Are you debating whether you should get porcelain veneers or Invisalign®? Both of these treatments can significantly help straighten a person’s teeth, improve their smile, and provide life-changing results. By choosing the most appropriate cosmetic dental procedure for your needs, you can achieve the straight, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a permanent solution to crooked teeth. Thin, shell-like pieces of porcelain are bonded to your teeth to make them appear straighter in just two appointments. They can also correct a variety of cosmetic issues, but they do not treat the underlying periodontal problems that Invisalign® can. Porcelain veneers are purchased on a tooth-by-tooth basis and may need to be replaced over time. Depending on how many teeth are treated, this method can cost significantly more than Invisalign® or metal braces. In some cases, permanent changes must be made to your natural tooth so that the veneers can fit appropriately.
What can porcelain veneers do?
- Correct tooth discoloration
- Improve the shape of the teeth
- Disguise cracks, chips, and breaks
- Produce quick results
- Straighten slightly crooked teeth
Advantages over Invisalign®:
- Involves fewer dental visits: Treatment with veneers takes only two office visits to complete. Treatment with Invisalign® can last well over a year and requires regular appointments.
- Corrects discoloration: Veneers can be affixed over discolored teeth. They are also stain-resistant and made to match the surrounding teeth for a seamless smile. Invisalign® does not target tooth color.
- Enhances the shape of the teeth: Veneers can improve the appearance of unevenly shaped teeth, whereas Invisalign® can only bring teeth into better alignment.
- Disguises cracks: Veneers can cover cracks, chips, or breaks in teeth, but Invisalign® cannot.
- Results in no pain: Veneers are a painless treatment, while Invisalign® may cause some discomfort as the teeth shift.
- Offers various cosmetic benefits: Veneers have many versatile uses and can correct tooth color, gaps, crookedness, and cracks. Invisalign® is limited to straightening teeth, eliminating unwanted spaces, and fixing minor bite issues.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® consists of a series of entirely customized transparent devices that are adjusted every two weeks to slowly straighten the teeth. Many adults who do not want to wear metal braces opt for this subtle approach to achieving straighter teeth. Because the device is removable, there are no food restrictions required, and the teeth can be straightened in a relatively short period. Unlike porcelain veneers, Invisalign® can straighten more severely crooked teeth. Invisalign® permanently straightens teeth, is far more cosmetically appealing than braces, and is ideal for long-term dental health.
What can Invisalign® do?
- Improve dental health
- Correct an imperfect bite
- Straighten crooked teeth
- Close gaps between the teeth
Advantages over porcelain veneers:
- Requires minimal maintenance: While the length of treatment can last over a year, Invisalign® is a one-time treatment. Veneers need to be replaced every five to 10 years, which can become expensive and inconvenient over time.
- Preserves tooth enamel: Invisalign® trays do not damage the surface of the teeth. Before veneers are attached, treatment requires an irreversible removal of enamel that can weaken the teeth.
- Eliminates crookedness and gaps: Invisalign® straightens the teeth and permanently eliminates gaps so that the teeth fit naturally and snugly in place. Veneers make teeth appear straighter and gap-free, but the actual teeth are unchanged.
- Improves dental health: Invisalign® corrects dental imperfections, while veneers cover them up. By straightening teeth, Invisalign® improves dental health and protects against tooth decay and gum disease. Veneers improve the appearance of the teeth, but any underlying tooth or gum problems will still exist beneath them.
- Corrects bite issues: Invisalign® can even fix many significant problems with your bite, and this is not always possible with veneers.
- Addresses rotated teeth: Invisalign® turns rotated teeth so that they are straight and aligned. Veneers can make many teeth appear straight but are not often recommended for rotated teeth.
Conclusion
Whether you choose Invisalign or porcelain veneers, regular oral hygiene techniques should be practiced to maintain the health of your smile. The best way to determine which option is right for you is to schedule a consultation with your dentist, who can help you weigh the different factors that must be considered including costs, your oral health history, and your desired results.
To find out more about these treatments or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin Sands, fill out our online contact form or call 310.273.0111 today!