Veneers vs. Dentures Treatment Process, Pros and Cons

If you are reading this article, most likely you have are wondering about Veneers vs. dentures. What would be the first thing you notice when someone approaches you? It should be their physical appearance, right? When people approach us, they first see our facial features. Our smiles play a significant role in people’s first impressions of us. Most, if not all, individuals wish to have the perfect dental appearance. We all dream of having snow-white teeth, such as those of the celebrities that we admire and adore. However, more than 60% of the world’s population have what we would consider ‘imperfect teeth.’ Even a mild discoloration makes an individual question their confidence. Years of drinking caffeinated beverages, consuming alcohol, eating some types of food, and physical traumas may cause minor cosmetic issues. A sad fact is that most people fall into the traps of fraudsters who pretend to sell cosmetic products that correct minor dental problems, especially teeth discoloration.

Veneers vs. Dentures Treatments

Fortunately, several professional cosmetic procedures correct most of the existing dental disorders. According to evidence-based statistics, more than 50% of the United States population visit dental experts for various correctional dental procedures every year. We are talking about crooked teeth, misaligned jaw, tooth discoloration, chipped teeth, and gapped teeth, among others. Do you have any of the mentioned and other minor dental issues? We want to introduce you to dental veneers and dentures. These are some of the common dental procedures that correct minor and, in some cases, severe dental issues. This article will highlight essential details concerning veneers vs. dentures, veneers’ cost, and denture’s cost breakdown, to mention a few.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin coverings placed at the front of teeth, consisting of either porcelain or composite resin. They are effective for candidates who have severely discolored teeth that are impossible to correct through bleaching. Veneers are perfect for individuals with gaps, discolored teeth, chipped teeth, and damaged teeth from trauma. People who have advanced gum disease, untreated cavities, crooked teeth, and bruxism should not get veneers. This will only cover the underlying problems and cause more complicated issues.

Types of veneers

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers consist of composite resin. They come in two categories; direct and indirect veneers. Dentists manufacture direct composite veneers on the premises and apply them directly to your teeth. On the other hand, indirect composite veneers are custom made; therefore, you will require an appointment for the application process. The difference between the two categories does not lie in their material composition but in the application process.

Application Process of Composite Veneers

Direct composite veneers can be applied even without tooth preparation. However, the typical application process is short. First, the dentist cleans your teeth. The next step is removing a thin layer on your tooth, though this step is unnecessary if the process requires minor reshaping changes. The prosthodontist will then etch your enamel for proper adhesion to the composite resin material. With the adhesive help, the dentist attaches the resin to the enamel and hardens the composite using ultraviolet light.

The Benefits of Composite Veneers

They are cost-effective
Composite veneers can correct several cosmetic problems.
They require a single appointment visit.
Direct composite veneers have a straightforward application process.
Composite veneers are easy to repair.
Dentists can apply several composite veneers in a single visit.
Chances of gum damage are low.
They appear natural.
They can last between 4 and 6 years.
Less damage to teeth as the process is less invasive.

Disadvantages of Composite Veneers

Composite veneers stain within a short period.
The resin material is weak and may chip over time.
Patients need replacement frequently.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers consist of porcelain material. They are the gold-standard veneers. The process of application of the veneers is similar to that of applying composite veneers. The only difference is that they are custom-made, unlike direct composite veneers. Also, they require two appointments for the successful completion of the application procedure.

The Application Process of Composite Veneers

During the first appointment, the dentist shaves down the enamel to a thickness about the same size as the veneers that will be in place. If you have decay, the dental expert will extend the shaving down to eliminate the decay. However, this activity takes place with precaution to avoid trimming your teeth beyond the maximum boundary.
Next, the dentist studies your dental formula to make an accurate impression of your teeth. While at it, the expert also takes note of the natural color of your teeth. These details are of importance to the laboratory in reference to manufacturing veneers with a perfect fit.
The prosthodontist then attaches temporary veneers to the shaved down teeth. The temporary material should last for 1-2 weeks.
At the next appointment, the dental surgeon removes the temporary veneers, cleans, and polishes your teeth.
Using a special cement applied to the custom made veneers, the expert attaches the prosthetics to your teeth.
Lastly, ultraviolet light hardens the veneers then the dentist makes necessary readjustments.

The Pros of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are long-lasting compared to other categories. The prosthetics can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance.
They are thin and appear extremely natural.
The porcelain material is strong.
They hardly stain.
Porcelain veneers do not harm your gums.
Dentists can apply porcelain veneers without necessarily trimming natural teeth.

The Cons of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are the most expensive of veneer categories.
They require special polishing.
The application process requires a more invasive procedure, unlike the process of applying composite and other types of veneers.
Successful applications require two or more appointments.
Tooth decay may develop under the veneers.

Veneers vs. Crowns

The primary difference between the two prosthetics is that veneers cover only the front part of teeth while crowns cap the whole tooth. The application procedure of veneers is less invasive compared to that of crowns. Nonetheless, crowns appear more realistic than veneers.

Dentures

Dentures are removable dental prosthetics for missing teeth. They consist of either porcelain or plastic material. Dentures are common in seniors because they lose some or all their teeth as they age. They are also convenient for people with missing teeth after a traumatic experience or severe underlying oral conditions. The common causes of tooth loss include aging, tooth decay, severe cavities, facial injury, and periodontal disease. Fortunately, dentures can fix all of the circumstances mentioned above because the prosthetics look like natural teeth.

Types of Dentures

There are two primary types of dentures: complete and partial dentures.

