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Dental Implants versus Veneers

Dentist Explaining Tooth Implantation Process

Table of Contents



Key Points

  • Dental implants and veneers are two of the most common restorative dental practices available today.
  • Both dental implants and veneers are suitable only in certain circumstances.
  • Dental implants and veneers have distinct advantages, along with a few drawbacks.
  • Which option is best depends on each patient’s unique circumstances and oral health goals.

According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 90 percent of all adults in the United States ages 20 to 64 have experienced some type of tooth decay. This incidence increases to 96 percent for adults over the age of 50.1

There are a number of options for repairing or replacing teeth that have dental carries, including implants and veneers. Which one is best depends on the severity of the issue and the overall health goals of the patient, among other issues.

This article explains the basics of dental implants and veneers, and explores the distinct advantages of each (along with some drawbacks). Keep reading to learn more about these innovative processes, so that you can determine which one might be right for you.


What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements. They are made of a biocompatible metal (usually titanium) post that is secured into a hole in the jawbone. This supports an abutment that connects the post to a ceramic replacement tooth.

Over the period of several months, the jawbone will grow around the post, creating a solid base for the new tooth. Once this takes place, the dentist will fix in place an abutment. This serves as a solid base for the custom-made crown, which is made to look and function like a real tooth.

A dentist may recommend a dental implant if a patient:

  • Is missing one or more teeth
  • Has a strong jawbone
  • Takes good care of their teeth and gums
  • Does not use tobacco products
  • Is able to commit to several months for office visits


What Are Veneers?

Veneers are very thin shells made of either porcelain or a plastic resin composite. They are applied to the fronts of teeth. They are custom-made to match existing natural teeth and improve appearance.

A dentist might recommend veneers if teeth are:

  • Discolored
  • Chipped or broken
  • Worn
  • Misaligned
  • Misshapen
  • Smaller than other teeth

Veneers can be applied to only a few teeth or every tooth in the patient’s mouth, but they do require existing teeth for support. The latter option can provide greater uniformity in the patient’s smile.

The process of putting in veneers involves reshaping the teeth, and then taking an impression of them. This allows for the proper fabrication of veneers to get the right appearance and fit. In total, the process can take several weeks.


What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

The process of getting dental implants is much more invasive and involved than many other tooth-replacement options, including dental veneers. However, one of the biggest advantages is that it offers a more stable and permanent option. There are several related advantages to this.

First, quality dental implants will look and function more like regular teeth. This can help aesthetically, providing a more natural smile.

Dental implants can also improve function. They can correct issues with chewing and speech, including pronunciation.

In the long term, dental implants can be much more stable and comfortable than veneers. This can translate to an improved quality of life. With proper care, you can expect them to last much longer than veneers.

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in the area no longer receives the necessary stimulation, which can result in bone loss (called “resorption”). This can also cause the jawbone to shrink and weaken, impacting the bone itself, as well as––in some instances––the facial structure. Dental implants are one of the only procedures that can prevent this.

Through the process of osseointegration, the titanium post integrates with the jaw, providing the necessary stimulation to maintain bone density and prevent further bone loss. Besides aiding the jawbone, this fusing creates a strong, stable bond that mimics the natural connection between a tooth root and the jaw.2


Are There Drawbacks to Dental Implants?

One potential downside of implants is that the entire process takes much longer than veneers. You can expect the entire process to take at least several months, if not longer.

Another drawback of dental implants is that they can be quite expensive––upwards of several thousand dollars per tooth. If they require adjustments like bone grafting, the price tag can be significant.

However, in most cases, dental insurance will cover the cost of implants. Also, relative to their durability and longevity, implants can be an economical long-term fix.


What Are the Advantages of Veneers?

Dental veneers are a fantastic option for correcting minor imperfections in teeth, including:

  • Chips
  • Cracks
  • Gaps
  • Discoloration
  • Misshapen teeth

As mentioned, putting in veneers is much less invasive than implants. The process is generally painless, although some minor discomfort can occur. It does not require the use of anesthesia.

The entire veneer process is also more abbreviated than dental implants. It can be completed in two short visits to the dentist. At the first appointment, the dentist will take impressions of the teeth, which are used to fabricate the veneers, and then put them in at a follow-up visit.

Veneers are generally cheaper than implants, though they will be more expensive than other restorative options (like crowns). The cost per tooth can range between $500 and $2,500 or more, depending on the material used and the scope of the procedure.


Are There Drawbacks to Veneers?

There are a few cons of veneers. One is that they are not as durable or long-lasting as implants. However, high-quality veneers are still very durable. With proper care, you can expect them to last and function well for many years.

Veneers are only an option for people who have not lost all their teeth, since they require an existing tooth to which the dentist secures the veneer. Another potential con of veneers is that the process is not reversible, since they require the reshaping of permanent teeth, which removes enamel. This also can lead to great tooth sensitivity, although this usually subsides once the procedure is complete.


Learn More About Dental Implants vs. Veneers

Now that you understand the differences between dental implants versus veneers, as well as the pros and cons of each, you can make a more informed decision. An experienced Raleigh dentist can further advise you on the best option based on the unique condition of your teeth, and your overall oral health goals.


References

  1. “Oral Health Surveillance Report: Trends in Dental Caries and Sealants, Tooth Retention, and Edentulism,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2019, from: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/dental-caries/adults.
  2. Alfaraj, Turki Abu, Sarah Al-Madani, Nadeen S. Alqahtani, et al., “Optimizing Osseointegration in Dental Implantology: A Cross-Disciplinary Review of Current and Emerging Strategies,” Cureus, October 2023, from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10685082/.
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