Dental implants are not the same as veneers. Veneers are placed over existing teeth to provide cosmetic enhancements to your smile, such as covering up stains, chips, or gaps, while dental implants are full teeth replacements that are used to replace missing, broken, or severely damaged teeth.
Below are some examples that demonstrate the difference between veneers and dental implants.
If you are considering dental implants or veneers, schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon at Innovative Oral Surgery today. We will complete an exam and help you build a custom treatment plan that works for you.
What’s the procedure for veneers vs. dental implants?
Veneers
A veneer is made of thin porcelain and shaped and stained to match your existing teeth. It is hollow in the middle and placed over an existing tooth.
To fit and adhere the veneer to your tooth, your dentist or oral surgeon will shave a portion of your tooth, removing the enamel and creating as a much room as needed to place your veneer over your existing tooth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are tooth replacements and require surgery by a dental implants surgeon. An implant consists of a metal post/fixture that is implanted into your jawbone and a dental laboratory fabricates a crown/cap which is stained and shaped to match existing teeth, then attached to the implant by a screw or cement.
Like Veneers, dental implants are most often an easy process and require a few visits and minimal recovery time. In some cases, dental implants may involve tooth or teeth removal or, in more rare cases, bone grafting surgery.
What lasts longer?
Dental implants and veneers both provide long-term solutions. However, dental implants are well known for their durability and longevity. They don’t decay like natural teeth but do require the same dental hygiene as veneers.With the right care, it is not uncommon for dental implants to last a lifetime. Veneers, on the other hand, may need replacement every 10 to 15 years.
What do they cost?
Understanding the financial aspects of dental procedures is a crucial consideration for many individuals. Dental implants typically have a higher upfront cost compared to veneers. However, the durability and permanence of dental implants may contribute to fewer expenses over time compared to the periodic replacement needs of veneers.
Payment plans are often available for dental implant surgery, which can help ease the cost barrier and spread the treatment cost into affordable monthly payments.
The Aesthetics
Veneers and dental implants both mimic the look of a real tooth and should be designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. The crown of a dental implant is typically constructed with porcelain, which is durable, stain resistant, and has a semi-translucent appearance that mimics the look of a tooth.
For veneers, you can choose between porcelain, composite resin, and Lumineers. Here’s the main pros/cons to be mindful of for each:
- Porcelain is the preferred choice but is also the most expensive.
- Composite Resin is more cost-effective and can provide a quicker solution, but doesn’t have the same durability or stain resistance, which means you may need to replace it sooner than a porcelain veneer.
- Lumineers are an ultra-thin porcelain veneer that provides a middle-of-the-road option between a more solid porcelain veneer and a less expensive, quicker composite resin veneer.
Whether you’re investing in either veneers or implants, make sure you choose a trusted dental surgeon who will take the time to match the shade of your teeth and create a tooth that blends seamlessly into your smile. Checking out customer reviews and testimonials is always a great way to ensure you’re making a good choice.
We Take Pride in Being Oral Surgeons You Can Trust
If you are contemplating dental enhancements, turn to the experts. At Innovative Oral Surgery, we are committed to building custom solutions for each of our clients so you can find the dental solution that best suits your cosmetic and oral health goals. Book an appointment today to learn more about veneers and dental implants.