What You Need To Know About Dental Implants and Veneers

Dental implants and dental veneers are two different types of dental procedures. Simply put, dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth, while dental veneers improve the look of your smile by enhancing tooth colour, size, shape and smile line. To help you understand more about dental implants and dental veneers, we’ve put together some detailed information about what each of these treatments involves and how they can enable you to achieve the perfect smile.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth where the root is made from strong titanium that is placed into your jawbone. Dental implants replace missing teeth; they imitate the look and function of your natural teeth and are inserted in such a way that they remain in place at all times.

Each dental implant has a metal root that bonds with the existing jawbone under your gum tissue. Once the root is bonded, it is uncovered and connected to a crown, a fixed bridge, or a full set of dentures.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

If you’re considering getting dental implants to replace missing teeth, here are some of the benefits of dental implant placement:

• Dental implants are designed to look and act just like your natural teeth, making them the ideal solution for replacing missing teeth.
• Dental implants are more secure than traditional removable dentures.
• Unlike tooth-supported bridges, dental implant placement doesn’t require any modifying (e.g. cutting or shaping) of the surrounding teeth.
• Dental implants are more comfortable than dentures as they affix to the bone.

What does dental implant surgery involve?

Your dental implant procedure will begin with implant planning using our advanced computer-guided technology. First, a 3D x-ray will virtually place the implants to determine the optimal position. Next, digital modelling is used to ‘virtually reconstruct’ the missing tooth. Finally, we confirm the ideal implant placement using special computer guides.

You may require a bone grafting procedure in order to prepare your jawbone for dental implants. This allows us to ‘build up’ your bone so we can place your implants. Bone grafting is performed under local anaesthetic and involves fusing substitute bone (from your own body or an artificial bone) with existing bone to generate new bone growth.

Once the jawbone has healed, your implant will be inserted into the gum line. After this, the surgeon will insert the metal post and finally attach the artificial tooth.

How long does dental implant treatment take?

The length of your dental implant procedure will depend on where in the mouth your implants are being inserted, as well as whether you require bone grafting. In terms of the procedure itself, implanting the artificial tooth root takes around 1-2 hours, followed by a healing period of a few months (depending on where implantation has occurred).

The entire procedure takes around four months if the implant is placed in the front lower jaw, around nine months for the back upper jaw, and around six months for elsewhere in the mouth. If bone needs to be grown or grafted, the treatment will take longer.

How much do dental implants cost in Sydney?

The cost of your dental implant treatment is dependent on many different factors – your dentist will be able to discuss your options and advise you on the cost of dental implants.

Did you know that Apple Dental can offer interest-free payment plans for treatments up to $20,000? Find out more about our SmileFund payment plan option here.

Now let’s take a look at dental veneers and how they differ from dental implants.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are very thin, hardwearing porcelain shells that are bonded onto the surface of your teeth. Veneers are an ideal solution for crooked, chipped, stained or discoloured teeth, leaving you with a flawless smile.

What are the benefits of dental veneers?

Thinking of transforming your smile with dental veneers? Here are some of the advantages of choosing veneers as a cosmetic dental option:

• Dental veneers give you natural-looking teeth and a straighter smile.
• Veneers greatly improve the colour, shape, and size of your teeth and smile.
• Porcelain veneers are an extremely durable and strong restorative option.
• The procedure for dental veneers is quick and convenient, with the application performed in a single session.

What does dental veneers treatment involve?

Dental veneers treatment is relatively quick – the procedure can take up to two appointments and is non-invasive. Your treatment will begin with a dental examination to assess your suitability for veneers, after which your teeth will be digitally scanned to create a 3D model of your mouth. Using specialist software, your dentist is able to custom-design your veneers, which are then created by our advanced computerised technology.

Your dentist may need to remove a tiny amount of tooth enamel in order to allow room for the veneers and prevent them from looking too bulky. Once your veneers have been created using high-quality porcelain, they will be fitted and bonded in place. Veneers are securely bonded to your teeth using special dental cement to ensure they are extremely strong.

How long will my dental veneers last?

As long as you take proper care of your dental veneers, they can last between seven and twenty years. You’ll need to ensure your oral hygiene routine is of a high standard, as well as attending regular check ups with your Apple Dental practitioner.

What is the cost of dental veneers in Sydney?

The cost of dental veneers will vary depending on the type of treatment you need to undergo. To learn more about the cost of dental veneers at Apple Dental, chat to your dentist.

What’s more, you could be eligible for a payment plan via our SmileFund, which provides financial assistance for dental procedures. Learn more about SmileFund here.

The final decision – are dental implants or veneers the best choice for you?

As explained, dental implants are the ideal solution for replacing missing teeth, while dental veneers are a great restorative option if your teeth are crooked, chipped, stained or discoloured teeth.

If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you – or if you need some more advice on dental implants or dental veneers – contact the Apple Dental team and discover the best path to beautiful teeth and a flawless smile.