Like many adults, you may feel dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile. Crooked, gapped, or stained teeth can cause you to feel self-conscious and make you want to hide your teeth from others. Social situations and photo calls may feel uncomfortable.
When you decide to upgrade your smile and regain your confidence, you may have questions about which dental procedure is the most effective in your situation. This blog explains the differences between Invisalign® and dental veneers, including the timeline for each treatment.
Treatment Speed: Invisalign vs. Veneers
Invisalign
For most patients with mild to moderate tooth alignment issues, the Invisalign treatment takes approximately 12 to 18 months to complete. This system is often faster than traditional braces.
Dental Veneers
The entire process of receiving dental veneers typically takes only a few weeks, although it may be less in the case of composite and instant veneers.
Learning More About Your Options
While dental veneers are the faster option, your dentist can help you choose the treatment that is most efficient and cost-effective for you.
All About Invisalign
Invisalign is an advanced system that can correct many orthodontic issues, including crooked and gapped teeth. Busy professionals often choose Invisalign because it allows them to complete the treatment discreetly. This system is far more comfortable than traditional braces and involves no food restrictions.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign works by producing a series of clear, graduated plastic aligners. As you progress through the series every one to two weeks, Invisalign gradually moves your teeth into ideal positions.
Advantages of Invisalign
- Discreet, helping you avoid unwanted comments
- Comfortable, with no sharp-edged wires or brackets
- Better oral hygiene outcomes compared to braces, since Invisalign comes out for eating, drinking, and cleaning
- Better gum health than braces after treatment ends
Introducing Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are one of the most time-efficient choices for correcting chipped, gapped, stained, or slightly crooked teeth.
How Veneers Work
A dental veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or composite material that covers multiple cosmetic imperfections at the same time. Your dentist takes impressions of your natural teeth and then prepares the tooth for veneer installation by removing a thin layer of enamel.
The dentist takes another set of impressions and places temporary veneers to protect your natural teeth. When your final veneers arrive from the laboratory, your dentist can apply them in a straightforward appointment, instantly refreshing your smile.
Advantages of Dental Veneers
- A minimally invasive alternative to crowns for damaged or discolored teeth
- Porcelain veneers have high stain resistance
- Composite veneers are highly customizable, but are more prone to staining
- Instant veneers take no prep work
- Ability to achieve a perfect-looking smile in just a few weeks
Making the Choice Between Invisalign and Veneers
Both methods can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile and improve your oral health. However, each technique has special considerations that you should keep in mind while making your decisions.
Unlike veneers, Invisalign does not correct tooth stains or chips. Invisalign can correct more extensive orthodontic issues, whereas veneers can only fix the appearance of slight misalignment.
Invisalign can correct more extensive orthodontic issues than veneers. Veneers can only adjust the appearance of gapped and misaligned teeth, whereas Invisalign addresses bite issues and more severe alignment problems.
Both methods call for patients to pay close attention to their oral hygiene. Keeping teeth clean, especially by flossing, can make the difference between a successful procedure and complex corrective work later on.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign and Veneers
Can younger patients receive Invisalign?
Yes, teens can use Invisalign. Many prefer this option to keep their treatment private. The patient's level of responsibility and ability to follow directions should come into consideration.
Are veneers permanent?
Once you receive either porcelain or composite veneers, you will need to continue replacing them for the life of your teeth. The veneer process removes a slim layer of natural tooth enamel, which dentists cannot replace. However, instant veneers do not require enamel removal, as they are fitted directly onto the natural tooth surface.
At Metrowest Prosthodontics, we want to show you how we can improve your smile with speed and convenience. Both veneers and Invisalign are excellent choices depending on your needs, circumstances, and oral health. Please get in touch with us at our conveniently located Framingham, MA, office to schedule your consultation today.