Both dental veneers and implants are two options that can dramatically change your smile, however they are quite different treatments. While both procedures can improve your overall dental aesthetic and functionality they serve different purposes and are suitable for varied dental conditions.

Firstly dental implants are a great solution to replace teeth or a missing tooth, by placing a titanium screw to replace your missing tooth root. Ultimately this supports the new porcelain tooth crafted to blend in with your remaining teeth or veneers. 

Secondly, veneers which are created for chipped teeth, damaged, worn down or misaligned to uplift your smile. They are made from a very thin shell of porcelain and custom made to fit your specific teeth and a personalised look. We also offer our own signature Picasso veneers, hand crafted by our exceptional trained ceramicists using high quality materials, detail and skills in our own lab.

At Vogue Dental Studios we partner with you to create an individualised treatment plan, this may involve a combination of veneers and implants made to blend in with your new smile. We offer customised dental solutions and help you select the best option for you. We proudly serve the Eastern seaboard of Australia, with specialised dental clinics offering premium veneers in Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast. You can book with us now here.

If you’re considering veneers or implants, making an informed choice about your dental care provides a more complete understanding and overview of what can be provided for your dental requirements, especially finding the right solution for your individual needs. 

Provide minor cosmetic solutions and are great for addressing small flaws or imperfections in your smile.

Protect the outer surface of damaged teeth and can eliminate the needs for more extensive treatments

Require very minimal removal of your natural tooth structure, overall around 0.5mm from the tooth surface.

Keep in mind veneers won’t correct any underlying dental issues, and great oral health is required for overall maintenance and upkeep of veneer dental treatments.

Are a long term solution for the replacement of missing or damaged teeth

Implants prevent the surrounding teeth from moving, which can occur when there is a gap in your teeth.

Improve your overall health, this makes it easier to clean teeth regularly, reducing the strain on your other teeth

Can maintain jawbone health and stimulate healthy bone growth, preventing the bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing.

Provide a natural-looking, secure option for missing teeth or damaged teeth. Discover more about our dental implants Sydney, Melbourne, and Gold Coast locations. 

Before and After Results Combination Cases 

Tom’s before and after results Picasso Porcelain Veneers® & Smile With Implants™ Combination

Sam’s before and after results Picasso Porcelain Veneers® & Smile With Implants™ Combination

To explore your options, you can chat with our experienced dentists and healthcare professionals at Vogue Dental Studios for guidance and support on the option that works best for you.

Are Implants or Veneers Suitable for Everyone? 

While veneers and implants can improve the look of your smile, they aren’t always the best option for every individual. 

Our dentists at Vogue Dental will offer a detailed assessment of your teeth based on suitability and consider what options are the best for your specific circumstances, by offering customised solutions to your needs. 

Excellent for those with chipped, discoloured or slightly misaligned teeth

Addresses minor cosmetic imperfections like gaps between teeth or crooked teeth

A great solution for individuals with very healthy gums and teeth, as a strong foundation is required, in order for the veneers to be added to the surface.

Those who clench or grind their teeth regularly, as this can damage the veneers over a quicker period of time. 

Ideal for people with excellent oral hygiene and non-smokers, due to the interference smoking can cause with the healing process that is needed and longevity of implants.

Is suitable for patients with heavily damaged teeth, or several missing teeth, also where the overall structure of teeth cannot  be saved.

Great for individuals who don’t suffer from periodontal disease, healthy gums are required for a successful implant procedure.

-Requires strong bone density in the jaw to correctly support each implant. In some cases, bone grafting may be required prior to implant surgery.

For patients with particular medical conditions, or those who are taking medications that may affect bone healing

Young patients with jaw bones that are still developing and growing.

Before and After Results: Implant Only Cases

Damian’s  Before and After Results Smile With Implants™

\Doreen’s  Before and After Results: Smile With Implants™

Veneers are advantageous for those who want an effective cosmetic solution to uplift the overall look of their smile and oral health.

Require minimal removal of your natural teeth: Veneers only need a small amount of enamel removal, unlike a crown which does require a lot more removal of your tooth. Our professional dentists will only remove the absolute necessary amount needed in order to preserve most of your natural tooth structure.

Visually improved appearance and confidence: Veneers correct issues like discoloration, chips and misalignment of teeth and dramatically uplifting the look of your natural smile. 

Are stain resistant: In particular porcelain veneers, are highly repellent to staining from such drinks as tea, coffee and even red wine, making them long lasting, and to stay whiter for longer.

