You have two major options when improving your smile: veneers or dentures. Both are widely used in cosmetic dentistry but offer different results and suit varying dental needs. Veneers, a popular cosmetic dental procedure, typically necessitate multiple visits to the dentist over six weeks. Suppose you’re wondering whether veneers or dentures are your best solution. In that case, it’s important to understand the key differences, benefits, and which option may help you achieve that beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
Let’s dive into the world of veneers and dentures to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Veneers and Dentures?
Before we compare the two, let’s first understand what each option entails.
Porcelain Veneers: A Subtle Enhancement
Veneers are ultra-thin shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin and bonded to the outer frontal surface of your natural teeth. Temporary veneers are provided to cover the teeth while the permanent ones are being fabricated, ensuring that patients do not remain without protection or aesthetics during the wait. They are designed to conceal aesthetic imperfections like chipped teeth, stains, and tooth decay, offering a natural-looking smile that enhances the beauty of your teeth. Custom veneers can match your natural tooth enamel’s shape, size, and colour, resulting in a beautiful smile that blends seamlessly.
Veneers are ideal for people with relatively healthy existing teeth who want to improve the appearance of their smile. With proper care, they can last for years and give a durable, natural appearance.
Complete Dentures: The Traditional Replacement Option
They are devices designed to replace missing teeth. Dentures can be full or partial, depending on whether you are missing all or just some of your teeth. Complete dentures are designed to replace all your teeth, while partial dentures are used when you still have some remaining teeth. Dentures replace teeth with an artificial alternative, called false teeth, that is custom-fitted to your mouth.
While dentures are effective for replacing missing teeth, they can sometimes feel bulky and require more maintenance. Removable dentures need to be taken out for cleaning and can sometimes cause discomfort, affecting both chewing ability and speech.
Veneers vs Dentures: A Detailed Comparison
Now that we’ve introduced both options let’s explore the key differences between veneers and dentures and highlight why veneers offer significant advantages to many individuals.
Durability and Longevity
Veneers are the most durable. Porcelain veneers, in particular, are known for their strength and ability to resist stains, mimicking the translucency of natural teeth. With proper care, permanent veneers can last 15 years, making them a long-term approach for improving your smile.
On the other hand, traditional dentures tend to wear out faster. Removable dentures may require frequent adjustments and replacements over time due to changes in your facial structure and oral health issues like gum disease or bone loss.
Comfort and Fit
Veneers are fabricated to fit over your natural teeth, allowing you to retain the sensation and function of your existing teeth. Because they are custom-made, they provide a snug and comfortable fit. The process of getting custom veneers typically requires only two to three visits to the dentist, making it an efficient option.
Conversely, dentures, especially snap-in or full dentures, can sometimes feel uncomfortable. They may rub against your gums or cause discomfort when eating, affecting your chewing ability. Although custom dentures are also available, they offer a different natural appearance or snug fit than veneers.
Appearance
One of the biggest advantages of veneers is that they offer a more natural-looking smile. Whether you choose porcelain or composite veneers, they mimic the look and feel of your natural tooth enamel, giving you a seamless, polished finish. Veneers offer a way to address aesthetic imperfections without anyone knowing you’ve had dental work done.
In contrast, dentures can sometimes appear artificial. While modern denture solutions have come a long way, they often lack the translucent porcelain aesthetic that veneers offer.
Maintenance and Care
Good oral hygiene is pivotal to maintaining both veneers and dentures, but the upkeep for each is different. Veneers need the same care as your natural teeth—brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. Since veneers are bonded to your existing teeth, there is no need to remove them, and they don’t require additional adhesives or cleaning solutions.
Dentures, on the other hand, require more upkeep. Removable dentures must be removed at night, soaked, and cleaned daily to avoid issues like gum disease or infections. They also require routine check-ups for adjustments as your facial structure changes over time.
Functional Benefits to Replace Missing Teeth
Veneers improve the shape of your teeth and strengthen them, especially if you have chipped teeth or minor fractures. They can protect your natural teeth and tooth enamel from further damage. Additionally, veneers do not interfere with your speech or eating habits, giving you full functionality.
Dentures, however, can sometimes cause difficulties in chewing and speaking, particularly if they don’t fit well. Permanent dentures offer more stability, but even these options can take time to adjust to.
