Dental Implants VS Veneers

Serving the Portland OR & Vancouver WA Metro Area

If your natural teeth are cracked, discolored, or misshapen, but have no internal issues, you may be a candidate for veneers or dental implants. Both are cosmetic solutions, but which should you choose?

What are Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of medical grade ceramic, porcelain or composite material that are attached to the front of the tooth, covering everything above the gumline. Veneers will not last a lifetime but implants are designed to.

Advantages of Veneers

• Easy to apply
• Offer a natural appearance
• Minimally invasive
• Easy to maintain

Disadvantages of Veneers

Veneers are applied over a carved down tooth so your tooth can still decay and crack. Veneers are also more susceptible to staining, breaking, and chipping. Because of their fragility, they generally only last around 10 to 15 years, depending on which type you get.

Not everyone is a good candidate for veneers, especially those who have weakened teeth or grinding issues.

Cost of Veneers

The cost for a single veneer ranges between $250 to $3,000 whereas a full mouth of veneers ranges from $10,000 to $40,000. However, the material your veneer is made out of will also impact the price.

What are Dental Implants and How do they Work?

Dental implants are small posts made either from titanium or cubic zirconia that serve as a substitute for the root of a tooth. A prosthetic tooth (crown)  is then connected to the implant that looks and acts as a natural tooth.

Advantages of Dental Implants

• Dental implants are permanent
• Dental implants improve oral health
• Dental implants improve quality of life
• Dental implants provide a natural look and feel
• Dental implants help maintain your facial shape
• Dental implants are easy to maintain, no specialized tools or products are needed.
• Dental implants are made of titanium and fused to the jawbone, so they will last for a lifetime with proper dental hygiene practices.

Dental implants can also completely replace an entire tooth–something a veneer cannot.

The only disadvantage patients experience with dental implants is the cost. While there’s a high upfront cost with dental implants, they are more cost efficient in the long run. Dental implants don’t require care beyond your standard dental routine and repairs to the crown are very infrequent and affordable.

What are Dental Implants and How do they Work?

If you’re interested in cosmetic solutions for your teeth, Swiss Denture and Implant Center is here for you. We’ve provided restorative, preventive, and cosmetic dentistry to the Portland OR and Vancouver WA area for years.

We’ll answer any questions or concerns you may have about dental implants and veners and recommend the best cosmetic solution for your particular situation.