Dental Implants vs Veneers – Cosmetic Treatment Comparison
Are you considering improving your smile's appearance but are unsure whether dental implants or veneers are the right choice for you? We know that choosing the right procedure to achieve a confident, beautiful smile is an important decision. Understanding the specifics of these popular dental procedures will empower you to make an informed choice.
Dental Implants vs Veneers—In a Nutshell
The main difference between dental implants and veneers is their primary function—implants permanently replace missing or damaged teeth with artificial teeth whereas veneers enhance the natural appearance of your existing healthy teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants serve as a solution in restorative dentistry for severely damaged or missing teeth. The dental implant procedure involves surgically placing titanium posts into your jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots. Over several months, the dental implants fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Then a dental crown is attached to each implant to provide you with artificial teeth that look and function like natural teeth.
These are some of the reasons that patients at our Bakersfield, CA office chose to get dental implants:
Replace missing teeth without impacting their adjacent teeth.
Alleviate jaw pain (also known as TMJ) or bite issues arising from teeth shifting into gaps left by missing teeth.
Give them more confidence in their smile.
Improve their speech, chewing, and digestion.
Help their facial structure by supporting the facial muscles.
Provide support for their dental bridge or dentures, ensuring better stability and comfort.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers fall under the banner of cosmetic dentistry. They act as a protective covering for the front surface of a damaged tooth without replacing the entire tooth. These thin, tooth-colored shells are made from porcelain and effectively conceal imperfections such as chips, breaks, stains, and minor gaps in teeth.
Porcelain veneers can be securely bonded to any tooth (top or bottom) using dental adhesive. However, veneers are often used on front teeth because they give a visually pleasing solution to cosmetic issues, such as discoloration or chips.
How to Choose Between Dental Implants and Dental Veneers
There are some very important factors to consider when deciding between dental implants and dental veneers.
Extent of the Damage
A dental implant is the preferred option if your tooth is severely damaged, such as being broken at the gum line or having extensive tooth decay. Dental implants serve as a long-term solution to fully replace your damaged tooth and prevent future decay, infection, or dental health complications. They are ideal for addressing major issues that compromise the functionality of your tooth.
Veneers are more suited to minor cosmetic concerns, such as stains, spacing issues, or a chipped tooth. They function as covers, offering additional protection to the real tooth underneath while improving its appearance.
Bite Correction
Dental implants are excellent at correcting bite misalignment caused by missing teeth. By filling in the gap left by a missing tooth, implants can help restore proper bite alignment.
Dental implants can also prevent bone loss that occurs after a tooth extraction. The implant stimulates the growth of new bone tissue, which supports the correct alignment of your teeth.
Veneers primarily focus on enhancing the aesthetics of poorly spaced teeth and perceived alignment imperfections. While veneers can improve the appearance of minor gaps between teeth, they do not address the underlying cause of bite issues. Therefore, if you require bite correction due to missing teeth, dental implants are typically recommended as the more suitable option.
Longevity
Dental implants can potentially last a lifetime with proper implant care. Once fully integrated, an implant becomes a permanent part of your oral anatomy. The dental crown attached to the implant may need replacement every 10 to 15 years if it's damaged due to wear. However, this is a very simple and quick procedure.
Veneers provide a long-lasting solution for enhancing your smile. However, they are not permanent. Typically, porcelain veneers can last about a decade or a little longer with proper care after which they may require adjustment or replacement. Factors such as clenching and grinding your teeth can increase the risk of chipping the porcelain veneer, so using a mouth guard at night for protection is important.
Procedure Length
The procedure for implants requires multiple appointments over a 6 to 12-month period. This process begins with a consultation and examination, followed by the surgical procedure to place the titanium post into your jawbone. A healing period is necessary to allow the implant to fuse with the bone which becomes even stronger than your natural teeth. Next, the abutment to hold your new tooth is attached to the post and allowed to heal. The crown is then attached to the abutment to complete the dental procedure.
Veneers do not involve surgical procedures. The process generally takes two or three visits over the course of a month. Initially, a small amount of tooth enamel is removed, and impressions of your teeth are taken. Temporary veneers may be placed while the permanent veneers are being made. During the subsequent visit, the permanent veneers are bonded to your teeth. This completes the treatment process.
Cost of Implants vs Veneers
The expenses associated with these two treatment options hinge on several factors, including the extent of treatment needed, materials utilized, the location of your dentist, and any additional procedures required. For example, you may need a bone graft before getting dental implants if you don’t have sufficient jawbone.
Dental implants tend to cost more than dental veneers. On average, implants cost between $3,500 and $5,000 each. The cost of dental implants is a significant upfront investment. However, keep in mind that their long lifespan and minimal future maintenance can make them a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
And there's good news! Depending on your specific coverage, you might be able to get your dental implants covered by your insurance.
Porcelain veneers typically cost between $900 and $2,500 each. It's important to consider your age when choosing veneers. As time passes, the need for veneer touch-ups or replacements will increase and those ongoing maintenance costs contribute to the total cost. Consequently, veneers may represent a more substantial investment over the long term compared to implants. Veneers, like other cosmetic dental procedures, typically are not covered by insurance.
Consult Your Dentist About Your Treatment Options
Deciding between dental implants and porcelain veneers depends on various factors, including your specific dental needs, budget, current oral health, and aesthetic goals. Dental implants are ideal for replacing missing teeth and preventing further oral health issues associated with tooth loss, while veneers are suitable for addressing surface imperfections like gaps, stains, or minor misalignment.
It's essential to consult with an experienced dentist to evaluate your specific dental needs and goals before making your decision. Your dentist can assess the extent of tooth damage, discuss any underlying bite alignment issues, and provide personalized recommendations tailored to your situation. They can also explain the treatment process for each option, including the duration and potential costs involved. With that knowledge, you can make an informed decision between dental implants and veneers.