People often turn to dental implants or veneers as a potential solution in their pursuit of a prettier smile. And while both of these procedures can give you the perfect smile you’re after, they serve different purposes and involve different processes.

Dental implants replace missing teeth, whereas veneers improve the appearance of your teeth. Ultimately, deciding whether to get one over the other depends on your goals and the condition of your teeth. That’s why having a trustworthy and experienced dentist to advise you is the best way to ensure that you get the flawless smile of your dreams.

Not sure which option is best for you? Consult with the best dentists Bevery Hills has to offer at Bedford Dental Group Cosmetic Dentists. Having dedicated more than three decades to this industry, we’ve helped thousands of people like you get the radiant smile they deserve. Schedule a free consultation with us to get the best solution for your dental needs.

In this blog, we will explore the differences between veneers and dental implants to help you make an informed decision on which is better for you.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial structure used as a permanent replacement for a missing tooth. The process of getting an implant can take several months, starting with an X-ray to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for the procedure or not.

Afterward, your dentist will create a hole in your jawbone where they will place a metal post. Over a period of 4-6 months, your jawbone tissues will grow into this post and create a solid base for your new tooth. Then, your dentist will place a piece of metal over your implant called an abutment to connect your new tooth to your implant.

Dental implants are an option for individuals who have lost their teeth or extracted them. A missing tooth can be bad for your wellbeing because it doesn’t look appealing and can hurt your confidence. Secondly, it causes your jawbone and gums to recede, making you look older and negatively impacting the general functionality of the mouth.

Lastly, a missing tooth at the back of your mouth forces other teeth to fill up that space, and this can create more gaps in your teeth. By replacing your missing teeth with a dental implant, you can prevent the above adverse effects.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are custom-made porcelain or resin shells used to correct dental imperfections or abnormalities. They are applied to the surface of the teeth to improve your appearance and smile. Veneers are typically for individuals who have misshapen, broken, discolored or misaligned teeth.

They are primarily used to improve the overall aesthetics of your teeth, boosting your confidence in public. It is better to apply veneers to your entire set of front teeth, and not just one or two of them. Doing this creates a more uniform appearance.

Veneers come in different types depending on the material used, and they include:

Porcelain Veneers: This is the most natural-looking and common of all veneers. Porcelain veneers are durable, lasting as long as 10–15 years, but they are also expensive. They are best for fixing gaps, chips, and discoloration.
Composite Resin Veneers: This is made from composite resin material, and it is a suitable alternative when porcelain veneers are beyond your budget. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers are not as durable and may need to be replaced more frequently, making them more expensive in the long run.
Lumineer: Lumineer is an ultra-thin porcelain veneer that can be applied to the teeth for minor corrections. Unlike other veneers, there is no need to file away any enamel from your teeth to install them.
Zirconia Veneer: Made from strong ceramic material, zirconia veneers are used to correct extensive tooth damage or tooth decay that may not be effectively corrected with porcelain veneers.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Veneer: This veneer is prepared with porcelain and metal, giving it both aesthetic appeal and strength and durability.

Dental Implant Procedure

The timeline for getting dental implants can range from 3–8 months or more. This process involves several stages, from the initial consultation to post-procedure healing, and the overall duration can be affected by factors like your bone density and oral health. In this section, we will break down each stage of the procedure to give you a clearer understanding of what to expect.

1. Consultation and Planning

The first step is to evaluate the current condition of your teeth, gum, and jawbone. During this stage, it is important to assess whether your jawbone is healthy enough to take in an implant. After evaluating your teeth, your dentist will discuss the possible treatment options needed, in this case, dental implants. Then, they will create a treatment plan tailored to your situation, taking into consideration factors like the number of teeth to be replaced, your jawbone density, and the condition of other teeth. If your jawbone is incapable of supporting an implant for reasons like insufficient bone density, your dentist may suggest bone grafting or other procedures before the implantation process.

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2. Implant Placement

Here, the dentist will insert the metal post into the jaw bone. The metal post is typically made of titanium alloy because it works well with bone tissue. It serves as the anchor for the crown (the artificial tooth). To install the metal post, the dentist would need to make an incision on the gum and drill a hole into the jaw bone. A temporary denture may be attached after the implant to cover the gaps and improve your appearance while the bone heals.

3. Osseointegration (Healing Phase)

After implanting the metal post, the bone tissue needs time to grow and heal. This period of healing is known as osseointegration and may take several months. During this process, the jawbone grows and unites with the surface of the metal post, providing a solid base for the implantation of the new tooth.

