We live in a world where physical appearance is key to everything, regarded as the modern currency. People spend a significant chunk of their income to try and improve their physical appearance, including changing their smile for the better.
There are many ways to improve your dental structure. This helps boost your physical appearance and therefore increases your confidence.
Dental veneers and implants are some of the most popular solutions used by people all around the world. But, what exactly are they? Which of the two is the best?
Here is all that you need to know about dental veneers and implants to help you choose the ideal treatment for you.
Dental implants are metallic products, mainly made from titanium, which are screwed and inserted into the jaw bone to replace missing teeth. These implants have an uncanny resemblance with natural teeth, meaning people won’t notice the difference.
Furthermore, as they are made from a hard and durable material, they function the same as natural teeth. Some of the key benefits of dental implants include:
They prevent changes in the shape of your face
Enable natural speech
Offer support to adjacent teeth
They offer a permanent solution to tooth loss
Implants are ideal for the back teeth as the metallic root isn’t visible. However, dental veneers may be the perfect alternative if you seek to correct any flaws on the front teeth.
Instead of replacing an entire tooth, you can correct some of its flaws with dental veneers.
These are thin shells made from porcelain or composite resin that are fitted over the surface of teeth.
Veneers help correct several dental flaws, such as:
Cracked teeth
Stained teeth
Closing gaps
Irregularly shaped teeth
Misaligned teeth, and so much more
These products mimic the natural color and appearance of teeth, meaning they are quite difficult to tell apart. Furthermore, they are quite effective in creating an even and more beautiful smile.
Both veneer and implants are effective in improving one’s dental structure, giving them a better smile. But which one is the best for you?
Here are a few key differences between dental veneers and dental implants to help you understand which one works best for you:
One of the biggest differences between dental implants and veneers is the problem that they solve.
Dental veneers are great for people with healthy teeth but are not aesthetically pleasing. They are used to cover up imperfections, such as chips, cracks, gaps, or stains. Veneers are primarily used on the front-side teeth, but only to improve appearance. They do not alter the functionality of the teeth in any way.
On the other hand, dental implants are a permanent replacement for natural teeth. They take up the space left by a missing tooth and perform their functions. Besides missing teeth, dental implants are an excellent solution for receding gums and bone loss.
Dental veneers are made of thin porcelain or composite resin materials. They are quite durable but are not as sturdy as natural teeth, canceling them out as a replacement for teeth. This is why they are only used to improve the appearance and not to replace missing teeth.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are mostly made from titanium. This metal bonds easily with the jaw bone and does not cause irritations to the human body. The material used is quite sturdy and can be used as a complete replacement for natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers are exceptionally durable and can last anywhere between 10 and 25 years. Composite resin veneers last 4-8 years before requiring replacement. Some of the best veneers may even go beyond 25 years. It is not uncommon for veneers to be replaced before their anticipated lifespan elapses. This is because they are not shielded from issues, such as trauma.
Dental implants are made to last a lifetime. They are permanently placed as a replacement for natural teeth and will last a very long time, as long as you stick to a strict oral hygiene routine.
Veneers are minimally invasive, and one gets to enjoy their new smile almost immediately after placement. Here’s the typical procedure to getting veneers:
The dentist takes an impression of your teeth and sends the model to a lab
Veneers are made based on the impressions and sent back to the dentist for verification and fitting.
If all is well, they will fit the veneers on the teeth after cleaning and polishing them to facilitate the bonding process.
Dental implants are more invasive and require surgeries to place them. Moreover, the patient may need a few weeks or even months before they are fully healed. Here’s the typical procedure for placing dental implants:
Preparing the jaw bone for surgery which may require grafting if the bone isn’t strong enough
The dentist drills a hole where the implant is placed
After a few weeks of healing, a crown is placed to cement the new look.
Veneers are relatively cheaper than implants. On average, the cost of veneers is between $925 and $2,500 per tooth.
Dental implants are more expensive, and depending on your condition, the number of implants needed, the location, among other factors, you may end up paying $2,500-$5,000 per implant. Technically, someone who may need an entire over-haul to get implants may be required to spend at least $80,000.
While such a price tag is relatively high, you can reduce the payable amount by checking out some of the best dental insurance for implants.
Stain-resistance
Minimally invasive
They are a quick cosmetic fix
Low maintenance
They are impervious to breaking or chipping
They do not address the underlying dental issues.
They replace natural teeth entirely, including in functionality
They can last a lifetime
They prevent bone loss
Dental implant procedures can be lengthy
Placing them requires a more invasive procedure
Having considered the key differences between veneers and implants, it would be right to say that you now have a better clue of what you need. However, for you to fully settle on an option, there are a few factors that may help you to pick a suitable solution. Some of them are:
Identify bite correction needs: your teeth are essential for chewing, talking, or smiling. If you experience any bite issues that require correction, implants are the best option for you.
Weigh the longevity of the procedures: do you need to get a perfect smile as soon as possible? Veneers are the best option as they offer almost immediate results. However, implants may take up to several months before they start functioning.
Based on these few factors, you are in a better position to determine which procedure you’d want to undergo. Alternatively, it is always highly recommended that you consult with your dentist before making any life-changing dental decisions.