Veneers vs Implants vs Crowns vs Bridges: The Differences

Washington Heights Dentist’s Breakdown On Teeth Restoration Treatments

You may be asking yourself: What’s the best way to restore a white & healthy smile? It seems like there are so many choices out there. You do some research and find that you can possibly pick from veneers vs implants vs crowns vs bridges – but what can you do in terms of understanding the differences?

Fortunately, you can learn from a Washington Heights dentist’s breakdown on teeth restoration treatments.

What Are Tooth Veneers?

This is an option for people who have things like chipped teeth or stained teeth. The veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that is shaped like a natural tooth and covers the other tooth. The dentist takes a thin layer of enamel off first and then applies a super-strong bonding cement to keep the veneer on. The veneer is colored to match the patient’s other teeth and can give a natural looking smile.

Getting veneers is not a simple one-visit procedure. It usually takes three – one for the consultation, one for the fitting and temporary ones and one for the final veneer application. This is not something that people should take lightly, since it cannot be reversed. The veneers can last over 10 years with proper care before needing to be replaced. There’s an extra cost for fast turnaround.

What Is A Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a replacement tooth that acts like a natural one. Once the final insertion is done, it does not need to be removed each day. This is becoming a common procedure and patients are liking that they don’t have to do extra maintenance. These are also durable, lasting upward of 25 years with proper care, whereas dentures are often replaced after 10 years.

The dental implant process is a fairly long one. First the dentist cleans out the area and inserts a titanium screw into the jawbone. The screw and the jawbone fuse together in a process called osseointegration and that can take several weeks. Then the dentist puts an abutment over the screw and then, finally, a crown on top of that. After that, the patient just has to continue with their oral health routine and seeing the dentist for their twice-yearly check-ups.

What Are Tooth Crowns?

There are a variety of materials that can be used for dental crowns. They range from gold to porcelain to zirconia. It depends where the dental crown is being placed in the mouth, since the bite force is stronger in the back of the mouth as opposed to the front. Budget and what the patient can afford to pay play a part. Aesthetics can also be taken into consideration.

While crowns are used in the above-mentioned dental implant process, they are also used to protect teeth after root canals, since the tooth is dead, and it can also cover a tooth that has a cavity that is too large for a dental filling. A dentist may use it to provide protection for a cracked tooth as well.

What Are Dental Bridges?

This is an option for those who have consistent gum disease that they cannot get rid of. Dental implants require excellent oral health, and dental bridges can help those who might not meet those requirements. They can also serve better for those who don’t want the extra work of having to take dentures out every night and soaking them.

When someone gets a dental bridge, they are getting a replacement tooth that has a crown on each side. The crowns go over the healthy teeth that are next to the gap. Surgery is not required, but the dentist may have to remove parts of the healthy teeth to make room for the replacement one and have the crown fit snugly in place, too. They can last two decades with proper care.

What’s The Best Way To Restore a White & Healthy Smile?

These options can range from fixing something on the surface to replacing an entire tooth or several of them. Each one of them has their own needs in terms of care to keep them looking great for a very long time. It all depends on how severe one’s situation is and what the dentist recommends. Their goal is to ensure that everyone has a great smile, so it’s best to listen to what they say.

Looking For Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures In New York?

Esthetix Dental Spa, based in Fort Washington, can help you get the smile that you want. The excellent staff will gladly answer any questions you may have and after a thorough exam, guide you to the best option for your needs. Contact us today to make an appointment – 212-795-9675.