4. Abutment Placement

After the osseointegration, the dentist will place the abutment on the implant. To do this, they open the gum to expose the metal post and then attach the abutment to the implant. In some cases, the abutment would be attached to the metal post when it’s being implanted, which eliminates the need for a separate abutment placement process.

5. Crown Placement

After the abutment placement, a custom-made dental crown is attached to the abutment, providing a functional and natural-looking tooth. The implant will take some time to heal, and during this process, you may have several appointments with your dentist to monitor the healing process.

Veneer Placement Procedure

Getting veneers can generally span from a few weeks to a couple of months. The journey is made up of several stages, beginning with the initial consultation and ending with the veneer application. In this section we will walk you through the process and paint a clearer picture of what to expect.

1. Initial Consultation

Like any other cosmetic procedure, the placement process of dental veneers starts with consultation and planning. The dentist may run a scan to determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers. The goal is to spot any underlying causes of the dental imperfections you want to correct with veneers. Also, the dentist will discuss the treatment process and your desired outcome.

2. Tooth Preparation

During this stage, a tiny portion of the enamel needs to be removed to accommodate the placement of the veneers and ensure natural-looking teeth. Removing the enamel is a quick procedure typically performed under local anesthesia to minimize any sensitivity or discomfort.

3. Taking Impression

To create custom-made dental veneers, the dentist first creates an impression of your teeth either with a traditional putty impression or an intraoral scanner. Choosing the shade of your veneers is an important step, especially if you are addressing discoloration. A shade guide is used to help you select the most suitable color for your veneers.

4. Veneer Placement

After the impressions are taken, custom-made veneers are prepared in the lab. The dentist then bonds the veneer to the teeth using a dental adhesive. Before permanently bonding the veneer, the dentist may check your bite and ask for your feedback. Once you’re satisfied with the result, the dentist permanently bonds the veneers and cleans off the excess cement.

Pros and Cons

Dental implants come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. In the following sections, we’ll highlight both the pros and cons to give you a comprehensive understanding.

Pros of Dental Implant

Here are some of the key benefits of dental implants that make them a popular choice for replacing missing teeth:

First off, they are a long-lasting solution. The strength of the metal implant and its ability to seamlessly integrate with your jawbone create a secure foundation for your new teeth. With proper care and maintenance, the implant can last a lifetime. Dental implants also prevent bone loss because they mimic the function of your natural tooth’s root. Bone loss is a gradual deterioration of the jaw bone due to tooth loss. And lastly, they function just like your natural teeth. Dental implants not only look like natural teeth but also function like them. Most people with dental implants confirm that major oral functions like biting, speech, and eating feel more natural than when they didn’t have them.

Cons of Dental Implant

There are also some potential drawbacks to dental implants that you should consider before making a decision to get them.

For instance, dental implants require surgery on the gums and the jaw bones, and this may pose some risks like hemorrhage, infections, and shock. Additionally, many people have a phobia of surgery, and if you’re one of them, dental implants may seem like a scary option.

Dental implants also have a longer healing timeline. It may take up to 12 months for the bone tissue to heal after bone grafting. Moreover, osseointegration, the process where the implant fuses with the bone, typically takes 4 to 6 months. During this time, you may have multiple appointments with your dentists. Given the time and patience required, a dental implant may not be the best option for everyone.

And let’s not forget that they are more costly when compared to other treatments like dentures and bridges. It may cost anywhere between $3k to $5k per tooth to have a successful dental implant, while dental bridges may cost $1k to $2.5k per tooth replacement.

Pros of Dental Veneer

Veneers offer several advantages that make them a popular option for improving your smile:

For starters, unlike dental implants, you can get your veneers installed in just one or two visits, providing a quick cosmetic transformation of your teeth’s appearance. They also only require a tiny portion of the tooth enamel to be removed during the application process, making it a less invasive approach. This may be a good alternative for individuals who are not comfortable with surgery and other invasive procedures. As a final point, veneers can fix multiple aesthetic issues at once. They can cover tooth stains, chips, misshapes, cracks, and misalignments all at once. This makes it the best approach if you have multiple minor dental abnormalities.

Cons of Dental Veneer

Sadly, veneers aren’t perfect and come with some limitations that are worth considering:

To begin with, veneers can last for a couple of years, depending on the material. For example, porcelain veneers may last up to 10 years, while composite veneers may last about 5 years. It’s, however, not comparable to a dental implant, which can last a lifetime.

