There are various alternatives accessible for those thinking about cosmetic orthodontics. The need to straighten your teeth and restore a crooked grin can be at the top of your agenda if you have a big occasion coming up, like a wedding. Which orthodontic procedure is therefore ideal to get the outcomes you want? The advantages and disadvantages of the three most prevalent treatments—veneers, braces, and Invisalign—have been highlighted.

Veneers

Veneers are the quickest way to have the perfect smile, but there are several factors to take into account. You might need replacement veneers within a few years, depending on the type of veneer you applied.

While composite veneers endure between two and five years, eating and drinking stain-producing substances may reduce their lifespan.

In order for porcelain veneers to fit onto the tooth surface and not appear too bulky, the teeth may need to be more thoroughly prepared. The dentist might need to file down the natural teeth before placing the veneers. You will always require veneers to cover the natural tooth after it has been filed.

The bonding substance can harm the enamel of the natural tooth even if the dentist doesn’t file the teeth. You will always require veneers to conceal the appearance of the original teeth because of the damaged enamel. Therefore, it is best to avoid thinking about veneers as a temporary, reversible solution.

But quickness is one of the major benefits of veneers. Veneers can be created and fitted in a few of weeks. The teeth must be moved into the desired position over several months with braces or Invisalign.

Even though veneers can be fitted fast, we advise taking your time, doing your homework, and thoughtfully weighing your options before changing the appearance of your smile. Preparing for a major event is vital, but the event will only last a day, and you will be stuck with the choice you made.

Building up the tooth to conceal tooth irregularity is one of the main issues orthodontists encounter. This can be done by either filing back protruding surfaces or by inserting composite plastic or ceramic veneers to build out uneven teeth. These operations can jeopardize the long-term health of the teeth and gums in addition to looking very ugly. To put it simply, it is preferable to first align the teeth before applying the veneer if the teeth are uneven, discolored, or otherwise irregular.

If you want to keep your smile, you must remain committed as most veneers endure for about ten years. Additionally, one veneer can require replacement because of:

• Becoming chipped or harmed
• The veneer coming off due to deteriorating adhesive
• A neighboring tooth that is being stained and isn’t the same color as the veneer
• The tooth behind the veneer has been harmed or decayed.

You must choose whether to have a specialist or your dentist install your veneers.

Invisalign

The primary advantage of Invisalign for adults is that it is more covert and removable. Adults typically exhibit more compliance, making them more likely to wear their aligners for the advised 23 hours per day. In order to avoid having their teeth constantly constrained, teens occasionally neglect to replace their aligners. Because they are fixed, braces are a preferable alternative for teenagers in this situation.

Adults like Invisalign because it’s a discreet alternative to metal braces. Colleagues at work (or Zoom meetings) won’t notice that you’re wearing the transparent plastic aligners.

While aligners are not recommended for complicated orthodontic patients, they are quite effective in enhancing smiles. The aligners are changed every two weeks while the teeth are gradually moved into position. Because of this, unlike with veneers, patients of Invisalign take longer to see the final outcome—months rather than weeks. If the orthodontic condition is more complicated, braces can be necessary.    

Some dentists advocate the use of clear aligners to straighten teeth, and when teeth are only partially aligned, they frequently veneer the teeth to make up for the imperfect alignment. As previously said, this is a less than ideal strategy because the veneers will be degraded and harm the health of your teeth and gums in the long run.

Braces

Some people regret not getting braces as children when they reach adulthood. They might not have received braces because of the price, the difficulty of finding a nearby orthodontist, or a number of other factors.

For some adults who want to straighten their teeth, braces are their only alternative. They typically have a more complicated situation that necessitates the power of metal braces to force teeth into position. Adults who select Invisalign should be advised that because the aligners can’t perform the same ‘heavy lifting’ as braces, the results could not be as excellent as wearing braces.

The orthodontist is addressing more than simply a cosmetic problem with braces. Additionally, braces are used to correct crowding, crooked teeth, malocclusion (bite) or jaw issues, as well as to lessen the risk of tooth decay and loss.

It may only take six months for braces to correct a minor cosmetic issue, followed by a retainer to maintain the teeth in place. Consider a more covert choice if you’re concerned about how metal braces will look.

Since lingual braces are worn on the interior of the teeth, no one can easily see them, especially up close. Lingual braces cost more since the brackets must be custom-made to fit the shapes of the back teeth and require more frequent inspections.

Ceramic braces are an additional choice that, in terms of price and appearance, falls between metal and lingual braces. Ceramic braces are less apparent than conventional metal braces because their brackets and wires match the color of the teeth. 

Call us today to book a consultation for what is best for you. 262-538-0892