Dentures vs Veneers: The Differences Explained

Smiling doesn’t only give you a friendly persona, it also has health benefits such as improving the immune system and relieving stress. 

However, many people are unhappy with their smiles due to chipped, cracked, or other damages to their teeth. This causes them to be self-conscious about their smile.

Thankfully, there are ways to improve your smile through cosmetic dentistry like dentures and veneers. In this article, you’ll learn more about dentures vs veneers and which one may be right for you. 

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized type of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth. This may include procedures such as:

  • Tooth reshaping
  • Whitening
  • Teeth straightening
  • Bonding
  • Dental implants
  • Veneers
  • Dentures
  • Crowns

The goal of cosmetic dentistry isn’t just to make your teeth look and feel better but also to improve their functionality. Teeth that are damaged or lost make daily activities like eating, drinking, and talking much more difficult. While someone might choose cosmetic dentistry for purely personal reasons, others need cosmetic dentistry to restore function to their mouth. 

Pros of Veneers

Dental veneers are a thin material, mainly composed of resin or porcelain that’s bonded to your tooth. Here are some benefits of veneers. 

1. Veneers are used when your tooth is chipped, cracked, or damaged in any way. When it’s bonded to your tooth, it gives your tooth a more appealing appearance. They do not replace your current tooth, but simply lay over the existing one. 

2. They can look very natural because they’re crafted to blend in with the size and color of your current teeth. Many people never notice you will have them. 

3. There are two types of veneers: indirect and direct. Direct veneers are placed directly over the tooth using resin, while indirect veneers use porcelain and may require more invasive treatment. However, indirect veneers tend to last much longer and have a beautiful effect. 

4. Most veneer procedures are very easy and manageable. There are typically no tooth extractions, anesthesia, and the process can be completed in a couple of dental visits depending on your case. 

5. You can eat and drink almost anything you like. Unless stated by your dentist, there are no restrictions on activities or food. 

Cons of Veneers

Even though getting veneers are a very popular choice for improving the appearance of your teeth, there may be some drawbacks. 

1. They may be prone to chipping if you’re not careful. You’ll have to take great care of your veneers so they last long and serve you well. 

2. They are semi-permanent and may need to be replaced every 5-10 years depending on the material and how they’re cared for. 

3. Veneers cannot be applied to missing teeth or gaps, and only for people who wish to improve their current teeth. You must have existing teeth for veneers. 

Process of Getting Veneers

The process for veneers is quite simple, though it takes place over the course of a few appointments. 

First, you’ll have a consultation with your dentist to deem if you’re a good candidate for veneers. Once you’ve decided on veneers, the dentist will take some x-rays of your teeth and perform an examination. 

At your next appointment, the dentist will size your teeth and put in the order for the veneer, which may take a few weeks to arrive. When it arrives, you’ll come in again to have the veneer bonded to your teeth and make proper adjustments. 

Pros of Dentures

Comparatively, dentures are another way to fix the look of your teeth, however, they offer a different purpose. Here are the benefits of dentures. 

1. Unlike veneers, dentures work to replace missing teeth. They are removable and fit a variety of needs such as replacing one or several of your teeth. 

2. There three different types of dentures: partial, full, or permanent. Partial replace a few teeth, full replaces all your teeth, and permanent dentures are placed into your jawbone and are not removable. 

3. Dentures also look very natural. They are formed to look like your existing teeth if you are getting partial dentures. And like veneers, most people do not even know you have them. 

4. You should expect your dentures to have a long lifespan. In most cases, dentures should last you up to 20 years. 

Cons of Dentures

Even though there are many perks to dentures, it’s important to note their potential drawbacks as well. 

1. If you get removable dentures, you’ll be responsible for cleaning and caring for them. This may be an inconvenience to some people. 

2. Dentures may move around if the adhesive doesn’t stick. You’ll need to ensure that the adhesive that’s required for removable dentures sticks to your mouth. 

3. If you decide to have permanent dentures, they can be quite painful. However, your dentist will work with you to ensure that you experience the least amount of pain possible. 

Process of Getting Dentures

The procedure and process for dentures are a little more invasive than veneers. Here’s what you can expect. 

Similar to veneers, you’ll have a consultation with your dentist to determine if dentures are right for you, and if so, which kind. 

Once your dentist clears you for dentures, you may or may not need to have tooth extractions. After you’ve had any extractions, the dentist creates a mold of your mouth to form the dentures. This happens over a period of several months. 

If you’re having permanent dentures, the dentist will need to put the screws in your jawbone, and this may take several visits as well. 

Dentures VS Veneers: Which is Right For You?

When it comes to dentures vs veneers, the choice is personal. Your dentist can help you decide what your goals are and which cosmetic dentistry treatment is right for you. 

Are you looking for a dentist to assist you with cosmetic dentistry? Our team can help! Contact us today for a free consultation. 

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