The Pros and Cons of Dental Implants and Dental Veneers

Advice from a denture dentist in Kingwood and Humble TX

No generation before has ever dreamed of the dental restoration options that we have today. Dental implants and dental veneers, both of which used to be considered only for the elite, have become mainstream treatments that almost every patient can choose. Before you head off to the “Denture Dentist” look into these modern tooth restoration techniques.

Let’s face it. Our grandparents had only one option when their teeth began to fail—extraction followed by dentures. Today’s dental restoration treatments offer you choices those prior generations could not fathom.

Dentures remain an option today, and their durability and comfort have improved far beyond what your Granddaddy ever experienced. There still are patients, even today, for whom dentures still might be the best treatment option

Let’s examine those newer tooth restoration options together.

Dental Veneers

What is A Dental Veneer?

First, let’s take a minute to describe what a dental veneer is and how it can help you.

A dental veneer, also called a porcelain veneer, is a very thin layer of material that is custom-fit to each tooth requiring restoration. The dentist affixes this to the front side of each affected tooth. to the front sides of your teeth. Consider each veneer as a coat of armor to protect the tooth!

It’s used to restore teeth with uneven wear, extreme discolorations, or chips. The method can also be used to fill unsightly gaps between your teeth.

Dental Veneer Pros:

Natural Looking: Dental veneers have a natural look. It’s hard to spot well-done dental veneers, helping to restore self-confidence to the patient.
Stain Resistant: Many patients who opt for dental veneers do so because their natural teeth have a yellowed appearance. This discoloration is most commonly a result of medication. Veneers resist future staining and give the patient back his pearly whites.
Less Invasive: Dental veneers are only moderately invasive. The dental surgeon will grind off a sheer amount of enamel from the natural tooth to give the surface a good grip, apply the bonding agent, and affix the veneer. In just a short appointment, you leave with restored teeth.

Dental Veneer Cons:

Irreversible process: When you’ve received a dental veneer, the process is irreversible. If the tooth behind the veneer further deteriorates, you will need to move into a more invasive crown.
Can’t Be Fixed: While dental veneers are sturdy, they can develop a chip or crack in them. In this exceptional case, the dentist cannot repair it. The dentist will need to remove the old veneer and replace it with a new one.
Tooth Sensitivity: Because the dentist grinds down the front enamel to secure the bonding, teeth covered by veneers may become cold- or heat-sensitive.

Dental Implants

What’s A Dental Implant?

Next, let’s explore the option of dental implants.

A dental implant is a surgical procedure. During the process, your dental surgeon implants titanium posts into your jawbone. Your dentist uses these posts as a new foundation, and she then attaches natural-looking new teeth. This process creates a permanent alternative to dentures.

They can be used to replace a single tooth or, as shown in the pictures above, a entire set of teeth.

Denture dentists recommend this procedure as an alternative for replacing missing teeth or those that are severely decayed or damaged.

Some patients find it better than dentures because once the titanium posts are implanted, they fuse to your jaw’s bone and you don’t have the daily task of insertion and removal of dentures.

Dental Implant Pros:

Permanent fix: Dental implants are a permanent solution in replacing catastrophically damaged teeth.
No loosening when dining: Like natural teeth, dental implants are quite sturdy. You don’t need to have excessive anxiety over chipping or cracking them. You can consume your favorite foods fearlessly.
Natural Appearance: Dental implants are cutting-edge and high-quality restoration teeth and appear natural. With well-crafted implants, nobody will know that you’re sporting replacements.

Dental Implant Cons:

Surgery: Dental implants are a surgical procedure. There’s an inherent risk with every dental surgery. While these complications are rare, you should still discuss them with your dental surgeon.
Cost: Dental implants are among the costliest tooth restoration procedures you can have. Your insurance company might not cover the expense of implants; check with them first.
Candidacy requirements: Patients with extreme cases of gum disease might not be eligible for this process. Your dental surgeon can offer you guidance.

The Bottom Line

Today’s patients have more options for natural-looking tooth prosthetics or restorations than past generations ever considered. No longer do failing teeth necessarily mean your only option is extractions followed by dentures.

While the dentures of today are better than those utilized by past generations, there are even more options available to you. If you need a denture dentist in Humble TX, schedule your consultation. We’d love to help you fall in love with your smile again.

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Meet Dr. Gregory

Dr. Holly J. Gregory practices a full scope of periodontics with expertise ranging from dental implants to laser periodontal treatments, gum grafting, and Dr. Gregory can correct a wide variety of periodontal (gum) disease.
Our office is located at 19502 McKay Blvd., Suite 202, Humble, TX 77338. Call us today at (281) 446-9157.

DR. HOLLY GREGORY AND FAMILY

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What Our Patients Say

Billy – New Family Dentistry Patient

How do you describe something that is so superior to anyone else that you have ever experienced. There are no words to describe the skill of Dr. Bollman. She is the best!! I will leave it at that…

New Teeth In Just One Day

From the time I walked in, I noticed a huge difference in the way I was treated here. Dr Gregory and her staff took the time to fully explain my entire procedure and covered all the options available to me. Every pro, every con was explained in detail allowing me to make…

From a Patient Who Had Laser Gum Treatment

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Gregory for the past 6 months and it has been a very pleasant experience. She and her staff are wonderful and have made me feel very comfortable. They are always very upbeat! Dr. Gregory did an excellent job of explaining the procedure…

From a Patient Who Had Gummy Smile Reduction

I was happy to find Dr. Gregory after a previous bad experience. I was very nervous and she put me at ease about the procedure and made a follow-up call that evening to be sure all was well. I will feel very comfortable recommending her to all my friends…

From a patient who had gingival (gum) grafting to cover exposed roots

During the past several years I have had several lengthy procedures (with other doctors) and what seemed like a scary endeavor turned out to be so much better than anticipated (with Dr. Gregory). My overall experiences have been positive and I have felt that I was…

From a patient who had dental implants placed to replace a tooth-supported bridge

I am a dental implant patient. I went through the procedure with great education on the process. I was leery at first. My fixed bridge of 25+ years broke and the recommendation was to receive implants instead of a bridge, which they did not have 25 years ago…

From a patient who had an All-on-4 implant bridge procedure to replace all lower teeth instead of conventional denture fabrication

When Dr. Summers retired and Dr. Gregory took over the practice I have to admit I was a bit nervous. Well that was for naught. Dr. Gregory has a quality that excites admiration. Within minutes she showed that she has a very caring attitude and that she is…

From a patient with medical challenges who needed emergency surgery

There are no words to describe the amount of pain I was in when I came to your office. A trip to my regular dentist revealed a cracked tooth and she referred me to you. I believe this to be a God thing because he could not have sent me…

From a patient who had gingival (gum) grafts performed to cover exposed roots

My experience with Dr. Gregory and her office and staff have been nothing but wonderful. Everyone is thoughtful, caring and professional. Dr. Gregory takes the time to discuss what she feels needs to be done, the procedure and what to expect afterwards…

From a patient who had laser periodontal treatment (LANAP)

I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate Dr. Gregory and her staff. My experiences when visiting her office have been so positive and I feel so encouraged. Normally one feels fear, especially when diagnosed with a gum disease…