleaning, polishing, and carving until they find the right fit and appearance. This makes the bonding process easier.
6. Glue is applied to the laminates so that they can be placed on the natural teeth.
7. Activating the chemicals in the glue using a special light beam that causes it to harden quickly.
8. Removing excess glue and fixing the laminate.
9. Making any adjustments to the laminate such as applying more glue and cleaning.

Note that laminates may make your mouth sensitive to cold or heat. In addition, if you have weak teeth or grind your teeth, then using laminate may not be suitable for you.

How long does the process take?

Due to the nature of implants, the treatment process can require several sessions over several months. It takes time for the implant to fully integrate with your bone and permanently accommodate it. After complete osseointegration, implants are even stronger than natural teeth. You can usually schedule about 3 to 4 appointments over about six months.

On the other hand, dental laminate treatment of 2 types, ceramic and composite, does not require any type of surgery. First, the teeth are filed down a little to make room for the laminate. From there, a mold is taken and permanent veneers are made, and they are ready to be placed after about two weeks. 2-3 visits are required and this treatment is completed in less than a month

The duration of composite lamination is even shorter and is usually done completely in one session.

Am I a candidate for dental laminate or implant?

The ideal candidate for dental lamination is someone who has relatively healthy teeth and gums but wants to improve the appearance of their smile. For an implant, a person with a missing tooth still has enough bone in the area to support it.

In both cases, a thorough examination is required to rule out any complications. Not everyone is a candidate for dental veneers or implants, so it’s important to work with an experienced dental professional in Canada you trust.