According to the American Dental Association, only 68% of people under the age of 65 still have all their teeth. Most people lose teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or trauma.
Good oral health goes a long way toward ensuring your teeth last as long as possible, but there is hope if you’re unhappy about the state of your smile.
Are you wondering how to replace missing teeth or cracks in your tooth enamel, so you can smile with confidence again? Check out this comparison of dentures vs veneers, to help you find the best solution for you.
What are Dentures?
Dentures have been around since the 7th century BC. They’re basically a set of removable replacement teeth, to help you eat normally and maintain your appearance.
Nowadays, there are three different options for dentures, namely:
Partial Dentures
The best option for those who are only missing a few teeth. The dentist creates a prosthetic that fills in the gaps between the patient’s teeth.
It’s easy to use this retainer, but it requires some maintenance. Fitting and manufacturing these dentures involves several repeat visits to the dentist for adjustments.
Permanent Dentures
The dentist screws these kinds of dentures, also called implants, directly into your jawbone. They’re a permanent fixture and a costly way to replace teeth.
Here’s what’s involved:
- An oral examination and scan to determine the bone density of the jaw
- Determining the precise location of the metal screws to hold the implants
- Design and manufacturing of the implants
- Affixing the metal screws into the mouth
- Time for the gums to heal and the screws to fuse with the jawbone
- Attaching the dentition to the screws
It takes between three and six months to complete this process.
Full Dentures
These traditional dentures replace an entire set of teeth. The dentist must pull all the remaining teeth to install this option.
It takes several visits to the dentist for fittings and customizations before this process runs its course.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, porcelain, ceramic, or resin shells that cover the outside of your teeth. They’re customized to suit your existing teeth and serve to cover up any flaws like chips, unevenness, and discoloration.
There are two kinds of veneers, These are:
Direct Veneers
Direct veneers comprise resin that matches the rest of your teeth. Your dentist applies them to your teeth and then adjusts them to suit your bite, as well as their length and shape.
Sometimes more than one application is needed to create the perfect effect. Direct veneers don’t last as long as indirect veneers.
Indirect Veneers
If you opt for indirect veneers, you’ll need to visit your dentist at least three times. The first consultation involves an assessment and x-rays to help the dentist determine the best course of action for you.
Applying porcelain indirect veneers involves scraping some enamel from your teeth. Then, the dentist takes an impression or mold of your mouth and sends it to a lab, so they can custom-make your set of veneers.
Often, your dentist will apply temporary veneers to cover up the missing enamel. When your veneers arrive, you’ll visit your dentist to have them fitted. Indirect veneers can last for up to ten years.
Overall, dentists achieve better results and a longer-lasting effect with porcelain or ceramic veneers. It takes about a month to measure, manufacture, and fit these veneers.
The Pros and Cons of Dentures vs Veneers
Despite the convenience of veneers, they aren’t a suitable fix for missing teeth. Veneers can only attach to existing teeth.
They also have a much shorter lifespan compared to dentures, which can last for over 20 years.
Veneers have a natural appearance, although they can chip on occasion. Dentures are hardier but full dentures and partial dentures are sometimes obvious to the casual observer.
Whether you choose veneers or dentures, you’re assured of a natural look and instant improvement in your smile. Initially, you might experience some discomfort when eating with your dentures, but this soon passes.
You won’t experience any fears about your dentures slipping and sliding when you have permanent implants.
These types of dentures also preserve your facial features for longer. Without the support of your teeth, your cheeks and mouth will sag, sink, and shrink.
Installing dentures is often painful at the outset, especially if you need some of your teeth removed. You’ll need to use adhesives to keep non-permanent dentures in place.
As technology advances, many of the difficulties associated with wearing full and partial dentures have disappeared.
When it comes to the cost of veneers vs dentures, permanent dentures are the more expensive option. Yet, according to The Denture & Implant Clinic, your treatment could cost as little as $50 per month.
Veneers aren’t a cheap option, though. You can expect to pay between $1000 and $4000 per veneer. Removable dentures are much cheaper, with prices starting at $300.
When it comes to both dentures and veneers, the final price depends on the extent of your problem, the quality of the materials, and your dentist’s pricing model.
Good Teeth Mean Good Health
It’s important to keep in mind that these two treatments have entirely different purposes. Your dentist is the best person to help you choose between dentures vs veneers.
If you’re unhappy with your teeth, speak to your dentist to help you find a solution. Some dentists may offer flexible payment options to ensure you get the treatment you need to avoid the health issues associated with missing teeth.
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