4 Major Differences Between Dentures and Veneers
If you’re trying to improve your dental health and want to get your smile into shape, the number of options you have could seem confusing at first. Bonding, veneers, bridges, implants, and dentures all have their purpose. While there are similarities between some of them, such as bridges and dentures, others like veneers and dentures are not interchangeable at all. Out of all the contrasts between those two, these are the four major differences.
1- Covering vs. Replacing Teeth
Veneers cover existing teeth, while dentures replace teeth. If you have a tooth that’s basically healthy, even if it looks bad, your dentist isn’t going to pull the tooth and give you dentures. Instead, you’ll have the option to get a veneer, which is a very thin shell made of composite resin or porcelain. This is cemented to the tooth to give it a new, clean, intact appearance. Veneers don’t change color, so while they can be applied to one tooth only, people tend to get more than one to ensure all the teeth next to the veneer are consistent in color.
Dentures are removable fake teeth. You can get full dentures, which look like a whole row of teeth, or partial dentures that replace a couple or a few teeth. The teeth in partial dentures are attached to a structure that allows you to nestle the fake teeth in the gap while keeping it steady.
2- Permanent vs. Removable
Veneers are permanent, while dentures are removable. You can get dental bridges that are like partial dentures cemented into place, but actual dentures are ones you can remove whenever you want. Note that despite being permanent, veneers do need replacement every few years. The length of time between veneer applications depends on the material used.
Dentures will need to be replaced occasionally due to wear and changes in your mouth. However, if you take care of the set you have, it should last for several years.
3- Increasing vs. Avoiding Sensitivity
Veneers may increase tooth sensitivity while dentures have no effect on it whatsoever. Part of the process for adding veneers to your teeth involves removing some of the enamel from the tooth. Even though the veneer will cover that area, your tooth can still become sensitive (or become more sensitive, if you already have issues) to temperature changes and other triggers.
Dentures don’t do that. Removable dentures and permanent bridges don’t require modification of the surrounding teeth. It is possible that if the dentures don’t fit correctly that they can affect adjacent teeth, but that can be adjusted.
4- Cosmetic vs. Medically Necessary Work
Finally, veneers are considered cosmetic work while dentures are considered medically necessary, which affects insurance payments and how much assistance you might receive from charities or public programs if you’re low-income. Dental insurance doesn’t pay for veneers because their purpose is just to make otherwise healthy teeth look better. However, dentures fill gaps and help restore your bite, thus preserving your ability to eat and chew properly. That makes them medically necessary and opens them up to insurance coverage.
If you have more questions about veneers, dentures, bridges, and other procedures to make your smile look great, contact your dentist. You deserve to have a beautiful smile.
