Dental Implants vs Veneers
Dental Implants vs Veneers
Dental implants and veneers are two common dental treatments. Both can be effective options if you have damaged teeth. Read on to learn everything you need to know about these dental procedures.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are a layer of material bonded to the surface of generally healthy teeth to help improve their appearance. They are a form of cosmetic dentistry.
You can use veneers to:
- cover discoloured teeth
- repair chipped or teeth
- hide worn teeth and
- reduce teeth gaps.
Dental veneers can be made of either porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers last longer and tend to look better for longer, so they are the more expensive option.
Composite resin veneers are a cheaper option and can offer similar short-term appearance benefits to porcelain veneers. However, resin veneers tend to lose their visual appeal over time.
Are Dental Implants and Veneers the same thing?
No, even though both can have cosmetic benefits.
Dental implants are a procedure to replace teeth. The replacement teeth are artificial and are surgically attached to screws in the gum that perform the same role as tooth roots. You can have a dental implant procedure to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth.
Dental implants are a more major dental procedure than attaching veneers. The process of attaching dental implants generally takes more dental visits (often several months), and it’s more expensive. Dental implants can also potentially last a lifetime, while veneers will eventually need replacing (composite resin veneers and the longer-lasting porcelain veneers).
You can potentially have both implants and veneers in your mouth. Implants can better suit your back teeth, while veneers may be more suitable for your front teeth. Your dentist can advise if either or both treatment options suit you. It will depend on the overall health of your teeth and gums.
Are Veneers Dental Implants?
No. Veneers are external front coverings to enhance the appearance of existing teeth, not artificial replacement teeth like dental implants are.
Dental implants can have oral health as well as cosmetic benefits. They can prevent bone loss in your jaw if you have lost a tooth (or teeth). They can be thought of as a restorative procedure. Veneers, on the other hand, are purely a cosmetic treatment that can help you to feel better about your smile.
How do Veneers Work?
Veneers are a cosmetic enhancement to your teeth. Your dentist will arrange for a custom-designed and made shell to be bonded to your tooth (or teeth) using a dental adhesive. Before the veneer is bonded, your dentist must shave approximately half a millimetre off your tooth (or teeth).
The process of designing and attaching veneers can be achieved in as little as three dental visits. There is no surgery involved like there is with dental implants.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Veneers should be viewed as a dental procedure that permanently affects teeth because of the dental work required to attach them. However, they won’t last forever. Just like your natural teeth, they can stain, chip or break over time. You may need to have some teeth straightening before your veneer treatment.
How long do Porcelain Veneers Last?
This depends on how well you look after your oral health. You can help your porcelain veneers to last longer by:
- Brushing and flossing your teeth each day.
- Having regular dental check-ups (ideally, twice a year).
If you maintain good oral health, you can realistically expect your porcelain veneers to last for 10 or 15 years.
Can you still get Cavities with Dental Veneers?
Yes, you can. That’s because the veneer is an external front covering for a tooth, so the natural tooth remains vulnerable to decay. However, if you practise good dental hygiene, you can reduce the risk of cavities for teeth with or without veneers.
On the other hand, you can’t get cavities with dental implants because they are artificial teeth. Your artificial teeth can still attract bacteria like plaque and tartar, damaging your gums. Again, maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent or minimise any oral health issues.
How can we help?
Both veneers and dental implants are two of our specialist services at Aria Dental.
Our other services include dentures and general dentistry.
Contact us at our Patient Services team to learn more about your dental needs. We’d be happy to arrange an appointment to answer any questions you may have about dental implant prices, private health insurance and other dental needs. Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t cover dental.