Veneers VS Implants: Which Is Better For Your Smile?
Whether it’s with dental implants or porcelain veneers, Yorkshire Dental Suite can give you the strong, healthy smile you deserve. Enquire now.
If you have damaged teeth, then you have most likely considered getting dental treatment. Two great options are teeth implants and porcelain veneers – let’s explore the procedures in more detail.
Veneers vs implants: Purpose
Let’s start with porcelain veneers. This popular cosmetic treatment is ideal for patients who have years of dental wear and tear that needs addressing, but also want a dazzling Hollywood smile.
It is most commonly used for: Worn edges, small gaps, discolouration and chips.
Dental implants are used in more extreme cases, and often the last resort for many patients. An implant is a permanent tooth replacement that stops your everyday pain and embarrassment.
It is most commonly used for: Broken, worn and missing teeth.
Veneers vs implants: Procedure
Both treatments require a minimum of two appointments to complete your smile transformation (excluding the initial consultation and any remedial work). The porcelain veneers process typically looks like the following:
- You are given sedation or anaesthetic, making the treatment pain free
- The dentist shaves down a minuscule amount of your enamel
- Impressions are taken of the teeth
- These impressions are sent to our in-house lab to create your permanent veneer
- Your temporary veneer is fit
- Once your permanent veneer is ready (usually within 2 – 4 weeks), you will return to the clinic to have the temporary veneer removed, and the final one fitted
In comparison, the dental implants process is much more intense. Here is a quick step-by-step overview of what your day will consist of if you choose Yorkshire Dental Suite for your new smile:
- You are given your choice of sedation or local anaesthetic
- If needed, any remaining teeth are removed
- A small incision is made
- A dental implant is screwed into the jawbone
- Then, an abutment is fitted on top
- Your temporary crown and/or bridge is fitted (treatment dependent)
- Once your mouth has healed (typically within 3 – 4 months), you will return to the clinic to have your temporary tooth removed, and your final one fitted
Veneers vs implants: Pros and cons
There are benefits and drawbacks to both dental implants and veneers. It is important that you are aware of these prior to booking your appointment to make sure you are making the right decision.
Porcelain veneers: Advantages | Porcelain veneers: Disadvantages | Dental implants: Advantages | Dental implants: Disadvantages |
Lasts 15+ years with care | Enamel needs to be shaved down | Lasts 20+ years with care | A high-cost treatment |
Boasts a natural, ultra-realistic look | Susceptible to chipping | Eat your favourite foods once again | Implants discolour naturally over time |
Resistant to staining | A high-cost treatment | Helps to prevent premature ageing | Risk of implant failure |
Immeasurable confidence boost | Not suitable for extreme damage | Immeasurable confidence boost | Not indestructible, may break |
Very versatile, treats a range of issues | Can cause temporary tooth sensitivity | Looks and performs just like natural teeth | Long recovery period (3 – 4 months) |
Dental implants vs veneers: Cost
Are dental implants more expensive than veneers? This is a common question we receive, and the answer is yes – by quite a significant amount. Implants simply cost more to manufacture and fit.
At Yorkshire Dental Suite, one implant starts from £2,800, going up to £50,000+ for full mouth restorations. A porcelain veneer is £895 per tooth in comparison, giving you a price estimate of £17,900 for a complete smile transformation (20 teeth).
Both procedures are available on finance. If any remedial work is required (such as the following), your treatment timeline and overall spending increases. Your dentist will discuss this with you during your initial consultation.
- Gum disease: Hygiene appointments (from £125)
- Bone loss: Bone graft (from £500), sinus lift (from £500), zygomatic implants and pterygoid implants (case dependent)
- Receding gums: Gum graft (from £850)
Which do I choose? Dental implants or veneers?
If you are someone whose teeth are badly damaged (or missing altogether), dental implants are the best option. They stop the persistent discomfort and embarrassment your teeth cause on a daily basis, giving you back your quality of life.
On the other hand, patients who are more concerned about the appearance of their smile should consider porcelain veneers instead. They completely transform the shape, size and colour of your teeth, while addressing issues like worn edges and stains.
Ultimately, there is one main deciding factor – how damaged your teeth are.
Conclusion:
Veneers vs dental implants is a common debate amongst patients. Book a consultation with one of the Yorkshire Dental Suite experts and we will talk you through all of your treatment options.