Do you have crooked teeth that overlap or have gaps between them? Are you looking for a way to get straight, evenly spaced teeth? If so, then chances are that you have heard about two common cosmetic dental treatments for these problems. One of these options is veneers and the other is Invisalign. Of course, whenever we are faced with two or more options, we always want to know which one is the better option. As with most things, however, there is not a simple “this” or “that” answer.
This is because both veneers and Invisalign are able to improve the look of your smile by eliminating gaps, overlapping teeth, and crooked teeth. However, veneers and Invisalign are different treatments, which ultimately means that they offer different methods of obtaining the final results. This also means that what works “best” for one person may not for another. Understanding how each treatment is different can help you to decide which treatment would work best for you.
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain that are adhered to the front side of the teeth in order to eliminate gaps between the teeth and to resolve crooked and/or overlapping teeth. If desired, veneers can also be used to alter the shape and color of your teeth. In addition to being stain-resistant, porcelain veneers are also fabricated to blend with your smile while also improving its overall appearance. Getting veneers is a process that only takes two dental appointments and once they are placed, veneers tend to last about 10-15 years before they wear out.
However, some people hesitate to get veneers because of the way they are placed. In order for the veneer to fit properly over the surface of your tooth, a thin layer of enamel must be removed first. Enamel does not grow back, meaning that veneers are an irreversible and permanent treatment. This is one of the main downsides regarding veneers. Another downside is the fact that, although permanent, veneers do not make any permanent changes to your teeth. Instead all they do is cover up minor imperfections to make your smile appear better.
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Invisalign is a clear aligner system that is used as both an orthodontic and cosmetic dental treatment. From an orthodontic standpoint, Invisalign works by using a series of clear aligners to gradually apply pressure to the teeth in order to move them into an optimal position. From a cosmetic standpoint, Invisalign helps to straighten the teeth and bite without the need for traditional wire braces. Invisalign also eliminates gaps and overlapping teeth to improve the overall look and function of your smile.
However, Invisalign treatment takes significantly longer than veneers. This is because it generally takes about a year and a half in order for all the teeth to be properly repositioned. As the teeth shift, this can also cause minor discomfort and soreness. Invisalign also requires that aligners are worn full-time except when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. Finally, Invisalign cannot change the shape, size, or color of the teeth the same way veneers can.
Overall, both veneers and Invisalign offer different methods that obtain similar results. However, the few key differences that they do have can make one treatment more preferable than the other. Before committing to either treatment, it is recommended to speak with your dentist about how these options would affect you specifically and what their professional recommendation would be. This way, you know that you are choosing the best treatment for your smile.
