Dental Veneers vs. Dental Implants: What's the Difference?

A small chip in your tooth, a dark tooth that won’t brighten, or an empty space from a missing tooth are all common reasons to look into restorative or cosmetic dental treatments like veneers or dental implants. These two treatments often get compared to one another because they can both turn a smile from something you hide to something you’re excited to share with the world. 

Around 81% of people don’t believe they have a very nice smile. But with so many modern dental treatments available, it’s easier now than ever before to find the perfect smile makeover treatment. 

Read on to get an honest comparison of dental implants and dental veneers, by the best dentist in Mountain View, including which treatment choice lasts longer and looks more natural. 

The Difference Between Veneers & Dental Implants

Veneers and dental implants can both improve a smile, yet the reasons for choosing one over the other are completely different: 

• Veneers work with the teeth you already have as thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surface of your teeth. A veneer brightens the color of your tooth, smooths out small chips, or fixes uneven edges.
• Dental implants offer a permanent replacement for a missing tooth. The implant itself is surgically placed in the jaw to act as a new tooth root, and once healed, it holds a custom dental crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth

In short, veneers are used to refresh a still healthy tooth, while implants replace what has been lost. Both treatments leave you with a long-lasting, beautiful smile. 

Questions That Can Help You Decide Between Dental Veneers and Dental Implants

Deciding between veneers and dental implants can be a difficult decision, but understanding what each option offers can help make the choice much easier:

1. What is the Process of Getting Veneers Compared to Dental Implants?

Getting veneers and getting dental implants is very different from the very first appointment: 

• Veneers involve smoothing a thin layer of enamel, creating a custom shell from composite resin or porcelain, and then bonding it in place. This is usually done within just one or two visits.
• Dental implants begin with a minor surgery to place a titanium post in the jaw, followed by a three to six-month healing period as the bone grows around it before a permanent crown is placed. During the healing period, you’ll have a temporary crown that looks and acts like a real tooth. 

2. Do Dental Implants Last Longer Than Veneers?

The lifespan of veneers and dental implants is a big deciding factor for most people. Veneers usually last about 10 to 15 years with proper dental care and good at-home oral hygiene habits. This means you may need to get them replaced at some point, depending on how old you are when you get them. Dental implants, on the other hand, commonly last over 20 years, often the rest of your life. However, the dental crown attached to the implant may need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years. 

3. Do Dental Implants or Veneers Look More Natural?

Having a natural-looking smile is often at the top of mind for people looking into veneers or implants. The great news is that both options offer a natural-looking dental restoration. In fact, both veneers and dental implants are shaped and colored to match neighboring teeth. They also both remain sturdy and natural when chewing and speaking.

4. Are Your Teeth Healthy Enough for Dental Veneers? 

A good way to decide between veneers and implants is to find out if your teeth are healthy enough for veneers. Tooth discoloration and dental stains are usually not a problem, but your tooth and neighboring teeth must be free from tooth decay and gum disease for a veneer to be successful. If necessary, a dental filling or gum disease treatment can help get your teeth healthy enough for a veneer. 

Finding the Best Dentist in Mountain View for Dental Implants and Dental Veneers

It’s easy to feel unsure about big decisions, like getting veneers or dental implants. But choosing an expert dentist who can explain each step before it begins can help. Dr. Jennifer Silvers and her team take the time to understand your concerns and your smile goals, whether you want to cover a few minor imperfections or refresh your entire smile. 

At our state-of-the-art clinic, Dr. Silvers and her compassionate team are dedicated to offering a patient-first approach to dental care and including you in every decision, so your final results are exactly what you hoped for.  

Ready to get a smile you’re proud to show off with help from the best dentist in Mountain View?