Should Your Clayton Dentist Talk to You About Orthodontics Before Veneers?
You deserve to flaunt your smile with confidence and pride. However, if your teeth are misaligned or spaced unevenly, you might hesitate to smile and reveal your teeth.
Clear aligner orthodontic systems, such as Invisalign, ClearCorrect, MTM, etc., and porcelain veneers are both popular treatments for smile imperfections, but which one is best for you? Or would you benefit from both? It’s important to discuss your options with your Clayton cosmetic dentist before making a decision. Depending on your dental needs and priorities, your dentist may recommend a clear aligner system before porcelain veneers for the best results.
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligner orthodontic systems are designed to shift crooked and misspaced teeth into alignment. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners achieve results without any obvious signs of treatment. The aligners are virtually invisible and easy to remove, so they don’t interfere with brushing, flossing, and eating.
When you straighten your teeth with clear aligners, you receive a series of aligner trays meant to be replaced every few weeks. These trays gradually shift your teeth into place without causing major discomfort.
Teenagers and adults often prefer clear aligners to metal braces since the process is subtle, comfortable, and often faster.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells created to fit over your existing teeth. Though dental veneers are available in many materials, most patients prefer porcelain for its strength, durability, stain-resistance, and natural appearance.
Porcelain veneers are commonly used to address cosmetic imperfections on the teeth, including:
- Chips and cracks
- Crooked or misshapen teeth
- Uneven spaces between the teeth
- Discoloration that can’t be reversed with whitening
Overall, porcelain veneers are designed to improve the appearance of your smile by covering and replacing aesthetic problem areas.
Which Treatment is Right For You?
If you’re frustrated by misalignment and gaps between your teeth, you may consider orthodontics and porcelain veneers as potential solutions. Both options, together or separate, can create full smile makeovers.
Severely crooked teeth will need orthodontic treatment, such as clear aligners. Veneers won’t fix a tooth or teeth that are completely misaligned. If you are unhappy with the overall shape of your teeth, clear aligners won’t be able to change this. However, porcelain veneers can address this because they can alter the shape, size and color of your teeth to your specifics.
If you have numerous or significant gaps between your teeth, your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment first. Filling large gaps with veneers can make your veneers appear too large in relation to the rest of your teeth. That’s why it’s important to properly align your teeth and minimize gaps before using veneers to further enhance the appearance of your smile. On the other hand, if your gaps are relatively small and your teeth are otherwise well aligned, porcelain veneers may provide an immediate solution.
Schedule an appointment with our Clayton dental office to learn more about the benefits of clear aligners and porcelain veneers and find the best solution for your smile.