Simple and short procedure: This generally takes between 2-3 appointments in the chair from start to finish for a complete smile procedure.

Very durable: With proper oral hygiene, veneers can last between 10-15 years or longer.

Custom made: Every single veneer is colour corrected to match the tone of your teeth and shape of your teeth, giving a natural look so it blends in with your remaining teeth.

At Vogue Dental Studios, we offer many types of veneers that are great for a wide variety of cosmetic treatment options. Our dentists are experienced professionals that can help you select the most beneficial type of veneers.

Have been designed and developed by our exceptional team created by our highly skilled ceramists.  Our Picasso veneers provide durability and visually pleasing aesthetics made in our own in house lab.

Angie’s Before and After Results: Picasso Porcelain Veneers®

Dzenana’s Before and After Results: Picasso Porcelain Veneers®

Our premium porcelain veneers are great for:

Customised colour matching that blends with the natural colour of your existing teeth

Natural appearance, developed to mimic the natural translucency of teeth

Highly stain resistant, maintaining a bright and lasting look for many years

Durable to cracking and chipping, due to the porcelain being an incredibly strong and lasting material.

Highly translucent look for a more natural appearance, allowing light to go through in a similar way to real natural teeth. 100% porcelain is naturally translucent when undergoing heat treatment in the lab kiln, a device used to set the porcelain in place.

Reduces the risk of gum irritation and allergic reactions due to biocompatibility. 

Stronger than traditional veneers, due to the highly dense porcelain material making them stronger against chips and cracks.

Eve’s Before & After Results - Picasso Ultra Hybrid Veneers™

Lili’s Before & After Results - Picasso Ultra Hybrid Veneers™

Hybrid styled veneers comprise a hybrid combination between composite and porcelain materials.

This offers less of a tooth reduction required, compared to traditional porcelain veneers

Closely replicates the natural look of a real tooth and is highly durable, due to the mix of materials together compared to traditional composite veneers.

A more affordable option, compared to the pure porcelain, which is another accessible option for a cosmetic makeover.

A highly and cost effective solution for smaller or minor cosmetic smile improvements.

A fairly quick application process that can often be completed in as little as 1 session.

Require either no removal of the original natural tooth or a very small amount with easily reversible options.

Very easy to repair if damaged, and often won’t require a full replacement

For more information on composite veneers vs porcelain veneers check out our valuable resources at our blog online.

As dental implants are inserted into the jawbone, they become a permanent element to the structure of your teeth. They offer a lifelong solution to veneers, despite being more of an expensive procedure, due to being highly durable and can replace damaged or broken teeth.

A permanent solution for missing teeth, and won’t affect the structure of  surrounding teeth.

Look and function just as a natural tooth would be, offering a familiar feeling when eating, drinking and brushing your teeth.

Preserve jawbone health and prevent bone loss, providing structural support for other teeth once inserted and healing is completed.

Our in-depth guide

What are the Differences Between Veneers and Implants?

Teeth spacing is a very common concern we see on a day to day basis. Whether it be spacing, gaps (also known as diastema), or missing teeth, there are several treatment options available to assist you with addressing your concerns, if it is a concern at all. In this day and age, we are all about self love and accepting who we are. Though, I do agree, I also believe in doing what you need to do to love yourself.

Don't get me wrong - some people absolutely rock the gap! Others want it completely shut or even minimized. Rest assured that there are a number of treatment options available to help you get the smile you've always wanted if you're concerned about the space between your teeth. In this article, we'll explore the causes of tooth gaps and discuss the treatment approaches to address this common dental concern.

Gaps between teeth can occur due to various reasons such as:

Natural Tooth Shape: Some individuals naturally have spaces between their teeth due to the size and shape of their teeth or their genetics. 

Missing Teeth: Gaps can result from missing teeth, leading to a shift of the adjacent teeth.

Gum Disease: Periodontal issues can cause gum recession, leading to gaps between teeth.

There are several treatment options for addressing gaps in your smile. The suitability of each treatment will need to be determined by your dentist. Here are some potential options:

Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the surface of the teeth, filling in the gaps. This is a quick, minimally invasive and a more financially viable option.

Braces or clear aligners (such as Invisalign) can gradually shift teeth into their proper positions and close unwanted gaps or spacing. Used in conjunction with IPR (interproximal shaving), this is a great and effective option to remove gaps.

