Cosmetic dentistry has steadily risen in popularity over the past decade, reaching a peak after the COVID-19 pandemic. As people look to the latest procedures to achieve the perfect smile, they are experiencing increased insecurities about their teeth’ appearance.
Two popular options for transforming your smile are dental veneers and dental implants. Both treatments can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth, but they serve different purposes and have distinct advantages and drawbacks.
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Why Is Cosmetic Dentistry So Popular?
The rise in Zoom meetings and the influence of social media have created intense scrutiny of how our smiles look. The desire to ‘fix’ our smile has never been greater. As a result, many are looking to dental veneers or dental implants to gain a pearly white, straight smile, and with good reason. A confident smile is important; our smile expresses happiness and signals to others that we are self-assured and open to interaction.
The choice between implants and veneers can be particularly difficult. Read on to discover the key facts you need to know before you decide with your dentist.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. These wafer-thin coverings are typically made from porcelain or composite resin and are permanently bonded to the teeth to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Veneers offer a versatile solution for various cosmetic dental issues, allowing patients to transform their smiles dramatically.
Dental veneers are a popular solution for those seeking to improve their smile quickly and effectively. However, they’re primarily cosmetic and may not address underlying dental health issues. It’s crucial to consult with a dental professional to determine if veneers are the right choice for your specific needs and oral health situation.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. Dental implants restore the appearance of your smile and help maintain the structure of your jaw and face.
Dental implants offer a comprehensive solution for missing teeth, addressing both aesthetic and functional concerns. They’re considered the gold standard in tooth replacement due to their durability, functionality, and natural appearance. However, the decision to get implants should be made in consultation with a dental professional, considering factors such as overall oral health, bone density, and individual needs and preferences.
Dental Implants vs Dental Veneers
Choosing between implants or veneers can be difficult, and factors such as cost must be considered carefully. Your dentist will help you choose the most appropriate treatment for your smile based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Here’s a table comparing dental implants and dental veneers:
| Feature | Dental Implants | Dental Veneers |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Replace missing teeth | Surgical insertion into the jawbone |
| Procedure | Bonded to the front surface of teeth | Lower upfront cost may need replacement |
| Timeline | 3-6 months or longer | 2-3 dental visits |
| Durability | Can last a lifetime | 10-15 years on average |
| Candidacy | Missing teeth, adequate bone density | Healthy teeth with cosmetic issues |
| Cost | Higher initial cost | Not reversible but can be replaced |
| Maintenance | Similar to natural teeth | May require special care |
| Impact on natural teeth | No impact on adjacent teeth | Requires removal of some enamel |
| Functionality | Restores full chewing ability | Primarily cosmetic |
| Invasiveness | Surgical procedure | Minimally invasive |
| Reversibility | Not easily reversible | Lower upfront costs may need replacement |
| Bone preservation | Preserves jawbone structure | No impact on bone structure |
| Stain resistance | Highly stain-resistant | Resistant, but may stain over time |
| Treatment of | Missing teeth | Discoloration, chips, gaps, misalignment |
| Effect on bite | Restores natural bite | May slightly affect bite |
| Insurance coverage | Sometimes partially covered | Usually considered cosmetic, not covered |
Long-Lasting
Both implants and veneers last, on average, 10 to 15 years. Both must be carefully looked after to ensure health and longevity, just as if they were your teeth. Both can easily be repaired and replaced if needed. Remember that once you have undergone either procedure, they will need periodic upkeep to keep them looking their best.
Cost
Of course, cost is often a significant factor to consider when choosing between the two procedures. You can expect to pay around £500 – £1000 per porcelain veneer, although composite resin is slightly less at Around £150 – £400 per tooth.
Each implant will cost between £900-1000, although if you are replacing multiple teeth, an implant that supports multiple crowns may be a more cost-effective solution.
| Dental Procedure | Cost Range | Average Cost | Duration | Longevity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Veneers | $900-$2,500 per tooth | $1,500-$2,000 per tooth | 2-4 weeks | 10-15 years |
| Dental Implants | $3,000-$4,500 per tooth | $3,500-$4,000 per tooth | Several months | Up to 25 years |
The Procedure
Dental implants are a much more invasive procedure than veneers. This is because the ‘root’ of the tooth takes the form of a titanium screw that bonds with your jawbone over time. Your dentist will offer you pain relief options throughout the procedure and help to alleviate any anxieties you may have before the treatment. Veneers may cause a little discomfort but are much less invasive than implants.
Here’s a comparison of the procedures for dental implants and dental veneers:
| Step | Dental Implants | Dental Veneers |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | • Comprehensive oral exam • X-rays and 3D imaging • Discussion of treatment options | • Oral exam • Discussion of aesthetic goals • Shade selection |
| Preparation | • Extraction of damaged tooth (if necessary) • Bone grafting (if required) | • Minimal enamel removal (0.5mm – 0.7mm) • Tooth reshaping |
| Main Procedure | • Surgical placement of implant into jawbone • Healing period for osseointegration (3-6 months) | • Taking impressions of prepared teeth • Placement of temporary veneers |
| Secondary Procedure | • Placement of abutment • Additional healing (1-2 weeks) | N/A |
| Final Step | • Attachment of custom-made crown | • Bonding of custom-made veneers to teeth |
| Follow-up | • Several check-ups during healing process • Final adjustment if necessary | • Follow-up visit to check fit and make adjustments |
| Total Time | 3-9 months (or longer) | 2-3 weeks (2-3 dental visits) |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia or sedation for surgery | Local anesthesia (often not required) |
| Recovery | • Several days of discomfort post-surgery • Months for complete healing | Immediate, little to no recovery time |
This table outlines the step-by-step procedures for both dental implants and veneers, highlighting the significant differences in complexity, time investment, and invasiveness between the two treatments.
Create Your Dream Smile
Both dental implants and veneers are perfectly crafted and shaped to fit your mouth. They are completely bespoke to fit your mouth and blend perfectly with the rest of your teeth. Both a fantastic options for a long-lasting, straight, white smile. For more information about dental implants Huddersfield or Veneers Halifax, Fresh Smile clinic are happy to help.
