Alternative to Dental Implants

The importance of a “Hollywood smile” has only become greater with the increasing use of social media and in particular dedicated photo-sharing networks such as Instagram. It is no surprise, then, that there has been an increased interest in cosmetic dentistry in order to get the best smile and the best set of teeth possible. One specific example of this form of dentistry is dental implants, which can rejuvenate a person’s smile in a major way. But before we go any further, let’s answer a key question:

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial roots made from metal that are implanted into a person’s jaw in order to support a replacement tooth, or replacement teeth. The material used is typically titanium, although it is still possible to use stainless steel or even gold alloys.

Who is an appropriate candidate for dental implants?

Anyone with a missing tooth, or multiple missing teeth, can be aided by the insertion of dental implants and replacement teeth or bridges. Implants were conceived as an alternative to dentures, as the placement of the implant in the jaw allows it to become more firmly rooted, and theoretically gives people the freedom to eat many of the foods they enjoyed with a full set of teeth.

Are dental implants expensive – and are they worth it?

On average, the process of getting dental implants will set you back £2,415, which is a lot of money for anyone to pay out for a cosmetic treatment. The treatment is painful and has a lengthy recovery period. Still, over the course of a lifetime no price is too high to pay for a definitive improvement. The question is whether dental implants offer this degree of improvement, and unfortunately the answer seems to be “no”, because there is a considerable list of ongoing issues experienced by dental implant patients.

What are the disadvantages of getting dental implants?

They are painful and take a long time to heal. In all likelihood, after having dental implants you will have stitches, and will be sent home with a restrictive list of (soft) foods you can eat.

They take a lot of time, effort and dentist visits to maintain. Until such time as they are fully anchored in the bone, there is a risk of implants loosening.

Despite being advertised on the basis that they are like a fresh set of real teeth, implants actually come with a long list of short- and long-term restrictions.

Implants can become loose and create an area for bacteria to enter and multiply underneath the replacement teeth, causing infection which requires costly treatment.

They can cause damage to neighbouring teeth and to blood vessels in the gum; they can also cause nerve damage leading to pain and numbness in the lower face.

Dental implants placed in the upper jaw bone can protrude into the sinus cavity, causing pain, infection and other major difficulties in the area.

Implants are not available to everyone who wants or may need them. A consultation with a dentist will be required before you can even be sure you qualify for dental implants.

Is there an alternative to dental implants?

Avoiding the surgery, needles, pain and inconvenience of tooth implants, many people are turning to clip-on veneers as an alternative.

What are clip-on veneers?

As the name suggests, clip-on veneers are a set of dental veneers that clip onto your existing teeth and can be worn for daily use. Unlike implants, they do not require expensive and extensive treatment in a dentist’s office. They do not require drilling, stitching or a long and painful recovery period. They can bring relief to people who are afraid to smile in photographs, and can even be bought in a range of different shades to fit your existing teeth or for a makeover.

How do clip-on veneers work?

When you request clip-on veneers you will be sent a kit with two impression trays and some pliable dental putty. You use the putty in those trays to take an impression of your existing teeth, which you then send back to the address provided. Along with photos of your existing teeth, these impressions are then used to create the veneers which will be sent back to you in approximately two weeks. You can then clip these veneers over your original teeth and use them immediately.

How much do clip-on veneers cost?

The cost of clip-on veneers will vary between providers, but compared to the expense of implants the price is a drop in the ocean. Some sets of clip-on veneers may cost less than £100, but others, usually of a higher quality, will retail for closer to £500 or more. The choice on which to go for will be up to you, of course, but it is worth some comparison shopping to ascertain the benefits of the provider you choose. Don’t just plump for the cheapest, as this is likely to be a mistake.

Alpha Veneers provide Regular Veneers and Occational Veneers – click here to check our pricing

Are clip-on veneers worth it?

For anyone whose teeth have made them ashamed to smile in photos, a set of clip-on veneers can be extremely liberating and offer a level of confidence they have never had before. That’s something very tough to put a price on.

Are clip-on veneers better than dental implants?

While tooth implants have their benefits, clip-on veneers have numerous advantages over their more expensive counterparts. No surgery is required to fit and wear clip-on veneers, and no follow-up appointments to ensure they are working and fusing with the jaw. You won’t be at risk of nerve or sinus damage either, and you can take out the clip-on veneers when you want so you don’t have to worry about them getting stained by black coffee or red wine.

Not least importantly, there is a considerable price difference which means that clip-on veneers fall within the price range affordable to a much larger group of people. All in all, they are more than a viable alternative to dental implants – clip-on veneers are better than implants in a number of important ways.

Alternative to Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Who is an appropriate candidate for dental implants?

Are dental implants expensive – and are they worth it?

What are the disadvantages of getting dental implants?

Is there an alternative to dental implants?

What are clip-on veneers?

How do clip-on veneers work?

How much do clip-on veneers cost?

Are clip-on veneers worth it?

Are clip-on veneers better than dental implants?

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