Porcelain Veneers are thin, custom-made shells placed over the front of teeth. They can cover small gaps and provide an aesthetically pleasing result.

For gaps due to missing teeth, implants or bridges can fill the space, providing a more permanent solution.

Retainers can be used to maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment, preventing the recurrence of gaps.

A consultation with a dentist or orthodontist is crucial in determining the most suitable treatment for your specific case. Your dentist will consider your dental health, the cause of the gap, and make recommendations based on your desired outcome.

Gaps between teeth can be addressed effectively with various treatment options, catering to individual needs and preferences. A personalized approach as well as a consultation with a dental professional can help you achieve a confident, gap-free smile that you'll be proud to show off.

Treatment Choices for a Flawless Smile

Say Goodbye to Gaps

In recent years, cosmetic dentistry has grown significantly in popularity, particularly due to the exposure we have seen of the results you can get on social media. The advancement in technology and the information that has come out regarding the procedure has made us feel more comfortable about exploring it. There’s so much information out there for us to do our own research and make an informed decision when it comes to a lot of cosmetic treatments. Despite this, there are still misunderstandings and misconceptions regarding cosmetic dentistry and how it can have potential detrimental impacts on oral health. 

Firstly, it is important to understand what cosmetic dentistry is. Cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers, dental bonding, teeth whitening, and dental implants are all aimed at enhancing the aesthetics and sometimes function of teeth. These procedures are, more often than not, optional. In some cases, if you’ve got weak, brittle teeth or if you’ve just had a root canal treatment, crowns would be recommended to protect and prolong the affected tooth. In most cases, patients would’ve done their own research and have decided that these are the cosmetic treatments they’re wanting to look into. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Techniques and Tooth Enamel

One frequent concern is that the application of cosmetic dentistry can harm your tooth enamel. However, trustworthy cosmetic dentists put a high priority on maintaining tooth structure and employ minimally evasive procedures. For instance, safe bleaching agents are used in tooth whitening operations, and when they are applied properly, do not damage enamel. Porcelain veneers adhere to the tooth's surface similarly while maintaining the integrity of the enamel with the use of new technology veneers, depending on where you go. 

Contrary to popular belief, some cosmetic procedures can actually help to enhance your oral health and dispel the myth that cosmetic dentistry ignores long-term oral health. Dental implants, for example, retain jaw structure and restore missing teeth while also preventing bone loss. Orthodontic procedures, such as braces or clear aligners, fix bite problems in addition to straightening teeth, increasing oral function and averting further issues.

It's important to speak with an experienced cosmetic dentist who can evaluate your dental health and choose the best cosmetic procedure for your individual requirements and desired outcome. Before pursuing cosmetic operations, a thorough evaluation should be sought to ensure that any underlying oral health issues are first attended to prior to addressing your cosmetic concerns. 

While cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile, maintaining good oral hygiene habits is crucial to preserving the results and to protect your general oral health. Regular brushing, flossing, and checkup and cleans are essential for maintaining good oral health and extending the life of your aesthetic treatments.

Though in this day and age, cosmetic dentistry is often no longer intrinsically harmful to your teeth when carried out by trained oral healthcare professional, it is extremely important to do your own research and make an informed decision. Address the common misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry and choose your dental care provider with knowledge and experience. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. If you‘re thinking about it, make the time and start with an appointment with a professional cosmetic dentist.

Let's discuss the many misconceptions

Is cosmetic dentistry bad?

It may seem like there are very limited options for your smile when you are actually missing teeth. Fortunately, dentistry has come a long way from just “pulling out teeth” to actually doing everything we can to try and save the tooth first. My mum told me back in our country over 50 years ago, whenever they had a toothache, the problem tooth would simply just be pulled out. Done, end of story, no questions asked - and this was the norm! Thankfully, with modern dentistry, we often do everything that we can possibly do (and afford) to try and save our teeth. Sometimes, this isn’t always the case, so it’s important to understand what choices are available to you for repairing your smile if you are missing teeth. Dentures and dental implants are two of the most widely used alternatives. There are significant distinctions to take into account while deciding between the two options which we will go through in this article.

Dental implants are a long-term solution for tooth loss. They are made up of dental crowns fastened to a titanium post that is placed into the jawbone. With the right maintenance, implants are extremely durable and can endure for decades. They are a popular option for individuals seeking a strong, natural-looking solution because they also appear and perform like real teeth. Unlike dentures, they aren’t able to be removed.

