A cheerful and bright smile displays confidence and health. However, many of us feel uncomfortable with our smile. Consequently, we are hesitant to flash a full grin and resort to a tight-lipped smile. We tend to compare ourselves to celebrities and models, but would you feel better knowing that their smiles aren’t always natural? Most celebrities were not born with those dazzling white smiles. Their smiles are the product of cosmetic dental surgery! If you are considering dental implants or veneers, it is important to know the difference between the two options to make the best choice.

Dental Implants

If you have lost teeth, the dentist may suggest dental implants. Titanium metal pieces will be inserted into the jawbone. Once the bone and implant fuse, a crown restoration will be performed to finish the procedure. The implants will look almost identical to your natural teeth. Implants work great for the back teeth, since the metallic root won’t be visible. However, dental implants may not be ideal for your front teeth. For your visible teeth, if you’re dealing with chipped, stained, misaligned or worn-down teeth, you might need to consider veneers.

Veneers

If you are going for the Hollywood smile, veneers might be the better choice for you. Veneers tend be the solution for several cosmetic problems: crooked teeth, gaps between the teeth, or cracked and damaged tooth enamel. Dental veneers are medical-grade ceramic and crafted to match your natural teeth. The process is relatively simple: the dentist uses dental adhesive to apply the veneer to each tooth.

How Long Will the Procedure Take?

• Implants: The full process will vary depending on your treatment plan. It can take up to 10 months. Since the jawbone needs to fuse with the implant before finalizing the procedure, the time will vary depending on the person and situation.
• Veneers: With an average of three dental visits, you can have your veneers completed.

How Long Will They Last?

• Implants: They can last a lifetime with routine dental visits. The titanium material fuses with your jawbone- and the metal resists decay and gum problems.
• Veneers: These generally last up to 10 to 15 years. However they are vulnerable to the same damage as your natural teeth; they, too, can chip and/or break. Veneers are also prone to staining.

How Much Will This Cost Me?

• Implants: A total dental implants per tooth can cost around $1,500 to $6,000.
• Veneers: A dental veneer per tooth can range from $800 to $2,000.

Long Story Short

Implants might be your answer if you’re missing teeth and if you’re looking for a solution that’ll last for a lifetime. If your issue is purely cosmetic, veneers might be the best option for you. However, these dental procedures can be expensive and the prices may vary depending on which dentist you go to. Regardless of your decision, either procedure will require a financial commitment and should be paired with consistent follow-ups with your dentist. Prepare yourself with a dental plan to help you with your long-term finances and to encourage routine dental visits. Routine visits -generally every six months- can be covered at little to no cost with the right plan. Find out which plan is the best for you by taking this quiz!