Many people would like to have a picture-perfect smile, and these days it’s an option that’s within most of our reach. Even in the case of damaged or missing teeth, treatments like dental implants and dental veneers have been developed to repair the damage and restore the appearance of our teeth to better-than-new.
Dental implants replace the entire tooth, including the root, providing a permanent, stable restoration, while veneers are bonded over the natural tooth. Both options have become extremely popular in recent years and in many cases patients looking for dental restorations may be offered a choice of either treatment, so let’s take a closer look at the differences between dental implants and veneers to see what sets them apart.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are custom-made replacements for damaged or missing teeth that are secured in the jawbone itself, creating a firm anchor for the restoration above and supporting the health of the surrounding tissues.
Dental implants are made up of 3 parts, each giving unique properties to the restoration:
- The implant fixture is a metal post which is surgically inserted into the jawbone to secure the replacement tooth or teeth
- The abutment is a connective piece that allows for customized attachment of the visible restoration
- The crown or restoration is a replica that takes the place of the natural tooth or teeth, usually ceramic
The implant fixtures are placed in a surgical procedure, after which they fuse with the surrounding jawbone in a process called osseo-integration. Because the implant fixture mimics the structure and function of the natural root of the tooth it stimulates the underlying jawbone, contributing to long-term health of the bone and remaining teeth.
Up until recently the dental implant procedure often involved considerable waiting time between implant surgery and attachment of replacement teeth. Modern techniques have eliminated this step, and “same-day” procedures, where a provisional restoration is attached immediately, now allow patients to leave the implant surgery with a fully-functional set of teeth.
Once the osseo-integration process is complete and the mouth has adjusted to the implants new measurements can be taken to fit the final restoration.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Restore natural feel and function of damaged and missing teeth
- Extended benefits for jawbone health
- Permanent solution with exceptional success rate
- Durable solution, lasting from 20 years to lifelong
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin covers placed over the front of teeth to improve their appearance. As such their main usage is in cases where the tooth has been damaged or tarnished to some extent, but the overall structure is still in good condition.
To fit a veneer, your dental specialist must first remove a layer of the natural enamel from your tooth to prepare space for attachment. The lab-made veneer is then bonded to the tooth using specialized adhesives.
Dental veneers can be made of a variety of materials, with different impacts on appearance, durability and cost.
- Composite veneers, made from the same kind of resin as a dental filling, can be placed in a single dentist visit and are more affordable, but are more fragile and prone to staining than other types.
- Porcelain veneers are made from complex ceramic materials which gives them a more natural appearance and longer lifespan, but they can entail a longer wait than composite veneers and are usually more expensive.
Patients looking into long-term solutions to improve the appearance of teeth are more likely to compare porcelain veneers vs dental implants as these are the options with the highest quality finishes.
Benefits of Veneers
- Improve appearance of damaged or stained teeth
- Preserve natural root
- No surgery required
- Cost-effective cosmetic restorations
Detailed Comparison Between Dental Implants and Veneers
| Dental implants | Veneers | |
| Usage | Functional replacement for damaged or missing teeth | Cosmetic enhancement for damaged or irregular teeth |
| Durability | 20 years to lifelong with proper care | Up to 20 years for replacement |
| Procedure | Surgical insertion of implant fixtures | Shaving of enamel for attachment |
| Cost | $3000 – $6000 per tooth | $500 – $2500 per tooth |
| Maintenance and Care | Regular oral hygiene routine and checkups | May require additional cleaning and lifestyle adjustments |
| Impact on teeth | Restoration of natural chewing and speech | Can weaken structural integrity of natural tooth |
Choosing Between Dental Implants and Veneers
When considering permanent dental procedures like implants or veneers it’s important to get input from a reputable specialist. We’ve carried out thousands of these procedures at the Advanced Dental Implant Center network of clinics and our board-certified specialists are at your service to share their experience and advice.
Their first step will be to carry out a comprehensive dental assessment, which they’ll take into consideration along with some of the following factors when providing you with guidance.
Objectives
If your goal is simply to enhance the appearance of your smile and you do not have any underlying issues with your dental health or bone condition you may be a good candidate for veneers. If, on the other hand, you are seeking a solution to help maintain the health of your remaining teeth and jawbone, your specialist may well recommend dental implants instead.
Oral Health
Dental veneers are only possible when the affected tooth is still in relatively good condition. If the tooth is severely damaged or missing a dental implant is a more suitable solution. However, dental implants require a certain level of bone density in the supporting jawbone, so some patients might require pre-treatment to be eligible for them.
Budget
As the more comprehensive solution, dental implants require a higher initial investment than veneers, which are simpler to manufacture and attach. However, implants are not only more durable than veneers, but can save the need for additional procedures in the future thanks to the support they provide to the remaining natural teeth and jaw.
Both treatments can be covered to varying degrees by dental insurance, and financing options exist to help manage upfront costs.
Lifestyle and Preferences
Although dental veneers may seem like a more convenient solution to aesthetic concerns than dental implants, they are less resilient, and more care needs to be taken when eating and cleaning to ensure that they are not damaged. Other patients may be put off dental implants by the need for surgery.
Your dental specialists will take all of these concerns and more into consideration when offering you advice on the best course of action.
Get In Touch With The Experts
Now that the difference between veneers and dental implants is a bit clearer, you might already have an idea of which option interests you. Whatever that may be, make sure to consult with a reputable professional to ensure the outcomes of the treatment match your needs and goals.
Get in touch with us at the Advanced Dental Implant Center network of clinics for a cost-free consultation with a dental specialist, who will provide you with all the advice you need to make the right decision. Schedule your consultation now and let us restore your smile and your confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to get veneers or implants?
Dental implants are designed to restore the appearance and function of teeth, whereas dental veneers improve appearance only, sometimes at the cost of functionality. If your only concern is with appearance and your teeth are in otherwise good condition, veneers may be a suitable option, but dental implants offer a more holistic approach. Usually, the answer to the question “Are dental implants better than veneers?” tends to be “Yes.”.
Which lasts longer veneers or implants?
Because dental implants are firmly secured in the jawbone they generally last longer than veneers, which are bonded to the front of the teeth. This makes veneers more susceptible to damage and detachment in the long run.
Why would a dentist choose dental implants over veneers?
The visible imperfections that veneers aim to correct can sometimes be signs of more extensive damage to the teeth, requiring a more comprehensive solution. Especially when the inner pulp or root of the tooth has been compromised, dental implants may present a more viable solution for long-term comfort and health.
Who should not get veneers?
Patients who have weak enamel or brittle teeth may not be suitable candidates for veneers, as the process for fitting them can further compromise the outer structure of the tooth. For the same reason, patients with an uneven bite or those that grind their teeth may be at higher risk of the veneer being damaged or coming loose.
