Dental Veneers vs. Dentures: What is the Difference?

Dental veneers and dentures are among the most common treatments that dental providers use to restore patients' smiles. Veneers are thin shells that fit over natural teeth to improve their appearance, while dentures replace missing teeth and restore oral function. Although these treatments serve different purposes, they can sometimes work in combination through a smile makeover to achieve a more complete and confident smile. Learning more about their differences can reveal why a provider would recommend one over the other, or both.

What dental veneers are, and how they work

Dental veneers are porcelain or composite resin shells that dental providers bond to the front surfaces of natural teeth. These restorations are common for enhancing the appearance of discolored, chipped, worn-down, or slightly misaligned teeth. Veneers offer a minimally invasive option for improving the smile while preserving much of the natural tooth structure. They can fix cosmetic imperfections such as:

• Uneven spacing
• Tooth shape irregularities
• Minor alignment problems

Veneers are most effective when used on healthy teeth that simply need visual or structural improvement. Since they rely on the integrity of existing teeth, they are ideal for patients looking to refine their appearance without requiring full-tooth replacement. Veneers offer an immediate and transformative upgrade to the smile that, with proper care, can last 10 to 15 years.

Understanding dentures

Dentures are dental prosthetics that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. These removable devices come in two main types: full dentures, which replace all the teeth in the upper or lower arch, and partial dentures, which replace multiple missing teeth while preserving the remaining natural ones. Modern dentures contain high-quality acrylics and metals for comfort, durability, and a natural appearance.

The primary goal of dentures is to restore the ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently after tooth loss. They also help maintain facial structure by supporting the lips and cheeks, as they can sag over time without tooth support. These are just a few reasons why dentures remain a reliable and affordable choice for restoring the smile in cases of extensive tooth loss or gum disease.

Which is the right treatment for you?

Determining whether dental veneers or dentures are the right solution for a patient depends on the number of missing teeth, the condition of existing teeth, and long-term oral health goals. Veneers are most suitable when natural teeth are present and structurally sound but require cosmetic improvement. In contrast, dentures are ideal when multiple or all teeth are missing.

In cases where some natural teeth remain but there are gaps due to missing teeth, a combination of both treatments may be appropriate. Partial dentures can restore function by filling in the missing areas, while dental veneers can enhance the look of the remaining teeth. This comprehensive approach supports both aesthetic goals and daily functionality, offering a more balanced and tailored treatment plan.

Contact our team today

Dental veneers restore the smile in a different way than dentures, as the latter is designed to replace teeth. However, a dental provider may combine these treatments (and others) when developing a smile makeover plan. Want to learn more about restoring or enhancing your smile? Contact our Camas team today to get started.

Request an appointment here: https://designdentistry.com or call Design Dentistry at (360) 928-6050 for an appointment in our Camas office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates in Camas, WA.