Dental Implants vs. Veneers: How to Choose Between Them?

A variety of dental problems from minor imperfections and tooth breakage to complete teeth loss affect a large portion of the population. The diversity in advanced dental solutions, such as Dental implants, bridges, and veneers, that cover both aesthetic and functional needs leave many people wondering about the best choice for them.

In this article, we highlight two advanced techniques, veneers vs. dental implants, and provide all the details to help you decide between them.

What are Dental Veneers and Dental Implants?

Dental veneers and implants are advanced dental methods that help patients restore both aesthetics and functionality of their teeth. 

Dental veneers consist of thin, individually designed, shells that are placed on the outer surface of the targeted teeth to optimize any imperfections and give them a more symmetrical size, brighter color, and a more pleasant appearance.

They are made from either porcelain,composite resin or zirconium. These materials differ in cost and in certain properties such as strength, color and how naturally they appear.

By placing veneers on the teeth, individuals can restore their pleasant and attractive smiles. 

Dental implants are the most strong, stable and durable solution for missing teeth replacement. In this technique, an artificial root (implant) is placed beneath the gums into the jawbone to support an artificial tooth (crown) that replaces the lost tooth aesthetically and functionally. 

They are tightly fixed, highly durable, and lasting all life, they also appear natural and help patients restore confidence and self-esteem.

What to Consider Before Choosing Dental Implants vs. Veneers?

1. Purposes and Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants and Veneers

Dental veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, their main purpose is to enhance tooth appearance and give people a pleasant attractive smile. However, placing those shells on the teeth provides more than aesthetic benefits. Dental veneers help protect damaged or broken teeth and improve their essential functions, biting and chewing food. Additionally enhancing the smiles appearance can encourage people to speak and smile freely providing them more confidence and greater self-esteem.

They are suitable for patients who are looking for enhancement of tooth appearance and getting the attractive Hollywood smile. 

On the other hand, dental implants restore the lost tooth entirely, both the root part and the upper tooth part. This technique differs from other tooth replacement techniques such as dentures and bridges in that dental implants provide the most natural appearance, the greatest stability and the longest durability with full replacement of both aesthetics and functions. 

They are suitable for patients with single or multiple tooth loss, who are looking for fixed, stable and long lasting replacement with natural appearance.

Full mouth dental implants are provided nowadays by the more advanced implant technique the All-on-4 implant that gives a full arch replacement with only four implants. This means greater stability with lower costs and fewer surgeries.

2. Dental Implants vs. Porcelain Veneers: Cost Differences

When comparing veneers and dental implants, there is a large difference in the financial aspects and cost between them. The cost of the implant typically ranges between 400$ and 1500$ per implant, while the veneers cost ranges between 250$and400$ per tooth. This significant variation is due to differences in the nature of the procedure and the material used.

The dental implant is an invasive procedure that involves the placement of a titanium root, a connector called (abutment) and an external crown. 

On the other hand, the veneer procedure includes only the placement of external shells to cover the tooth surface. 

Despite the cost variability, the decision should not depend solely on the financial considerations. Instead it should be based on the intended purposes and specific dental needs.

3. Dental Implants Durability vs. Porcelain Veneers

"Studies indicate that well-placed dental implants can last a lifetime, providing durability that rivals natural teeth under proper care," according to the European Journal of Dental and Oral Health.

Both dental implants and veneers are considered durable interventions. Implants can last, with proper care, as long as the natural tooth. On the other hand, veneers, while durable, gradually wear down over time. They typically last between 10 and 15 years. 

4. How Do Dental Implants and Veneers Work? Procedure and Invasiveness

Dental implants are surgical procedures that involve making an incision in the gum to place the artificial root (implant) into the jawbone followed by suturing the incision. This invasive procedure requires a lengthy healing period before the placement of the external crown.

During this time patients must follow strict recommendations to ensure proper healing and osseointegration (the fusing of implant with jawbone).

Dental veneers are neither complex nor time-consuming procedures. They are also non-invasive; usually requiring only slight filing down of the tooth's outer layer. 

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5. Aftercare and Maintenance Tips for Implants and Veneers

Both dental implants and veneers require adhering to the typical oral maintenance tips for natural teeth, such as proper teeth cleaning, oral hygiene, and a healthy diet that maintains teeth strength and integrity.

 Despite this, each procedure requires specific aftercare tips to achieve the best and most effective results and durability. 

Dental implants require more extensive care because they need the healing process to complete properly before placing the crown and achieving the full results. 

Stress, smoking and eating solid food can delay or even impair the healing process and lead to progress complications and eventually, failure of the dental implant.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the study aimed to evaluate the influence of smoking on dental implant failure rates. The results of this study revealed that “smoking increases the risk of dental implant failure by more than 140% compared to non-smokers”.

On the other hand, protein rich food, vitamins and mineral consumption and proper cleaning, all of them can enhance the healing process and shorten the recovery period. 

Veneers need just regular maintenance without special requirements. Despite that regular cleaning and decreased consumption of tooth staining foods and habits, such as coffee, chocolates and cigarette smoking are very important tips to increase the longevity of the results. 

Solid food that causes chips or cracking of the thin shell also should be avoided.

Dental Implants vs. Veneers: Pros vs. Cons