If you have minor spacing or alignment issues in your smile, you may be wondering what your best options are to fix them. Thankfully, there are often several choices. Both Invisalign and porcelain veneers can correct these problems, each with their own specific pros and cons. Here’s some more information to help you decide which method makes more sense for your lifestyle!
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are prosthetics that fit over your individual teeth to change their shape, size, and color. They can be used to hide chips, uneven wear, gaps between teeth, and minor alignment issues. This treatment can last up to 20 years, however because your dentist will need to remove a small amount of tooth enamel, they are a lifelong commitment. Veneers can be done in as little as two appointments and can completely makeover your smile in under one month!
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic treatment that realigns your smile with clear aligner trays that fit over your teeth and gradually move them into a better position, much like traditional braces. However, unlike braces they are easy to keep clean, more comfortable, more discreet and often get faster results.
Invisalign can be used to correct a variety of alignment problems, including bite issues, gaps, and even crowding.
While Invisalign treatment could take up to two years to finish, upon completion you should not need to wear aligners again if you wear your retainer each night.
What Should I Choose? Invisalign or Veneers
While you and your dentist should discuss which treatment option is best for your mouth, if you have minor gaps or spacing problems, both Invisalign and porcelain veneers could be great solutions.
With veneers, you should plan on redoing the treatment after about 15 to 20 years, but in the meantime, you can expect to enjoy a beautiful, evenly spaced smile that resists stains. With Invisalign, your results could last a lifetime with proper retainer usage, but you will not benefit from the stain resistance or whitening effects of veneers, nor can this treatment change the shape or size of your teeth.
Invisalign vs. Veneers: Next Steps
Now that you know your options, it’s time to take the next step and visit your dentist to see which treatments you qualify for. Schedule a consultation to discuss what you’d like to change about your smile, your budget, and how fast you’d like your results.
About Our Practice
At Blue Coast Dental Group, we treat patients of all ages and offer a variety of treatments ranging from preventive care to cosmetic services like veneers and Invisalign. If you have minor bite or spacing issues in your smile that you’d like to change, our skilled and caring team of dentists is ready to assist you. To learn more about if you qualify for these innovative treatments, please visit our website or call us today at 310-424-3100.