Who doesn’t want a great smile? Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons, to feel more confident, or to restore function after tooth loss, many of us explore options for improving our pearly whites.
Two popular solutions that dentists offer are veneers and dentures. But they address very different needs.
So, what are the differences? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each? This article will compare veneers and dentures to help you make the best decision for your individual needs and oral health. By understanding the nuances of each option, you can work with your dentist to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Typically made of porcelain or composite resin, they’re used to enhance your smile.
When you get veneers, very little enamel has to be removed, making the procedure less invasive than dentures or implants.
Who is an ideal candidate for veneers?
Veneers are often recommended for people who have relatively healthy teeth, but who want to improve their smile by addressing issues like:
- Chips
- Discoloration
- Minor misalignment
- Gaps
If you’re looking for a natural, long-lasting way to improve your appearance, veneers might be a good option.
What are dentures?
Dentures are removable false teeth that can replace some or all of your natural teeth. If you’ve lost teeth due to decay, injury, or gum disease, dentures may be the right solution for you.
Dentures can be either partial or full, depending on how many teeth you’ve lost.
- Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth.
- Partial dentures replace some missing teeth and are often held in place by clasps that attach to your remaining teeth.
- Implant-supported dentures offer a more stable and secure fit.
Who is a good candidate for dentures?
Dentures are often a good choice for people who have lost multiple teeth or all of their teeth. They can help with chewing and speaking, along with improving the appearance of your smile.
Compared to dental implants, dentures are often a more affordable way to replace multiple missing teeth.
Veneers vs. dentures: What’s the difference?
Both veneers and dentures can improve the look of your smile, but they do so in very different ways.
Functionality
Veneers are largely cosmetic. They’re designed to improve the appearance of the teeth you already have. They don’t replace missing teeth, but they can make your existing teeth look fantastic.
Dentures, on the other hand, are primarily functional. They replace missing teeth so you can chew and speak normally. Dentures also improve your appearance by filling in the gaps in your smile.
Application
Veneers are permanently bonded to your existing teeth, although the dentist may need to remove a tiny bit of enamel to make them fit properly. Veneers are more permanent than dentures but less permanent than dental implants.
Dentures are removable. A dentist takes impressions of your mouth to create dentures that fit well, but over time, you may need to have them adjusted.
Longevity
Veneers can last for 10 to 15 years, or even longer, if you take good care of them. Grinding your teeth or biting on hard objects can shorten their lifespan.
Dentures typically last for 5 to 10 years, and you may need to have them relined or replaced even sooner than that. Bone loss and other changes in your mouth can affect how well your dentures fit over time.
Veneers: What’s good and what’s not so good
Like any dental procedure, veneers have their pluses and minuses.
Pros
- Natural-looking results. Veneers can be crafted to closely resemble the look of your natural teeth.
- Minimally invasive. Compared to crowns and dentures, veneers require less alteration to your existing teeth.
- Stain resistant. Porcelain veneers, especially, resist staining.
Cons
- Higher upfront cost. Compared to dentures, veneers are more expensive. The exact price will depend on the type of material used and the dentist’s fees.
- Not reversible. Because your dentist has to remove some enamel to put veneers on, the procedure can’t be reversed.
- Can be damaged. Excessive force or teeth grinding can damage veneers.
Pros and cons of dentures
Dentures are a tooth-replacement option with their own set of upsides and downsides.
Pros
- Dentures tend to be more affordable than other options when you’re replacing several missing teeth.
- Dentures can make it easier to chew and speak clearly.
- Dentures may improve the structure and support of your face, reducing the sunken-cheek look that can happen when you lose teeth.
- Getting dentures is usually quicker than getting implants, which can take months.
Cons
- Dentures can feel bulky or unnatural in your mouth and may require some getting used to.
- Dentures can sometimes affect your sense of taste and the way you speak.
- Dentures require regular cleaning and care to prevent problems.
- Dentures don’t last as long as veneers or implants, and you’ll likely need to replace them at some point.
Cost Comparison: Veneers vs. Dentures
Both veneers and dentures represent a significant investment in your oral health. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for each.
Veneers
Veneers typically cost between $800 and $2,500 per tooth. Porcelain veneers generally cost more than composite veneers. The location where you have the procedure done and your dentist’s fees can also affect the price.
Unfortunately, most insurance plans don’t cover veneers because they’re considered a cosmetic procedure.
Dentures
A full set of dentures can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per arch (meaning either the top or bottom set of teeth). Partial dentures generally cost between $1,000 and $2,500. The materials used and the complexity of the denture construction will affect the final price.
Dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost of dentures, so be sure to check with your provider.
Keep in mind that you may also have to pay for preliminary exams and consultations, as well as possible tooth extraction fees if you need to have teeth removed before getting dentures.
Conclusion
Veneers and dentures can dramatically improve your smile, but they address very different dental issues. Veneers are best for fixing the appearance of healthy teeth. If you’re missing teeth, dentures can restore your ability to eat and speak normally, as well as enhancing your smile.
The best way to decide between veneers and dentures is to talk with a dentist. A dentist can evaluate your oral health, understand your goals, and recommend the treatment option that’s most appropriate for you. During a consultation, be sure to ask about the costs, benefits, and potential risks of each treatment.
Whether you choose veneers or dentures, you can look forward to a healthier mouth and a more confident smile. The best option for you will depend on your unique needs, preferences, and budget.