Your teeth are not as aesthetically pleasing as they used to be. You’re noticing small gaps and even minor misalignment that is not only affecting your appearance but also your bite. What can you do? When it comes to dental treatment, there are many ways to address these kinds of problems, but if you want to hear from an expert in the field, a dentist is here to explain why veneers or Invisalign might be good options to consider.
What is the Purpose of Veneers?
Veneers are customized restorations that fit over the front surfaces of teeth to conceal a variety of smile imperfections. Patients can hide everything from stains and cracks to minor gaps, misshapen teeth, discoloration, and slight misalignment.
As thin sheaths of porcelain that are designed to change the size, shape, and color of your teeth, they are considered primarily a cosmetic form of treatment. While many individuals turn to veneers to cover problem areas, others use them as a way to straighten their imperfectly aligned teeth.
With proper care and maintenance, these restorations can last 10 years or longer and require only two appointments to successfully place.
What is the Purpose of Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner, orthodontic system that uses custom-made clear plastic trays to fit a person’s smile as it progresses throughout treatment. Considered much more subtle and discreet than traditional braces, these aligners are comfortable to wear and extremely flexible.
While Invisalign is only capable of addressing overcrowding, gapped, and crooked teeth, it also helps to fix problems with a person’s bite (i.e., overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite).
The average timeframe for completion is between 12-18 months, but this is dependent on the individual’s case and the severity of misalignment.
Which One is Right For Me?
There are endless benefits that come with both veneers and Invisalign, which your cosmetic dentist will be happy to discuss with you during a scheduled consultation. Knowing which solution is right for you is ultimately based on your reason for seeking treatment.
If you are looking to improve the aesthetics of your smile, and your bite is working properly, you’re likely to be recommended for veneers. However, if your bite is posing a problem with your ability to eat, speak, or even breathe, and you are tired of looking at an uneven smile, you’ll find that Invisalign will be better suited to helping you to meet your desired goals.
The only way to know for sure how best to move forward with either of these treatments is to meet with your cosmetic dentist. Only then will you be able to determine the best course of action for your future smile.
About the Author
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill before going to work for Clinical Research Associates. For 12 years, he served as a dentist in the United States Air Force, completing a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry from 1994-1996. Moving to Castle Rock in 2002, he opened his practice and has been providing cosmetic dentistry solutions like porcelain veneers and Invisalign. He and his team can offer valuable recommendations regarding which one to pursue as well as how to maintain results. If you want to learn more about what you can do to ensure the health and look of your smile, visit our website or call (360) 703-9092.