Dental implants also aid in stopping any additional jaw bone loss which is one of its greatest benefits. The bone around the lost tooth may eventually start to degenerate. The bone is stimulated by dental implants, which also aid to maintain its strength and density. Additionally, implants can aid in preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting, which can eventually lead to issues with your bite and dental alignment.

Dentures are removable dental prosthetics used to fill up tooth gaps. They are made out of artificial teeth that are joined to a metal or plastic framework that covers the gums. Depending on the number of teeth you are missing, you can either get a complete or partial denture.

Dentures have the advantage of costing significantly less than dental implants. Additionally, they don't involve any surgical procedures and are non-invasive. For people who have several missing teeth or who are unable to have implant surgery owing to health issues, lack of bone density or cost factors, dentures can be a great alternative.

In saying this, dentures do have certain drawbacks. They may slip or move around in the mouth, which can be uncomfortable, particularly when speaking or eating. As the shape of the jawbone changes over time, they may also need to be replaced and require routine adjustments.

As always, a consultation and discussion will be best to determine what’s right for you. The amount of missing teeth you have, your overall dental health, your budget, and your way of life are all things to take into account when exploring options. 

Dental implants are often the preferable option if you're searching for a longer-lasting, natural-looking fix and prepared for the upfront expenses. In saying this, dentures might be a more sensible choice if you have several missing teeth or are unsuitable to have implant surgery.

In any instance, it's crucial to talk about your possibilities and options with your dentist and pick a course of action that accommodates your particular requirements and objectives. With the appropriate care, you can have a beautiful, healthy, and functioning smile.

A comprehensive comparison to address missing teeth

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

You may have heard the terms "cosmetic dentistry" and "general dentistry" used interchangeably in the dental field. There are several significant distinctions between the two forms of dentistry, even though both emphasis oral health improvement and the prevention of dental concerns. Having an understanding of the differences between cosmetic and general dentistry can make it easier to choose the most suitable form of dental care to meet your needs.

Common dental concerns including cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay are the focus of general dentistry, which also focuses on their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Regular dental exams, cleans, and restorative treatments including fillings, crowns, and root canals are all part of this form of dentistry. Additionally, general dentists help patients create a specific strategy for preserving their dental health and educate them on proper oral hygiene techniques.

The goal of cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is to address cosmetic concerns. This kind of dentistry involves veneers, braces, whitening and clear aligners for orthodontic therapy. The use of dental implants that blend in perfectly with the natural teeth or tooth-colored fillings are examples of restorative procedures that some cosmetic dentists may also do.

While general dentistry is typically covered by dental insurance and focuses on addressing oral health issues, cosmetic dentistry is often considered elective and may not be covered by insurance. However, the line between the two types of dentistry can sometimes be blurred, as many general dentists offer cosmetic procedures.

Key differences between cosmetic and general dentistry

Key differences between cosmetic and general dentistry when deciding what’s right for you:

As mentioned earlier, cosmetic dentistry places a greater emphasis on the aesthetics of the teeth and smile. General dentistry, on the other hand, focuses on maintaining good oral health, diagnosing and treating dental problems, and restoring damaged teeth.

While general dentistry procedures are often necessary to maintain oral health, cosmetic dentistry procedures are usually elective and performed to enhance the appearance of the teeth or smile. In some cases, both treatments tie hand in hard. For instance, if you have thin, chipped and/or weak enamel, porcelain crowns may be recommended to preserve your smile. 

General dentists typically offer routine dental checkups, cleanings, fillings, root canals, and other basic dental procedures. Cosmetic dentists, on the other hand, offer a wider range of procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, cosmetic bonding, orthodontics and smile makeovers.

While both general and cosmetic dentists are required to obtain a dental degree, cosmetic dentists may undergo additional training in cosmetic procedures and techniques to achieve a high level of expertise in their field.

Cosmetic dentistry can be more expensive than conventional dentistry operations since it is frequently viewed as an elective. Dental insurance may cover some aesthetic operations, but many are not, therefore patients may be required to pay out of pocket for these services.

Both general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry focus on improving oral health and preventing dental issues, they differ in their primary goals and focus areas. Whether you need general or cosmetic dental care depends on your individual needs and goals, and it's important to choose a dentist who can provide the right type of care for you. 

What Sets Cosmetic and General Dentistry Apart?

