If you take one thing away from this article, please note this:

Comparing dental implants to porcelain laminate veneers is like comparing a car to a lawn mower. Both have 4 wheels, but each are indicated for totally different issues. 

Simply put, Dental implants are used as a root replacement method when you are missing a tooth or having a tooth extracted and need an anchor for a replacement tooth. 

Dental Implants are not a restorative modality, rather they are screws that are placed into the bone in the area of the missing tooth that allow an abutment and crown to be screwed or cemented on top. Veneers on the other hand are a conservative restorative modality to restore the surface of the tooth when it has fractured, chipped, discolored, or to help align the teeth slightly. 

A better comparison is a porcelain veneer vs a crown and understanding when they are indicated.

So what are crowns, veneers and dental implants? How are they different and when do we use which?

Let’s break it down:

When to use Dental Implants?

• To replace a missing root without touching the adjacent teeth and allow restoration with a crown..

• Support other restorations when multiple teeth are missing, such as bridges or dentures 

• Under a removable denture to Improve chewing efficiency due to improved stability and retention as compared to conventional dentures

For missing teeth, dental implants are a good option available for your dental health. A missing tooth causes resorption of bone in the jaw due to a lack of stimulation of your bones by the root and the ligament. Little by little, the bone can resorb and create a defect.  Lack of replacement of a missing tooth can allow the teeth adjacent to and opposing the missing tooth to migrate into the space which in turn can affect the stability of the bite.

Although a bridge is an option to replace the missing tooth, it requires cutting down the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth to support the missing tooth and if ever there is a problem with the bridge, all the teeth will be affected. These are only some of the factors to consider in determining which option is best.

You can always contact TMProsthodontics with any questions you might have regarding your dental health. 

When to use Porcelain Veneers?

• To repair large chips or cracks in teeth

• To change the color of a tooth

• To improve alignment of teeth when crowding is not too extensive

• To improve overall smile esthetics

Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic restorations that are bonded to the front of teeth in order to improve the shape, color, alignment, and integrity of the tooth.  

For conservative cosmetic improvements to natural teeth and smiles, porcelain veneers are the best option. Porcelain Veneers made of ceramic and when bonded, are resilient and durable and provide great esthetic results in a short period of time. Due to the rigorous bonding procedure that veneers require, custom veneers require a high degree of technical skill and attention to detail.

The final outcome can be virtually undetectable and stain resistant thereby creating the appearance of a healthy, natural tooth.

Veneers can be used to cover stains, close gaps, repair cracked or chipped teeth, and can be used both the top and bottom teeth. Similar to porcelain crowns, veneers mimic the appearance of natural teeth however they are a more conservative option.  

Miami’s Dr. Tal Morr has been quoted in the dental literature and has lectured around the world on the different applications of both Dental Implants, crowns, and Porcelain Veneers. If you live outside of Florida, chances are Dr. Morr knows an expert in your area that you can trust.

When to use Crowns?

• To repair broken down teeth 

• To restore teeth when veneers are not a good option due to structural integrity, darkness of the tooth, old deep restorations, etc.

• To improve alignment of teeth when crowding is not too extensive
• To improve overall smile esthetics

Crowns can be used on top of an implant as a restorative modality.  They are either cemented on an abutment or screwed into the implant.  Crowns can also used to repair broken down teeth due to caries or structural issues when a veneer or bonding is not a good option. 

 Crowns are a more aggressive restorative option,
 but in some cases the better choice. 

Crowns are dependent on preparation design for retention and can also be bonded for micromechanical retention.  Porcelain veneers on the other hand are dependent on micromechanical retention and therefore require sound tooth structure, specifically enamel for long term stability.

Again, both crowns and porcelain veneers are restorative options for teeth but have different indications.  Understanding the best applications for each is key.

Miami’s Dr. Tal Morr has been quoted in the dental literature and has lectured around the world on the different applications of both dental implants, crowns, and porcelain veneers.

Even if you live outside of Florida, chances are Dr. Morr knows an expert in your area that you can trust and can help you find someone to help you in your needs.