Invisalign vs. Veneers: Which is Best to Get a Straighter Smile?
If you’re eager to transform your smile with straighter teeth this year, National Dental Care Group can help with a range of cosmetic dental options. Invisalign® and Veneers are two popular treatments you may have heard of - but which is better for straightening your teeth and improving the appearance of your smile?
Read on to discover the benefits of these treatments, as well as what you need to be aware of before making a decision. You can chat with your local National Dental Care Group dentist about which treatment option is best for your situation, what the treatment will involve, and how much it costs.
Invisalign® overview
Invisalign® is a popular teeth straightening treatment that involves the use of clear aligners which are comfortable, removable, and virtually invisible.
Invisalign® can be used to correct a range of oral health concerns, including an overbite, an underbite, small gaps or spaces between teeth, and crowded or overlapping teeth - leaving you with a beautifully straight smile.
The benefits of Invisalign®
It’s practically invisible
One of the main advantages of Invisalign® treatment is the fact that the clear aligners are virtually invisible, so you can wear them out and about in your everyday life without the majority of people even knowing you’re undergoing treatment.
The aligners are comfortable to wear
Invisalign® aligners are known for being comfortable to wear, especially when compared to more cumbersome metal braces. As the aligners are made from plastic rather than metal, there’s less chance of irritation to your gums and mouth.
You can remove your aligners
Another big plus point for Invisalign® is the fact that the aligners can easily be removed for activities such as eating and cleaning your teeth. While it’s not advisable to remove your aligners too often, the ability to take them out when needed is very convenient.
Invisalign® is generally faster than traditional braces
Depending on the condition of your teeth, Invisalign® treatment generally takes less time to correct your smile than traditional metal braces. What’s more, advanced 3D imaging means that you’ll be able to see a simulation of the results of your treatment before you even begin.
What to be aware of with Invisalign®
You may need to get used to the aligners
Although Invisalign® aligners are comfortable for most people, you may take a little time to adjust to wearing them. It might take a few days for you to get used to the feeling of Invisalign® in your mouth and to speaking naturally with the aligners.
It’s important to wear the aligners as directed
The results of your Invisalign® treatment will depend on how well you follow the directions from your dentist about wearing your aligners. You’ll need to wear them for 20-22 hours per day, so if you frequently remove them or wear them for less than the recommended daily time, your treatment time may be extended.
You’ll need to clean your teeth more frequently
Maintaining good oral hygiene during your Invisalign® treatment is very important. It’s advisable to brush your teeth after every meal, or after eating or drinking anything that isn’t water. This generally means you’ll need to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with you when you’re not at home.
There’s a higher risk of losing or damaging your aligners
The removable nature of Invisalign® aligners come with an increased chance of the aligners being misplaced. Similarly, leaving your aligners out can result in a greater risk of them becoming damaged, so it’s important to be careful.
Veneers overview
Veneers are very thin sheets of porcelain that affix to the front of the teeth. Veneers are a cosmetic treatment used to improve the appearance of teeth by providing a whiter finish, covering up cracks or chips, improving teeth size and alignment, smoothing the surface of the teeth, and closing gaps or spaces between the teeth
The benefits of veneers
Veneers can solve multiple dental issues
Veneers are used for more than just straightening your smile. They can also help with tooth discolouration, chips or cracks, damaged teeth, and gaps and spaces between teeth.
Veneers are long-lasting
Veneers are made of a hard wearing porcelain material. With the correct care and treatment, your veneers can last for up to fifteen years, making them a long-lasting and durable option.
Veneers can improve your smile quickly
It only takes up to two appointments to have your veneers made and fitted - and in many cases, the whole process can be undertaken in a single visit. This means you can transform your teeth and smile in a very short space of time.
What to be aware of with veneers
Veneers are a cosmetic treatment only
The purpose of veneers is to improve the appearance of your teeth. They cannot correct underlying issues such as an overbite or underbite.
Veneers can affect the integrity of your natural teeth
Sometimes, in order to achieve a great result, your Dentist may need to file away some of your tooth before placing the veneer.
The colour will remain the same
While your natural teeth will change colour over time, veneers will remain the same colour over the years. If you only have one or a few veneers, the colour difference between them and your natural teeth can become noticeable.
Veneers can become chipped or cracked
Although porcelain is a hard material, it can chip or crack. There is more chance of this occurring if you have a tendency to bite your nails, grind your teeth, or chew ice or other hard foods.
They don’t last forever
With the right care and treatment, veneers can last up to fifteen years. However, they aren’t meant to last for the rest of your life, so you will need to replace your veneers at some point.
So, which is better - Invisalign® or veneers?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose Invisalign® or veneers will depend on your overall goal, the condition of your teeth, and your personal situation. Invisalign® is a great teeth straightening option for people with underlying dental issues such as an overbite or underbite, without large gaps or overly tipped or rotated teeth.
If you’re someone who’s likely to comply with the treatment guidelines - including wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours per day and following the oral hygiene recommendations - Invisalign® can be an ideal way to achieve a straighter smile.
Veneers on the other hand are a fantastic choice for improving the overall appearance of your teeth and addressing specific concerns such as discolouration, gaps, and chips or cracks. They can provide a fast solution for fixing dental issues, leaving you with whiter teeth and a straighter, more even smile.
To discuss the most suitable treatment option for getting the perfect smile you’ve been dreaming of, talk to your local National Dental Care practitioner about our range of cosmetic dental treatments. You can online now.