Weighing the pros and cons of veneers vs implants will help you determine the best procedure for your needs.
Once you decide to talk to your dentist about ways to restore your smile, you will likely have to choose between two restorative dental procedures: porcelain veneers or dental implants. The level of tooth decay you have as well as each procedure’s potential impact on your oral health issues are the key factors to consider and discuss with your Little Rock dentist. There is a significant difference in the cost of veneers vs implants that you will have to factor in to your decision, too.
Severity of Your Tooth Damage
Porcelain veneers work best as a total fix for minor cosmetic damage to your teeth, including chips, cracks, and stains. You may also want to select veneers if you are attempting to fix any slight spacing or alignment issues without the use of braces. For major damage, such as teeth broken at the gum line or other restorative dental issues, dental implants will provide the most long-term benefit. Implants fully replace the entire broken or damaged tooth structure, which has an added benefit of preventing infections and other complications in the future.
Bite Correction Needs
If you recently lost a tooth and are looking to prevent bite alignment issues that impact your ability to smile, chew, or talk, you should consider dental implants. The implant fills in the gap to help your teeth remain aligned and well-spaced. When placing the implant, your dentist may build up your jawbone or gum tissue to further correct or protect your bite. Veneers, on the other hand, cannot rectify bite issues, though they can resolve perceived aesthetic imperfections caused by poorly spaced teeth.
Longevity of the Procedures
When you invest in dental implants, you are paying for a repair and preventative care that will last at least 25 years. Your age at the time of the implant placement process will greatly influence the potential need for implant replacement in the future. Porcelain veneers, however, will usually last about 10 years before requiring replacement or adjustment. Veneers are very quick and easy to replace since preparing your teeth for them makes up the bulk of the work during the initial procedure.
Weigh the Veneers vs. Implants Cost
When you weigh the cost of veneers vs implants, you have to consider your time and effort in addition to your finances. The financial costs for implants and veneers over the course of your life may actually come out fairly even. Veneers can cost up to $1,000 per tooth, with replacements required every 10 years, while implants can cost up to $5,000 per tooth for a relatively more permanent solution.
Your time commitment for implants will actually outweigh veneers, especially if you need bone or gum grafts placed to support your dental implant. Additionally, you may need to go to additional checkups for your dental implants, while porcelain veneers are fairly low maintenance once they are placed over your tooth.
If you are ready to restore your smile with porcelain veneers or dental implants, contact Arkansas Family Dental at 501.683.8886 to schedule an appointment.
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