Complete Dentures

They are applied when one is missing all teeth. They compose of a plastic or acrylic base that matches the color of your gums. Oral adhesives hold the complete dentures in place. They are convenient for candidates because they are easily removable. Full dentures come in two categories. They can either be conventional or immediate. Prosthodontist place immediate dentures right after removal of natural teeth. The candidate does not need to wait for the healing period to have false teeth. However, they are temporary solutions before placement of the conventional complete dentures. The placement of conventional dentures takes place 8-12 weeks after the removal of teeth. They are better than the immediate dentures because, at the time of their placement, the gum is fully healed.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are convenient for candidates who still have some of their natural teeth. Similar to complete dentures, they are easily removable. They consist of false teeth sitting on a plastic base. For holding the teeth in place, the prosthetics come with a metal framework. A dentist places a false crown in the spaces of missing teeth and attaches the false teeth. There are two types of partial dentures; cast and acrylic dentures.

Cast partial dentures compose a solid and thin metal framework that allows for the addition of teeth in the future. They encompass ultra-thin cobalt-chromium alloy, which aids in stability and enhanced strength. The cast partial dentures are beneficial because they more rigid fit and cause minimum gum irritation.

Also known as dental flippers, partial acrylic dentures consist of an all-acrylic resin material that appears as natural teeth. They often have supportive metal clasps but that is optional, depending on a patient’s specific needs. They are cost-effective compared to partial cast dentures. Nevertheless, dental flippers may be pretty uncomfortable due to the thick acrylics. In conjunction with that, they may lead to gagging. Moreover, they have a weak base, and long-term use can cause receding gums.

Implant Supported Dentures

The prosthetic replacements are excellent alternatives for individuals who need a permanent fixture. With the help of implants consisting of titanium screws, custom crowns, and the implant itself, a dentist attaches false teeth in the spaces of missing teeth. However, the procedure requires more than one visit with a waiting time of about 3 to 6 months. This is because the titanium screws must appropriately fuse with the jawbone before placing the false crowns and teeth. Implant-supported dentures are among the most reliable prosthetics for missing teeth due to their excellent stability; the titanium screws anchor the implants containing false teeth directly to the jawbone. Furthermore, the implants prevent osteoporosis, thereby aiding in maintaining a candidate’s jaw shape and strength.

Learn more about Implant Supported Dentures

Snap-In Dentures

Snap-on dentures encompass titanium screws fused in a candidate’s jawbone and false teeth attached to an implant that is removable at any time. An implant that holds the prosthetics consists of snaps that attach to the screws fused in the jawbone. The snap-in dentures are convenient for a candidate who needs a more stable solution than traditional dentures. More so, they are versatile compared to implant-supported dentures. Similar to the implant-support dentures, the snap-on prosthetics prevent bone atrophy.

Dentures Application Procedure

First, the dental expert will study the patient’s jaw to make an impression of the teeth and jaw shape. This step is the most important as it determines if the custom-made prosthetic will be a perfect fit.
The next step involves a complete x-ray examination to ensure no underlying issues that would cause future complications.
The orthodontist then makes a mold of the upper and lower gums.
During the second visit, the dentist will review the alignment between the lower and upper jaw. This step ensures that the candidate gets dentures with a correct fit.
Dental experts recommend temporary lose fitting dentures with a wax base before the placement of the final custom-made dentures. The temporary prosthetics mimic a candidate’s oral appearance and size. This includes the shape, color, size, and length of the patient’s natural teeth.
At the final visit, the dentist will place the final custom-made teeth attached to a base that mimics the color of the gums.

Benefits of Dentures

They are easily removable.
They last long with proper care.
Dentures appear like natural teeth.
Every patient gets unique prosthetics, depending on specific needs.
The prosthetics improve your smile.
They prevent facial sagging.
Dentures improve your confidence.
The dental-support feature enhances speech and eating habits.

Problems with Dentures

Dentures may feel uncomfortable during the first few days or weeks.
The prosthetics can be loose, making it difficult to speak and eat.
They require a high level of maintenance to avoid infection.
Candidates must remove dentures overnight.
Alternatives to Dentures

Though more expensive, dental implants are more effective compared to dentures. Dental implants are supported by screws fused with the jawbone; therefore, there is no room for loosening. The implants can last a lifetime with proper care. Overdentures, too are fantastic alternatives to dentures. Overdentures offer stability as they do not move around. The prosthetics receive support from strong implants. Another excellent alternative is the use of bridges, which get their support from crowns. Dental bridges rarely slip while you chew and speak.

Veneers vs. Dentures

There are major differences between Veneers and Dentures. The primary difference between veneers and dentures is that veneers attach to the front of existing teeth while veneers replace missing teeth. Also, dentures are removable while veneers are permanent once applied.

Cost of Prosthetics: Veneers vs. Dentures

The cost of veneers in Houston depends on the number of teeth involved, type of veneer material, color of veneers, and the number of dental visits. Composite resin veneers can cost anything between $600 and $1500 per tooth. The price of porcelain veneers is roughly $2000 per tooth.

Dentures Cost

Dentures are not necessarily inexpensive. At Voss Dental in Houston, Texas, a complete set of dentures ranges from $2500 to $6000. Partial dentures cost anything between $600 and $2200. The prices depend on the preparation steps involved, such as tooth extraction and diagnostic casts. Fortunately, Voss Dental in Houston Texas, supports insurance coverage to help a patient meet the financial needs.

Learn more about Dentures Cost

Voss Dental in Houston Texas

Voss Dental is a reputable non-profit-based organization that guarantees you a successful restoration of your beautiful smile at the most affordable rates in Texas. We are also glad to offer you essential information concerning veneers vs. dentures. To find out more about our exquisite orthodontic services, visit our website at https://vossdental.com.