On top of that, the removal of tooth enamel may cause the tooth to become sensitive to temperature. However, this sensitivity is usually mild and subsides after some time.

To wrap things up, dental veneers are primarily for improving the aesthetic appearance of the affected tooth and do not address the possible underlying cause, such as decay or gum disease. If you have major dental issues, your dentist may recommend other cosmetic dental procedures, such as dental crowns or implants.

Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants

Dental implants are not suitable for everyone, especially for individuals with insufficient bone density or certain medical conditions that impair healing.

You’re an ideal candidate for dental implants if you:

Have one or multiple missing teeth
Have good gum and bone health
Have sufficient bone density and strength
Don’t smoke
Are seeking a long-term solution
Are willing to dedicate months or even more than a year to go through the process

Ideal Candidates for Veneers

You can’t get veneers if you have severe tooth decay or significant gum disease. A comprehensive dental assessment is necessary to confirm that veneers are a viable option for your specific situation.

You’re an ideal candidate for dental veneers if you:

Have minor cosmetic imperfections such as chips, wear, discoloration, misalignment, misshape, and cracks.
Have adequate enamel for bonding the veneers
Looking for a faster dental cosmetic solution
Have healthy teeth and gums

Maintenance and Care for Dental Implants

Neglecting your implants can lead to complications such as an infection or implant failure. Below, we highlighted a few key ways to keep your implants in excellent condition:

Daily Brushing and Flossing

Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristeled toothbrush and carefully clean the crown implant and the surrounding gum area. Also, use dental implant floss to remove debris and clean between your implants.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Schedule regular checkups with your dentist to monitor the condition of your implant and your overall dental health. The dentist will examine the implant and the surrounding gum to assess its stability and remove unpleasant particles, such as plaque, if present.

Avoid Extreme Pressure

Excessive pressure can damage the implant, so it’s important to avoid chewing on hard objects like bones, ice, and even hard fingernails. Also, if you participate in contact sports or martial arts, wearing a mouth guard can help protect your implants and teeth from injury.

Maintain Oral Hygiene

Observe good oral hygiene and avoid foods and beverages that could harm your teeth. Such foods include tobacco, alcohol, and sugary foods.

Maintenance and Care for Veneers

To preserve the appearance and durability of your veneers, you should care for them properly. Here are a few practices to help keep your veneers looking their best:

Avoid Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks

Highly pigmented foods and beverages like wine, coffee, and tobacco can discolor your natural teeth and even your veneer depending on the material. Porcelain veneers have better stain-resisting properties compared to composite veneers. However, this doesn’t mean it is impossible for your veneers to become discolored due to neglect and staining foods.

Stop Using Your Teeth for Opening Package

Using your teeth for opening packages such as can locks or bottle covers may damage or dislodge your veneers and should be avoided. Use the right tool to open your packages.

Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

Dental veneers require the same level of care as your natural teeth. This includes brushing twice daily with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Also floss out food debris from between your teeth and gum areas to avoid build up of plaque.

Regular Dental Checkups

Visit your dentist regularly so they can monitor the progress of how you are adjusting to your veneers. Through these dental visits your doctor can spot any potential problems and stop them from resulting in complications.

Costs and Financing Associated With Dental Implants vs Veneers

Dental implants and veneers are both procedures for improving the appearance and functionality of the teeth, but they differ in price. On average, a dental implant costs $3k to $5k per tooth, while veneer prices sit between $500 to $2500 per tooth on average. The price, however, may vary based on the individual requirements, the number of teeth to be fixed, and other factors such as:

Location: Expect to pay a higher cost for your dental procedures if you live in a major city than in minor cities and communities.
Dentist’s Experience: The more experienced the dentist, the higher their cosmetic dentistry price.
Materials Used: High-quality materials like porcelain cost more than other materials.
The complexity of the Procedure: The more damaged your teeth are, the more complex your procedure will be, which will affect the overall price.

Dental Implants vs Veneers – Which is Best for You?

A dental implant is a procedure used to permanently replace lost teeth, whereas veneers are applied to correct minor dental imperfections or abnormalities, such as chipped teeth and gaps. Before deciding which procedure to opt for, consult with your dentist since they are in the best position to advise you on what choice would suit your needs and circumstances.

If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills, Bedford Dental Group can help you achieve a stunning smile. Schedule an appointment with us to discover why we are the top-rated cosmetic dentist in the country.