Procedure and Time Frame
Veneers and dentures differ in procedure and time frame. If you’re considering veneers, the process will be relatively quick and straightforward. Typically, it involves two to three visits to your dentist over approximately six weeks. During these visits, your dentist will prepare your existing teeth, take precise impressions, and fit the custom-made veneers. Final adjustments ensure a perfect fit and a natural look.
On the other hand, getting dentures is a more extended process. It requires a series of appointments to thoroughly analyse your mouth, take detailed impressions, and create casts. These steps are crucial to ensure that your dentures fit comfortably and function effectively. The entire process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of your case and the type of dentures you need.
When Dentures May Be Necessary
Although veneers offer numerous advantages, there are cases where dentures may be the better option. If you have extensive missing teeth or suffer from significant oral health issues like advanced gum disease, complete dentures or partial dentures might be necessary to replace missing teeth effectively.
In some cases, combining veneers and dentures might be possible. For instance, if you have some remaining teeth, partial dentures can replace several missing teeth, while veneers boost the appearance of your natural teeth.
Additionally, dental implants can be used together with dentures for patients who prefer a fixed solution, offering a stable and permanent alternative. Implant posts secure replacement teeth, providing the benefits of both options.
The Cosmetic Edge of Veneers in Cosmetic Dentistry
One of the strongest arguments for veneers is their cosmetic appeal. Whether you choose porcelain veneers or composite veneers, they offer significant cosmetic improvements that dentures simply cannot match. Veneers are perfect for individuals looking to:
- Conceal aesthetic imperfections like tooth decay or discolouration
- Protect the front surface of the teeth while maintaining a natural appearance
- Restore chipped teeth and minor cracks
- Achieve a beautiful smile in just a few dental visits
Consider Your Budget and Insurance Coverage
Budget and insurance coverage are important factors when choosing between veneers and dentures. Veneers tend to be more expensive, with starting prices around 1,500 AUD per tooth. Although the initial cost is higher, veneers provide a long-lasting, natural-looking enhancement, making them a worthwhile investment for those prioritising cosmetic improvement. It’s also a good idea to check with your insurance provider, as some plans may partially cover some of the cost.
On the other hand, dentures are often a more affordable option, with starting prices at 500 AUD, depending on the type. While they can require more frequent maintenance and adjustments over time, dentures offer a practical solution for replacing missing teeth. Consulting with your dentist and insurance provider helps you decide which option better fits your budget and dental needs.
Alternatives to Consider
If veneers or dentures aren’t the right fit for you, several alternative options exist. Dental implants are a favourable option for replacing missing teeth. This procedure involves surgically fixing artificial tooth roots into the jawbone, providing a sturdy foundation for artificial teeth. Dental implants are considered a permanent solution offering the same appearance and feeling of the natural teeth.
Another option is dental bridges, which involve attaching artificial teeth to surrounding natural teeth. This can be an effective way to replace missing teeth without surgery.
Ultimately, consulting with a dentist will help you determine the best course of treatment for your unique needs and budget. Whether you choose veneers, dentures, or another option, the goal is to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that you can be proud of.
Conclusion: Veneers vs Dentures – Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between veneers and dentures depends on your dental needs, preferences, and goals. If you’re looking for a durable, natural-looking, and minimally invasive way to improve your smile, veneers are a fantastic option. They offer comfort, longevity, and unmatched cosmetic appeal, especially for those with aesthetic imperfections but healthy existing teeth.
Dentures may be necessary for those with extensive missing teeth or serious oral health issues, though they require more maintenance and potential discomfort. If you’re unsure which solution is right for you, it’s always best to consult with a cosmetic dentist who can evaluate your situation and guide you to the best decision.
Contact Infinity Dental Care today at (02) 9159 6237 to discuss how veneers can help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of!
References:
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dental veneers. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23522-dental-veneers
MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Dentures. https://medlineplus.gov/dentures.html#:~:text=Dentures%20are%20false%20teeth%20made,may%20feel%20strange%20at%20first.
Natrusmile. (n.d.). What are temporary veneers?. https://www.natrusmile.com/blogs/news/what-are-temporary-veneers?srsltid=AfmBOootyfKCbu59OtVeRwY0yIaM14lNrehkroL2T6s2RkEsI2j7RLGY
Healthline. (n.d.). Dental bridge. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-bridge