Oral Health vs. Aesthetics

There are a lot of things to organise and plan when it comes to your big day. I, myself, only recently became a “Bride to be” and it’s genuinely hard work (especially when you’re on a tight budget).

There are so many things to think about and arrange, particularly if you’re doing it without the aid of a wedding planner. Despite this, what they don’t help you arrange, is your smile. You don’t want to be a few weeks out from your wedding day, trialling your make up with your makeup artist and noticing that you hate your smile with that plum lipstick.

Like with everything, dental treatment takes time – especially in this day and age thanks to all the delays and disruptions caused by COVID-19.

To help you future Mrs and Mr’s, here are some tips on my rough dental treatment guideline.

If you’ve been told that you needed a clean or maybe a few fillings – best to do this as soon as possible. Fillings should definitely be done when needed (that way, depending on the filling, you won’t need to worry about it for another 5+ years) and cleans should be done every 6 months. If you want nice and fresh teeth before the wedding, I would say get the clean done at a minimum of two days before your wedding. This is in case you have severe build up that requires an extensive deep clean which can sometimes cause bleeding or sensitive gums.

For everyone who’s ever had root canal therapy, you will notice that it is done in a few stages, over a couple of months. Depending on how many you need, why not get your RCT completed months before your wedding? Not only will you have one less thing to worry about, but any dental aches or pains will be relieved.

A take home whitening kit is best used consecutively, over a period of time for the best results. It is recommended that you whiten daily for 5-7 days or until you’re happy with the colour. The sooner you start, the quicker you can get your teeth to an optimal shade. I would suggest whitening at home as much as possible a few months before the wedding. As you get closer, continue your whitening until 1 week before your big day. This will allow your teeth settle into the shade and prevent any sensitivity you have on your wedding day. Whitening is also not recommended with ‘staining’ foods so this will allow you to have a cheeky wine or two after speeches.

In-chair whitening results can be seen immediately after your appointment. Some people can even go up to 8 shades lighter in the one sitting. This all just depends on how your teeth absorb the product. I would suggest getting your teeth whitened even as soon as you are proposed to. That way, you can manage your expectations on what you can anticipate when you do it closer to the wedding. If you’re not too happy with the results, you’ll then have the time to look at other options without panicking that your wedding is only a week away. If you’re happy with the results and love what you see then rebook at least 1-2 weeks before your wedding.

After your in chair whitening appointment, you will experience some sensitivity that shouldn’t last longer than a day and you would be advised to strictly stay on a white food diet for 24-48 hours to prolong the results.

If you have been thinking about, or you’re interested in Invisalign or braces to re-align your smile, see a dentist for a consultation right away. The timeline for every person will vary. Some patients may need to go on treatment for 3 years, others may only need 3 months. The sooner you go in for a consultation, the quicker you’ll know and the easier it will be to plan the upcoming months or years.

Composite Veneers are a quicker and more affordable option to porcelain veneers. If you’ve seen a dentist and you’re suitable for composite veneers, I would recommend getting them done at least 1-2 weeks before the wedding. Whilst you’re there, you should organise a splint to take on your honeymoon to help prevent any unexpected damage such as night time grinding to occur whilst you’re away. Though composite veneers are a great short term solution, they can be prone to chipping, breaking and staining.

If you’ve been thinking about getting porcelain veneers and you’ve been told you’re suitable for the treatment, there are two things to think about. The first and most obvious, are the financials. How will you pay for it and can you afford to have it in conjunction with the other wedding costs? This would be a conversation for you to have with your partner. Secondly, what are your expectations of your smile when you think about staring into each other’s eyes are you walk down the aisle? Think about how many veneers you want to have, whether you want a natural or Hollywood smile, what teeth shapes you like and what colours you want. Most importantly, do your research on where you choose to go. Investigate on who you want to design the smile of your dreams. I would recommend getting your veneers done at least 1 month before your wedding. That way, you can get used to your new smile, bite and make sure your lower teeth match up in colour too (if not, see whitening tips above).

Implants are a whole other league. If you’re suitable for and need one, get started right away is what I would suggest. If you’re told you can get it done, get it done whilst your gums are still healthy, before they shrink and lose their volume.

Implants Articles

What are the Differences Between Veneers and Implants?

Say Goodbye to Gaps

Is cosmetic dentistry bad?

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Oral Health vs. Aesthetics

The Wedding Edition: When should I get my teeth done?