Cosmetic Veneers Vs Dental Implants

Deciding about the pros and cons of cosmetic veneers versus dental implants will help you determine the best procedure for your needs. Once you make the decision to talk to your dentist about ways to rehab your smile, you will likely have to choose between two restorative dental procedures: porcelain veneers or dental implants. Depending on your situation or level of tooth decay you have as well as each procedure’s potential impact on your oral health issues are the key factors to consider and discuss with your Little Rock dentist. There is a significant difference in the cost of veneers vs implants that you will have to factor into your decision, too.  

Tooth Damage

Cosmetic veneers work best as a total fix for minor cosmetic damage to your teeth, including chips, cracks, and or stains. You may also want to choose cosmetic veneers if you are attempting to fix any slight spacing or alignment issues without the use of braces. For major damage, such as teeth broken at the gum line or other restorative dental issues, dental implants will provide the most long-term benefit. Dental implants will fully replace the entire broken or damaged tooth structure, which has an added benefit of preventing infections and other complications in the future.

Bite Correction 

If you recently lost a tooth and are looking to prevent bite alignment issues that impact your ability to smile, chew, or talk, you should consider dental implants. The implant fills in the gap to help your teeth remain aligned and well-spaced. When placing the implant, your dentist may build up your jawbone or gum tissue to further correct or protect your bite. Veneers, on the other hand, cannot rectify bite issues, though they can resolve perceived aesthetic imperfections caused by poorly spaced teeth.

Length Of Procedures 

When you invest in dental implants, you are paying for a repair and preventative care that will last at least 25 years. Your age at the time of the implant placement process will greatly influence the potential need for implant replacement in the future. Porcelain veneers, however, will usually last about 10 years before requiring replacement or adjustment. Veneers are very quick and easy to replace since preparing your teeth for them makes up the bulk of the work during the initial procedure.

Weigh the Veneers vs. Implants Cost

When you weigh the cost of cosmetic veneers vs implants, you have to consider your time and effort in addition to your finances. The financial costs for implants and veneers over the course of your life may actually come out fairly evenly. Veneers can cost up to $1,000 per tooth, with replacements required every 10 years, while implants can cost up to $5,000 per tooth for a relatively more permanent solution.

Your time commitment for implants will actually outweigh veneers, especially if you need bone or gum grafts placed to support your dental implant. Additionally, you may need to go to additional checkups for your dental implants, while porcelain veneers are fairly low maintenance once they are placed over your tooth.