A beautiful, confident smile is priceless; however, few people have flawless teeth naturally. Bite and alignment problems are leading concerns among adults of all ages. Whether you’re embarrassed by gapped, rotated, or overcrowded teeth, you have more options than ever to improve your smile. Invisalign is a preferred orthodontic solution for adults because clear aligners are nearly invisible, but that’s not the only option. You may be a candidate for veneers, which can give you the smile you desire in as few as 2 appointments. While both methods are effective, there are a few things you need to know about the difference between Invisalign and veneers.
Invisalign VS Veneers
Invisalign and veneers are two very different treatments, but both have one thing in common–they can fix alignment issues.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an alternative to brackets and wires. Clear aligners are worn over the teeth to apply continual pressure to move them into their correct positions. This allows them to treat a variety of bite and alignment problems in about 12 to 18 months. You must commit to wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours per day and switch to the next in the series on time. After completing your treatment, you’ll require a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving back into their prior positions.
Veneers
Veneers are often referred to as “instant orthodontics” because they can cover minor alignment issues, like gaps between front teeth. A veneer is a thin shell that’s bonded to the front side of a tooth to improve its color, size, and shape. When applied to the teeth visible when smiling, they can resolve several concerns simultaneously. Besides making your teeth look straight, you can also address discoloration, chips, or cracks. Overall, you can give your smile a complete makeover in just 2 appointments.
However, you will need to remove a small amount of enamel to ensure veneers sit flush on your teeth. Since your enamel can’t grow back, they are a lifelong commitment, because they will need to be replaced about every 10 years.
Which is Right for Me?
No two mouths or situations are the same, so there’s no way to know which procedure is right for you without first seeing your cosmetic dentist. They’ll examine your mouth and learn more about your goals to create a personalized treatment plan. If you need major tooth movements or your bite is misaligned, your cosmetic dentist will probably recommend Invisalign, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get veneers in the future.
If your alignment concerns are minimal and you have other imperfections you’d like to fix, veneers can give you the picture-perfect smile you deserve. No matter the method, your cosmetic dentist will turn the smile of your dreams into reality.
About Dr. Cindy Lau
Dr. Lau achieved her dental degree at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and continued her education in many specialties, like periodontal therapy, cosmetic dentistry, and more. If you’re ready to invest in a stunning smile, contact our office today to request your consultation.