Dental Veneers vs. Implants: Which Treatment is Right for You?

Are you not happy with the way your smile looks? Dental veneers and implants are two options for people with damaged teeth. A cracked or broken tooth is painful both figuratively and literally. It can damage your self-image and affect your smile, more so if you cracked or chipped a front tooth.

Your smile can reveal so much about yourself, revealing your sweetness, sense of humor, or confidence. However, your smile can also reveal a lot about your dental or oral health. This is why it is important to take excellent care of your teeth.

Do you have a damaged or broken tooth? Perhaps, you would like to restore your missing tooth. Veneers vs. implants are two of the most suitable options for restoring your confidence and your smile. Can’t figure out which option is right for you? Well, you are not alone. Let’s look at the costs and benefits and drawbacks of both dental treatments.

In This Article:

Veneers vs. Implants – Overview

When you think of cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry, the terms dental implants and veneer usually come to mind. Sounds right? Although they are both feasible dental treatment options to meet your cosmetic needs, they have two different purposes. Are you deciding between dental implants and veneers? If so, your decision will depend on the problem you want to fix.

Dental veneers are a type of cosmetic dentistry treatment. They aesthetically improve your smile and oral health when you still have your own teeth. You can think of it this way – cosmetic or porcelain veneers mask sound, and stable teeth, giving them a more natural and aesthetically-pleasing appearance.

On the other hand, a dentist will use dental implants when there are missing teeth. You should know that dental implants help mimic the anatomy of your teeth and improve the function and appearance of your smile.

Let’s break down dental veneers vs. implants to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Dental Veneer?

Do you have a broken tooth? If so, your dentist will likely recommend getting a dental veneer. Veneers are thin ceramic or porcelain restorations that a dentist will bond to the front of your teeth to improve the color, shape, integrity, and alignment of your tooth. You will be happy to know that veneers can conceal broken or chipped teeth and treat cavities or stains.

Also, they can fill gaps between your teeth. During the procedure, your dentist will cover the front part of your damaged tooth with a thin porcelain or ceramic shell. The shell is colored to look like your natural teeth.

Did you know that cosmetic dentists in Minnesota primarily use two different kinds of veneers? Porcelain veneers are made from dental ceramics. On the other hand, composite veneers are made from light-cured resin. Each has different properties and unique advantages for individual patients.

Here are some reasons for getting dental veneers:

Stained or discolored teeth
Uneven, misaligned, or chipped teeth
Slightly crooked teeth
Lightly gapped teeth that may be closed by dental veneers
Worn teeth

Here is an interesting tidbit. You can use a veneer on both the bottom and top teeth to enhance your natural appearance and show those pearly whites. They are ideal for your front teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

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You may have heard of dental implants. They are artificial tooth roots and are used to attach a replacement tooth to your gum. Although veneers provide a suitable and viable solution for minor issues and cosmetic damage, such as staining, implants are an effective and highly durable option.

This is because they completely replace fully broken or damaged tooth structures. So, what about the costs? While dental implants are more expensive than porcelain veneers, they can be a permanent solution.

Wondering why you should get dental implants? Here are some reasons:

To replace your missing tooth or teeth without impacting adjacent teeth
To improve functionality, including speech, chewing, and digestion
To enhance or rebuild facial tissue
To eliminate bite problems or alleviate joint pain triggered by shifting teeth
To secure and support bridges and dentures

This article explains: how do dental implants work. Or read about all the pros and cons of dental implants here.

The Difference Between Veneers vs. Implants

If you are considering veneers vs. implants, you should know that dental implants are a life-long treatment option ideal for replacing missing teeth. During the treatment, your dentist will insert a titanium implant into your jawbone. Note that after a suitable healing period, a porcelain crown will be cemented or screwed onto this implant.

In contrast, veneers are a cosmetic dental solution that enhances the appearance of a discolored, chipped, or misshapen tooth. Your dentist will use a suitable dental adhesive and stick a crafted medical-grade ceramic, which matches the natural shade or color of your teeth.

Dental Implants vs. Veneers – Costs

This is definitely an important consideration for you. Veneers and dental implants are custom-made or designed to fit your mouth. As a result, no two sets will be identical.

