Invisalign Vs. Veneers: Which Best Meets Your Smile Goals?

With the revolutionary advances in cosmetic dentistry in recent years, men and women now have the opportunity to correct a variety of dental flaws and achieve a million-dollar smile more easily than ever. Whether you are looking to brighten up the color of your teeth, conceal a crack or chip, or straighten your smile, cosmetic dentistry can likely offer you a solution. In many cases, there is more than one option for treating and correcting a particular dental issue. For instance, a chipped tooth can be restored to its original shape through composite resin bonding or covered with a porcelain veneer. When faced with multiple treatment options, choosing the best one for you can understandably be confusing and oftentimes overwhelming. The caring and professional team at Cosmetic Dental Associates in Houston, TX is committed to providing the most exceptional level of patient service and care and will help guide you through the process of choosing the most appropriate treatment option for your situation.

Two of the most sought-after cosmetic dental treatments year after year are Invisalign and porcelain veneers. While both are highly effective and can produce dramatic results, it is important to understand the differences between each option when determining which may best fit your needs.

What is Invisalign?

As a convenient and less visible alternative to traditional metal braces, it is no surprise that Invisalign is one of the most in-demand orthodontic treatments available. Invisalign uses a series of BPA-free clear plastic trays to gradually align your teeth.

What are the advantages of Invisalign?

In addition to the obvious benefit of helping patients achieve a straighter smile, Invisalign can also address a variety of other complaints. The aligners can help to close small gaps between the teeth as well as correct both overbites and underbites. One of the most enjoyed features of Invisalign is the aesthetics of the clear trays. Patients are able to talk, laugh, smile, and take photos with the confidence of knowing their “braces” are barely visible to others, if at all. The convenience of being able to remove the aligners to eat is also a plus.

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, shell-like caps that cover the front of a tooth and are often made of porcelain. Because they can address and correct a variety of cosmetic and structural issues, veneers are one of the most beneficial dental treatments available today. Some of the most common complaints that lead patients to consider porcelain veneers include:

• Chipped tooth: Rather than using composite bonding to rebuild a chipped tooth, a veneer can be placed over the front of the tooth to give a new, beautiful, even surface.

• Cracked tooth: Veneers are also fantastic for concealing cracks in a tooth, but your dentist will need to assess the structural integrity of the tooth before placing a veneer to ensure it is a viable treatment option.

• Gaps in teeth: For small to medium gaps between teeth, veneers can be placed over the teeth to meet in the middle and disguise the gap. This is a great option for patients who are looking to address a gap but don’t need a full smile realignment.

• Staining or discoloration: For stubborn stains or a dull smile overall, veneers can be placed to give you a beautiful, white, natural, and even tone. One tremendous advantage of veneers is that they are highly resistant to staining and will maintain their color for many years.

• Uneven tooth length: In cases where one or more teeth is longer or shorter than the surrounding teeth, veneers can be placed to achieve a uniform length.

• Eroded enamel: Certain foods, medications, and even medical conditions can lead to excessive erosion of enamel, the protective coating on our teeth. This can result in weak teeth that are prone to chipping, as well as sensitivity to hot and cold. A veneer can be placed over the affected tooth or teeth to reduce these symptoms and protect the remaining enamel from further erosion.

What are the advantages of veneers?

Veneers have countless benefits and advantages for patients looking to enhance their smile and correct one of the problems listed above. One noteworthy benefit of veneers is their longevity. When properly cared for, veneers can last up to 20 years or longer. Their resistance to staining also makes them a durable choice.

Dr. Spiker Davis and Dr. Matt Guerre of Cosmetic Dental Associates can further discuss the benefits of veneers and how they can transform your smile. During an initial consultation, your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your current oral health, discuss your concerns and goals, explain your options at length, answer your questions fully, and put together a veneer treatment plan that best fits your needs. They will also talk through the various veneer options including traditional porcelain veneers, no-grind veneers, Lumineers, and more.

Should I get Invisalign or veneers?

Both Invisalign and veneers offer patients a long list of benefits, but choosing which treatment is most appropriate ultimately comes down to the nature of the complaint or concern. Although there are some issues that can be addressed by both, usually one or the other will lend itself better to the situation. For example, patients looking to brighten their smile would be better served by veneers, as Invisalign does not address discoloration at all.

The best way to determine whether Invisalign, veneers, or another cosmetic dental treatment would be most appropriate for you is to consult with the talented and knowledgeable dentists at Cosmetic Dental Associates. Call our convenient Houston area office to schedule your consultation today, and learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of!