Veneers vs. Implants: What's the Best Option?

Cosmetic dentistry is a $4 billion industry.

But without proper knowledge, it can be hard to understand what type of cosmetic dentistry a smile needs. When most people look into cosmetic dentistry, they often think getting either veneers or dental implants are the two best options.

So what's the difference between veneers vs implants?

Keep reading below to learn what type of treatment is right for you.

Dental veneers are made of a thin shell of porcelain and fit over the front surface for the teeth. Dentists use veneers to correct a number of cosmetic problems, some of which include the following:

• Stained teeth
  
• Gaps between teeth
  
• Misaligned teeth
  
• Irregularly shaped teeth
  
• Worn down teeth

Since veneers mimic the natural color and appearance of other teeth, they can create an even and beautiful smile.

The Treatment Process

The treatment process for veneers can take up to three separate dentist visits. Here's a quick look at what to expect for each one.

Visit #1

The first visit with the dentist will consist of a consultation. During this visit, the dentist will also take X-rays to get a better idea of what's going on inside the mouth.

If a patient isn't a suitable candidate for veneers, the dentist will skip the X-rays and explain your other treatment options.

Visit #2

When a patient goes in for the second visit, the dentist will start by removing a small layer of the tooth enamel. This will make room for the veneer to fit between the surrounding teeth.

After this, they will take impressions of the teeth, which will allow them to make veneers that custom fit the patient's teeth.

Visit #3

The dentist will bond the veneers to the teeth during the last visit. To ensure they match the color and appearance of the other teeth, the dentist might also polish the veneers and make minor touch-ups.

The patient will then be able to walk out of the dentist with a new, natural-looking smile.

Instead of sitting over the surface of a tooth, a dental implant replaces a missing tooth. They include an artificial root made of titanium that attaches to the jaw bone and supports a dental crown or denture on top.

Implants provide the patient with a lot of benefits, including the following:

• Durability
  
• The pressure of chewing directed to the jaw bone
  
• Stimulates the jawbone like a normal tooth
  
• Prevents bone loss in the jawbone

Like veneers, dental implants also mimic the natural appearance of the other teeth. Because of this, patients who've lost a tooth (or several teeth) can create a full, healthy smile.

The Treatment Process

The treatment process for a dental implant is longer and more involved than that of a veneer. The entire process could take up to 6 months—or even a year in some extreme cases.

Here's what to expect during each visit to the dentist.

Visit #1

The first step of a dental implant is a consultation appointment. This is when they'll do a complete examination of your mouth and take X-rays of the patient's teeth and jawbone.

In some cases, the dentist might also take a CT scan of your mouth, which will show them how much jawbone remains in the location of the missing tooth. If there isn't enough bone to secure the implant, the patient might have to undergo more treatment to rebuild the bone, such as bone grafting.

This treatment can take between four and 12 months to complete.

But if the patient doesn't need to rebuild their jawbone, the dentist will continue to take impressions of the teeth.

Visit #2

A patient's second visit with the dentist is also their first surgery.

During this surgery, the dentist will place the titanium implant into the jawbone. After this surgery, the patient will have to wait anywhere between four to seven months—depending on whether it was on the bottom or top of the mouth—for the implant to fuse to the bone.

Visit #3

The third visit with the dentist consists of another surgery, but this one is simpler than the first.

The dentist will cut a small incision above the implant to expose the top. Then, they'll place a temporary cap on the implant so the gums heal around it in the right shape.

The patient will have to wait another 10 to 14 days for this to heal.

Visit #4

Once the gums heal, the dentist will remove the cap and replace it with an abutment, the piece that will eventually hold the crown. They will also take another impression of the area.

After this, the dentist will attach a temporary crown, which the patient will have to wear for four to six weeks. This will allow the gums to heal properly around it.

Visit #5

For the last visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and attach the permanent crown.

It depends on the condition of the teeth.

If a patient doesn't like the look of their smile due to discoloration, cracks, chips, or irregular teeth shapes, a veneer can cover those issues. Aside from the cosmetic problems, the tooth under a veneer is still healthy, so that's all a patient will need to fix the problem.

But if a patient lost an entire tooth, a veneer won't be much help. Instead, they'll need to get an implant to fill the empty space.

A tooth that is chipped or stained and is also unhealthy may need to be removed. In this case, the patient will need to get a dental implant.

If a patient is having trouble deciding whether veneers vs implants are the better choice for them, they should get in touch with a dentist to discuss the treatment options.

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