Composite Veneers vs Dental Implants: Which one is best for you?

Dental
Oct 31, 2024

We all want a beautiful smile, but losing a tooth or having damaged teeth can really affect how we feel about our grin. It can even make us shy about showing off a smile, which can impact our confidence.

But don’t worry! There’s a way to restore the smile of your dreams and feel great every time you flash those pearly whites.

Composite veneers and dental implants are two options for repairing those damaged smiles. Each solution is designed to address different dental issues, so the best choice will be the one your dentist suggests based on your unique dental health and needs.

If you’re dealing with stained or chipped teeth, or even missing a tooth that makes you feel a bit embarrassed when you smile or talk, this guide is here to help you navigate both procedures. 

What Are Composite Veneers?

If you want a brighter smile, there are many cosmetic treatments available besides professional teeth whitening.

Have you heard of Composite Veneers? They are thin pieces of material that go over your teeth to make your smile look better.

The best part is that these veneers are made to match the color of your teeth, so they look natural.

Veneers can help with different problems, like discolored, chipped teeth, or gaps between them.

It's important to know that getting veneers is different from dental bonding because veneers are a more permanent option.

Your dentist will have to remove a little bit of enamel from your teeth, so think carefully before deciding.

Also, remember that even with new veneers, you still need to take care of your dental hygiene. 

The teeth underneath can still get cavities, so make sure to brush and floss regularly.

With good care, your veneers can last for ten years or more. 

Benefits of Composite Veneers

Composite Veneers offer many benefits to our patients at The Junction Family Dental Care.

  • They can cover small cosmetic problems that show when you smile or talk, like chipped, cracked, or stained teeth.
  • In addition to making smiles look better, veneers can also make your teeth stronger.
  • You can get veneers in just two visits to the dentist.
  • They look natural, making them a great choice for anyone wanting a nicer smile.
  • The main benefit of veneers is that they improve the appearance of your teeth, giving you a brighter and more even smile.
  • Veneers need the same care as regular teeth, so remember to brush, floss, and go for regular check-ups.

Drawbacks of Composite Veneers

Before getting composite veneers, think about these points:

  • Once the dentist removes enamel for the veneer, you can't go back to your natural tooth.
  • Your teeth might feel more sensitive to hot and cold after getting veneers because some enamel is gone.
  • If you grind or clench your teeth, veneers might not be the best choice, as these habits can crack or chip them.
  • If a veneer cracks or falls off, it could damage the tooth underneath.
  • When a veneer chips or cracks, it usually can't be fixed and will need to be replaced.
  • Once veneers are on, you can't change their color.
  • Veneers can be costly, and insurance often doesn't cover them because they are considered cosmetic.
  • Veneers are just a cosmetic solution and won't fix any dental health problems.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a solution for people with missing teeth. They can replace single teeth or support full dentures for your upper or lower jaw.

Each dental implant has a small titanium screw that your dentist puts into your jawbone.

On top of this screw, there’s an abutment, and then a crown is placed on the abutment, giving you a permanent tooth.

If you have implant-supported dentures, the abutments give strong support for the entire denture.

What makes implants great is that they look and feel like your natural teeth, so you can eat, talk, and smile confidently. They also help prevent bone loss that can happen when you lose a tooth, as the implant stimulates your jaw to keep it strong.

Getting dental implants takes a few trips to the dentist, but the good news is that they can last a lifetime once they are in place.

Advantages of Dental implants 

When choosing between composite veneers vs dental implants, consider these benefits of dental implants:

  • Dental implants work, feel, and look like real teeth, so you can eat, smile, and talk just like you would with your natural teeth.
  • Dental implants are made to last a lifetime.
  • They stimulate the jawbone, which helps prevent bone loss.
  • Dental implants can restore your smile, boosting your self-confidence and appearance.
  • With dental implants, you can enjoy all kinds of food without pain, leading to better nutrition.
  • Unlike dentures that can slip and cause you to mumble, dental implants let you speak clearly without any worries.
  • The material used for dental implants doesn’t decay, so while you should care for your gums, you don’t have to worry about cavities in your implants.

Disadvantages of Dental Implants 

Dental implants have some disadvantages you should know about:

  • Getting dental implants requires surgery, which comes with risks like infection, nerve damage, or damage to nearby teeth.
  • After getting the implant, there is a long recovery period while the bone heals and fuses to the implant.
  • Dental implants are usually more expensive than other tooth replacement options and often aren’t covered by dental insurance.
  • Like any implant, there’s a chance that your body might reject a dental implant. If this happens, the implant will fail and need to be taken out.
  • Not everyone can get dental implants. People with low bone density, smokers, or those with certain health issues may not be suitable candidates.
  • Implants are generally only for adults because the jawbone must be fully grown before treatment can start. Kids require different dental care. 

Veneers vs Implants: Key Differences

Your dentist will recommend veneers if your teeth are healthy but don’t look their best when you smile.

Veneers can fix small appearance problems with your front teeth.

For example, if you have a gap between your front teeth, your dentist can place veneers on those teeth to cover the space and hide the gap.

If your teeth are a bit discolored from a root canal or an injury, veneers can help by covering up the discoloration.

Composite eneers are also great for minor chips or if your teeth are slightly misshapen. They fit over the front of your teeth and help hide any flaws.

If you have bigger issues, like missing teeth, dental implants might be the right choice for you.

Dental implants can replace any missing teeth, whether they are in the front or back of your mouth.

Getting a dental implant can help prevent problems caused by missing teeth, such as a gap in your smile and bone loss where the tooth used to be. 

Dentists can replace just one tooth or help with all your teeth using single-tooth implants or implant-supported dentures.

Costs, Durability, and Outcomes

When choosing between veneers vs dental implants, consider these key factors: cost, how long they last, and the results.

Veneers are usually cheaper at first compared to implants. 

However, veneers may need to be replaced every few years, which can add up. 

Implants have a higher initial cost, but they can save you money in the long run since they last much longer and typically don’t need replacing.

Dental implants can last 25 years or more with good care, while veneers usually last about 10-15 years. 

So, even though implants cost more upfront, their longer lifespan can help make up for it

Both options can give you a beautiful smile and significantly improve your appearance.

But implants replace the entire tooth—from the root to the crown—providing a solution that is both attractive and functional.

Conclusion

Choosing between composite veneers vs dental implants is a decision you should make with your dentist.

Everyone has different needs, so after a physical exam and a discussion about your goals and budget, you can find out what’s best for you.

At The Junction Family Dental Care, we assist our patients with these important decisions in our clinic.

We’re happy to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Book an appointment here.

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