Someone looking to straighten their smile will likely be interested in either veneers or Invisalign. Both treatments represent the best that cosmetic dentistry has to offer, and which of them is best for you will depend on your specific dental needs and smile goals. Here’s a guide to help you choose between the two.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of high-quality materials, like porcelain, that are designed to conceal a wide range of dental imperfections, including minor misalignment. Your dentist will carefully remove a sliver of your enamel before taking impressions of your teeth. When they apply your permanent veneers, you won’t be able to tell that your teeth were ever crooked or spaced out!
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are like traditional braces in that they straighten your teeth by applying constant pressure to them. This is done via the use of plastic trays that are molded to fit your teeth. Your dentist will create a 3D scan of your mouth and then use sophisticated software to design trays that will fit you. You’ll wear each aligner for 7-14 days at a time, and each new one will pick up where the previous one left off.
Which Should I Use to Straighten My Teeth?
Both veneers and Invisalign will make your smile straighter, so which you should choose depends on what else you’re looking for. Veneers are a purely cosmetic treatment, so your smile will look neat, but your teeth won’t have moved. That means that people struggling with an over/underbite might prefer Invisalign. By the same token, veneers will successfully cover up any cosmetic issues, like chips or cracks.
Veneers work substantially faster than Invisalign. The former only takes two appointments to apply. Invisalign, on the other hand, usually takes around a year to fully straighten your teeth.
Again, the way to determine which treatment would be best for your situation is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. Whatever you choose, you can be sure that the work you put into your smile will pay off.
About the Author
Dr. Robert G. Wiese is a restorative, cosmetic, and general dentist who has been offering a wide variety of services to his community for nearly 40 years. He uses the most sophisticated technology in both his restorations and his orthodontics. Dr. Weise is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Texas Dental Association (TDA), and Dallas Study Club. If you have any questions about veneers, Invisalign, or both, Dr. Weise can be reached at his website or by phone at (972) 414-7195.