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What’s the difference between veneers and dentures?
Veneers are thin coverings that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. They conceal imperfections like chipped teeth or misalignments.
Dentures support the structure of your smile by filling in missing teeth, so you can get back to living life to the fullest. They’re a removable dental prosthetic that restores your ability to eat, speak and live with confidence again.
When choosing between veneers vs. dentures, you’ll want to evaluate the pros and cons of each. Let’s take a look at the key differences between the two so you can determine what’s right for you.
Comparing veneers vs. dentures
Veneers | Dentures | |
| Use | Veneers are bonded to the front surface of existing teeth | Dentures replace missing teeth |
| Function | Primarily for cosmetic enhancement to conceal issues like discoloration, gaps, chips, misaligned teeth, or the treatment of cavities | Ideal for extensive tooth loss, restoring both function and appearance |
| Material | Made from porcelain, ceramic or composite resin | Made from durable acrylic or nylon resins |
| Type | Temporary (snap-on), composite resin bonded and lab fabricated traditional veneers | Full mouth dentures replace all teeth, while partial dentures replace several missing teeth |
Veneers vs. dentures vs. implants
When considering dentures, veneers and implants, factors like health, budget and your own personal smile goals can impact your decision. Explore the pros and cons below and see what’s right for you.
Pros and cons of veneers
All about aesthetics
Pros | Cons |
| Tooth preservation: Minimal alteration to natural teeth | Irreversible: Some enamel is removed when applied |
| Removability: Non-removable, permanently affixed | Cost: Veneers can be expensive and are not always covered by dental insurance |
| Maintenance: Standard oral hygiene care | Non-repairable: Replacement is required if veneers are damaged |
| Durability: Long-lasting with proper maintenance | Oral health risk: Potential for tooth decay under gums |
Pros and cons of dentures
Go-to teeth replacement solution
Pros | Cons |
| Affordability: Dentures are one of the most economical solutions to effectively restore your smile | Discomfort: Can take time getting used to dentures |
| Removability: Easily removable for cleaning and sleeping | Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning and occasional professional adjustments |
| Maintenance: General easy to clean as part of your routine oral hygiene care | Speaking limitations: Can potentially pose a challenge when talking |
| Durability: Can last up to 7 years. Lifespan depends on the quality of | Eating limitations: Dentures may limit the types of food you can eat, avoiding anything too hard or sticky |
Pros of implants
Natural-feeling, non-removable smile solution.
Tooth preservation
Implants preserve bone density because there is minimal impact on adjacent teeth
Removability
Non-removable, firmly anchored in the jawbone
Durability
Longest lasting, permanent solution that most closely resembles your natural smile
Cons of implants
Invasive procedure
Requires surgery and an extended recovery time
Cost
More expensive than other tooth-replacement options and insurance may not cover the cost
Complications
There is a potential for complications, like infection or prolonged healing time
Not everyone qualifies
Patients with certain medical conditions or insufficient bone density may not be candidates for implants
FAQs: Veneers vs. dentures
Is it better to get dentures or veneers?
The choice between dentures and veneers, whether porcelain veneers or composite veneers, depends on your specific oral health needs. Ask your dentist to see which option may be best for you.
What is the difference between permanent dentures and veneers?
Dentures replace missing teeth, while veneers enhance the aesthetics of existing teeth. Also, dentures are removable, while porcelain veneers and composite veneers are not.