In the world of dentistry, there are a lot of treatments that improve your smile. If you want a more cosmetic solution, go with dental veneers. If you’re looking to protect a damaged tooth, you may want a dental crown instead. And if you need to replace a missing tooth, a dental implant is the way to go. But sometimes, it may be difficult to know where to start. At Bivona Family Dental, we’ll help find the right solution for your smile. Come in for a consultation to learn the differences between veneers vs crowns vs implants, and which solution is best for you!
Veneers vs Crowns vs Implants: Function
While there is some overlap in use for veneers, crowns, and implants, they mostly differ in function.
For cosmetic needs that alter the appearance of your smile, rather than the structure, we recommend dental veneers. These thin sheets of porcelain cover stains, minor misalignments, and small chips and cracks to present a beautiful, unblemished smile. However, your teeth must be healthy to support veneers, as they require a strong foundation.
When you have a tooth that is damaged, decayed, or vulnerable, a dental crown is likely the solution for you. These tooth-shaped caps cover the entirety of your tooth, encompassing the structure on all sides. Not only do these caps help protect your vulnerable teeth from bacteria and decay, but they also fortify the tooth to make it stronger! With a dental crown in place, you help save your tooth from needing an extraction and improve its appearance.
If a tooth is beyond saving with a dental crown, you may need an extraction. But missing teeth, whether due to extraction, gum disease, or dental trauma, need prompt replacement. With dental implants, we replace your missing teeth by securing a crown, bridge, or denture to your jaw. These implants both maintain jaw health and enhance your smile’s appearance by filling gaps. Additionally, dental implants allow you to chew and speak effectively, potentially improving your overall quality of life.
Veneers vs Crowns vs Implants: Procedure
The procedures for veneers vs crowns vs implants all differ significantly.
Veneers
To place dental veneers, we first need to remove a small layer of your front-facing enamel. This involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic, using special dental tools to prepare your tooth, and creating enough room for the veneer to sit flush against your smile.
Once your teeth are prepared, we will provide you with a temporary set of veneers to wear while you wait for the final version. While wearing these veneers, you can request changes to the shape, size, and color that we will reflect in the final set.
Then, once your final veneers arrive, you’ll return to our office so we can bond them in place to transform your smile!
Crowns
Dental crowns require a little more enamel removal, but using the same local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. After removing enamel from all sides of your tooth, we will take an impression of your tooth to use in our dental lab. Then, with computer-aided design/manufacturing, we create a custom crown in-house that blends with your natural teeth.
These crowns are highly durable, providing structural support for your vulnerable tooth. Once your crown is ready, we will place it over your prepared tooth and cement it in place to improve the appearance and function of your smile.
Implants
Dental implants are a little more invasive than dental veneers or crowns, as they involve accessing your jaw underneath your gum tissue. To place traditional dental implants, we’ll first use the local anesthetic to numb your smile.
Then, we’ll make an incision in your gums to reveal your bone. After using a series of drills to create an opening, we then carefully screw the implant in place. However, traditional implants have multiple components that we need to place at separate appointments. Over the next several months, your implant will integrate with your jawbone, creating a strong connection that supports a crown, bridge, or denture restoration.
For those seeking a less invasive procedure, BIvona Family Dental also offers mini dental implants! These small titanium posts require a minimally invasive procedure with less healing time and faster placement.
Veneers vs Crowns vs Implants: Price
The price of your treatment depends on several factors.
The main deciding factor is, of course, which treatment you need. Dental veneers are typically more expensive than dental crowns, largely because cosmetic treatments aren’t often covered by insurance. But dental implants, despite their restorative properties, aren’t always covered by insurance either.
Also, the amount of work you need done impacts pricing too. Perfecting several teeth with veneers may be more expensive than replacing a single tooth with an implant.
To truly understand your costs, you’ll need to visit us for a consultation. These initial appointments are free for dental implants and are a necessary step towards your journey to a healthier, happier smile.
For those who need assistance in paying for veneers, crowns, or implants, we offer flexible financing solutions! By partnering with third-party financing companies, we provide patients like you with ways to make your treatments more affordable.
Visit Bivona Family Dental in Jasper, AL, To Learn What Is Right for You!
With how many ways there are to improve the health and appearance of your smile, it can be difficult to know where to look. But at Bivona Familu Dental, we help you find the right solution! Between veneers, crowns, and implants, the right choice depends on your smile. Come in for a consultation (free for dental implants) to learn how we can help you on your journey to a better smile.
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