Do you have a damaged or missing tooth that you want restored? Dental implants and veneers are two of the best options for restoring your smile. But which one is right for you? We’re breaking down these two dental treatments to help you make an informed choice.

How are dental implants and veneers different?

Dental implants are a permanent treatment option designed to replace missing teeth. For this treatment, a titanium implant is inserted into the patient’s jawbone and after appropriate healing time, a porcelain crown (an artificial tooth) is either cemented or screwed onto the implant.

Veneers, on the other hand, are a cosmetic solution designed to enhance the appearance of a chipped, discoloured or misshapen tooth. The dentist uses a dental adhesive and simply sticks a crafted medical-grade ceramic that matches the natural shade of your teeth.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Dental implants and porcelain veneers have their advantages and disadvantages.

Depending on your dental issues, both procedures can be used to restore your teeth. There are also cases when neither of these two can be used.

Dental veneers are mainly advantageous to patients who only need minor dental restorations with the likes of stained, chipped or cracked teeth, and issues of tooth spacing or misalignment. Dental implants are considered a major dental restoration for people suffering from gum line-affected issues and missing teeth.

Covering your teeth with porcelain dental veneers can provide protection as well as improve the appearance whereas dental implants can rectify bite issues with better and long-lasting benefits, or provide a permanent replacement to dentures.

In terms of after-effects, veneers have the probability of being compromised and moving when improperly bonded. This can lead to future tooth decay or even possible gum disease. Likewise, veneer treatment might also cause slight tooth sensitivity due to the removal of the thin enamel coating of the teeth.

Problems with dental implants, on the other hand, occur only because of a patient’s improper care, poor dental hygiene, lifestyle habits like smoking, and missed dental visits. In both conditions, commitment paired with consistent consultation with your dentist can prevent future issues with your restored teeth.

Also read: Dental Implants: Aftercare & Maintenance

Eligibility

In either treatment option, veneer or implant, it is essential to know whether or not you are an eligible candidate for the procedure.

Veneers are for those with discoloured, stained teeth, misshapen, fractured, or slightly crooked teeth. If you decide to have veneers, your dentist will check if you meet the following requirements:

• Healthy gums
• Healthy tooth enamel
• No teeth-grinding condition

Dental implants are recommended for more complicated dental problems such as badly rotting or missing teeth and you need a replacement tooth or teeth. Dental implant surgery is only performed if your dental health meets the following requirements:

• Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth
• Have enough bone to hold the implants or are willing to get a bone graft
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Have no health conditions that’ll disrupt bone healing
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• Are ready to commit a few months to the process
• Don’t smoke tobacco

Costs

In a straight comparison, dental implants are considerably more expensive than veneers since it is technically a surgery. Cheaper veneers range from $800-$2000 per tooth while implants are between $2000-$6000 per tooth.

However, if you view the longevity of each dental procedure, the financial costs of both might just even out depending on how frequently veneers are fitted and how implants are taken care of.

Purpose of each treatment

Veneers are thin porcelain shells made to fit over the real tooth’s front surface. They are used to restore dental problems that concern the appearance of the teeth such as stains, discolouration, misalignment, chips, and fractures.

Dental implants are for more serious dental issues. They serve as artificial roots and replacements for missing teeth or denture support to prevent them from moving. It is mainly done to prevent the occurrence of natural bone loss due to tooth loss.

Duration of procedures

A dental veneer procedure generally requires up to three visits to your dentist.

• The first one is for taking the X-rays and to determine if you are eligible for veneers.
• The second visit involves the removal of a small enamel coating of your tooth and the creation of imprints in preparation for a customised veneer.
• The final appointment entails the fitting and bonding of the customised veneers to your teeth and a bit of polishing.

The whole procedure can be completed in just a few weeks.

Since dental implant surgery requires the jawbone to fuse with the implant, the whole restoration process can be completed in as long as 3-10 months. The duration of dental implants depends upon the patient’s situation and treatment plan.

HoW long do they last?

Titanium dental implants are extremely durable, can resist decay and gum problems, and can last a lifetime when properly taken care of along with a commitment to dental visits.

Conversely, veneers are not a completely permanent option but typically last an average of 10 to 15 years before being replaced. This is because veneers are also prone to damage encountered by the natural teeth.

GC Dental Solutions

Depending on your circumstances, it’s also best to ask for advice from your dentist to get the most appropriate treatment.

GC Dental Solutions provides a range of dental treatments including porcelain and composite resin veneers, dental implants, including all on 4 implants as well as general dentistry, and other preventive dental care. Our Helensvale dental clinic is fitted with modern dental equipment and built to make your visits relaxed and comfortable.

Call GC Dental Solutions today at 07 5573 1365 to book your initial consultation.