When your natural teeth no longer function or look quite like they used to, you might wonder whether veneers or dentures are a suitable treatment option for you. Made from durable, natural-looking materials, both of these prosthetics can effectively restore the appearance of your smile. However, they are each used in different oral health situations. To better understand your restorative and cosmetic dentistry options, consider this brief guide on the difference between dentures and veneers.

Dentures Vs. Veneers

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are full or partial sets of artificial teeth designed to replace those that have been lost or extracted. These devices are custom designed by a skilled dentist to fit over your gums — usually with the help of some type of adhesive. With a proper fit, dentures can support natural chewing and speaking activities, while providing a natural appearance. Unlike many other cosmetic and restorative solutions, these devices are designed to be removed and cleaned with a special solution on a daily basis.  

What Are Veneers?

Compared to dentures, veneers are a much smaller cosmetic dentistry device. Crafted from dental porcelain, these prosthetics resemble thin tooth-colored shells. Custom veneers are bonded to the front of teeth for a variety of reasons like to cover a crack or chip, hide permanent discoloration, close tooth gaps, or strengthen week enamel. Despite their small size, veneers can stand up to most oral activities and can last up to 10 years before replacement is needed.

Are Dentures or Veneers Right for Me?

The state of your teeth will determine whether veneers or dentures are right for you. If you’re missing several teeth, or need to have some extracted, dentures may be the better fit. But if you’re trying to fix minor cosmetic issues for otherwise healthy teeth, you’re a better candidate for veneers.

Although veneers and dentures are great solutions to restore smiles, they aren’t the only cosmetic treatments you might consider. If these prosthetics aren’t right for you, your dentist may recommend the use of dental implants, crowns, or bridges instead.

Whether you’ve got a chipped tooth or have lost a few, Susan Kleier, DMD is a skilled dentist who is equipped to restore the vibrancy and functionality of your smile. Serving patients of all ages in the Lexington, KY, area, this dentist is backed with high-quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry resources, including dental veneers, dentures, and implants. Whatever solution is right for you, Dr. Kleier will take a caring approach to ensure your treatment delivers reliable results in the most comfortable way possible. To learn more about these services, visit this local dentist online. For appointments, call a friendly staff member at (859) 225-1188.