As you can imagine, this means that the cost of each procedure can vary significantly based on various factors, such as how many teeth need replacement, whether any additional procedures – like bone grafting- are required, and what your insurance covers.

The cost of dental veneers varies considerably depending on the veneer material used and the Minnesota dentist you visit. The cost of the veneer procedure can vary from $1000 to $3000. Also, you should not forget the CAD/CT scans and impressions. They usually cost between $50 and $100 each.

What about dental implants? Depending on the kind of implant, you should expect to pay anywhere from $2500 to $5000. A New York Times article revealed that one implant can cost between $3000 and $4500. Also, to cover your whole mouth, you may have to shell out up to $34,000.

However, the materials and prices may differ at Mint Dental in Edina. Contact us for more info and get the specific cost of veneers or implants.

The Duration of the Procedure

Because of the inherent nature of dental implants, the treatment process will likely require multiple appointments over a couple of months. It takes time for the implant to completely integrate with the bone, fusing it into place permanently.

After complete osseointegration happens, dental implants are stronger than your natural teeth. Isn’t that great! You can usually plan on about three to four appointments over six months. Find out what you can eat after dental implant surgery.

In contrast, dental veneer treatments don’t require any surgical procedure, which is a relief for many people. First, your teeth are filed down to some extent, allowing room for the dental veneer to fit over them. After that, your dentist will take an impression, and your permanent veneers are made and fully ready for placement.

This takes about two weeks. You will have to visit your dentist twice or thrice, and this treatment can be completed in less than one month.

Eligibility

When considering veneers vs. implants, you should know whether you’re eligible for the procedure. Veneers are ideal for people with misshapen, discolored, slightly crooked, or fractured teeth. So, if you decide to have dental veneers, your dentist will make sure that you meet these requirements:

You have healthy gums
You have healthy tooth enamel
There is no teeth-grinding condition

In most cases, dental implants are recommended for serious and more complicated issues like badly rotting teeth or missing teeth. A dentist will perform dental implant surgery only if you meet all the following requirements:

Your jawbone has reached full growth
You’ve sufficient bone to hold the implants, or you are willing to undergo a bone graft
You have healthy oral tissues
You don’t have any health conditions that will disrupt or affect bone healing
You’re unwilling or unable to wear dentures
You do not smoke tobacco

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dentists use implants to replace missing teeth. Usually, this is something a dental veneer won’t be able to achieve. People also prefer implants over dentures as they are secure and provide better stability. For example, they won’t move around in your mouth when eating or talking. Are you looking for a natural, comfortable, and healthy feeling?

If so, you are better off with a dental implant. Did you know that dental implants can also resist gum issues and decay? This means that you will never have to worry about pesky health problems.

Drawbacks of Dental Implants

Although they are excellent, dental implants have a few drawbacks that you cannot overlook. The primary disadvantage is that dental implants are more expensive than other cosmetic dental procedures or options. Also, the procedure of getting dental implants inserted is more time-consuming than veneers.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

When comparing dental veneers vs. implants, you will be happy to know that a dental veneer procedure takes a much shorter time. Also, veneers are less expensive than other procedures, such as implants.

Ready to transform your smile with another method of treatment? Discover the pros and cons of no-prep veneers before making your decision and achieve the smile of your dreams with confidence.

Drawbacks of Dental Veneer

If you are considering a veneer, you should remember that it is susceptible to chipping, breaking, and staining. They are also less durable than implants and last between 10 years and 15 years, provided you take proper care. In some cases, you may have to get veneers on multiple teeth to get that balanced and natural smile.

Which Dental Treatment should you Go for?

Choosing the right dental procedure for your needs requires discussing your options with an experienced dentist. Your dentist will evaluate and assess the extent of tooth damage, the longevity of the process, and the need for bite correction to provide an informed recommendation. The good news is that both treatments involve modern, effective, and safe procedures.a

Fix Your Teeth and Restore Your Smile with Mint Dental MN

If you are considering veneers or dental implants to improve functionality and confidence, you should consult our dentists to make an informed decision. Mint Dental MN offers a range of dental treatments, such as dental implants, porcelain veneers, and composite resin veneers, as well as general dentistry.

Our skilled and experienced cosmetic and restorative dentists will work closely with you to determine your needs, ensuring that you experience a toothy smile that gives you confidence and peace of mind. Contact us now to book your consultation.

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