Veneers: An alternative to braces for straighter looking teeth?

How can veneers give you a straighter smile?

First things first, what exactly are veneers? Simply put, they are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of teeth. They are typically made from porcelain or composite resin materials and more often than not, they are meant for cosmetic purposes.

Veneers can give you a straighter smile by covering teeth that are slightly crooked, gapped, or uneven, thereby creating the appearance of straight teeth without the need for braces or aligners.

What’s more, the process of getting veneers is quite easy and includes the following:

• A consult with your dentist or clinician. This will determine if veneers are right for you.
• If you decide to move forward, impressions are taken and your veneers are crafted.
• Once your veneers are ready to be bonded, your teeth are cleaned, polished, and etched to ensure a strong bond.
• A special cement is then applied to the veneer and it’s placed on the tooth.
• Final adjustments may be made, but that’s it!

Veneers vs. braces: Pros and cons

Oftentimes, a dentist may recommend orthodontics before veneers because the tooth position may be too crowded or poorly spaced for veneers to mask the problem. In addition, smile straightening might be a better option if your clinician would like to be more conservative with removing tooth enamel. That said, there are pros and cons to both options.

Related: Read our Complete Guide to Braces for Adults

How long does each type of treatment take?

Fact: Braces can often be uncomfortable. Smile straightening aligners can be too, but both orthodontic treatments are intended to reposition your teeth, thus a little discomfort is normal. In addition, smile straightening requires you to adjust your lifestyle – such as avoiding specific foods with braces or snacking less with aligners.

In contrast, veneers don’t typically cause any discomfort and don’t require any lifestyle changes, but it does require your dentist to make permanent adjustments to your teeth in order to create room for the veneers.

What to expect during braces treatment vs. veneers placement

Many people have crowding or spacing issues because they have something called malocclusion, or a misaligned bite. When your bite is off, your teeth may wear unevenly or excessively, or cause other issues like chipping and pain. Orthodontics can help improve your bite, and as a result can help you avoid some of these issues.

Which treatment option can address cosmetic imperfections?

Are you looking to correct imperfections like chips or stains? Then veneers are probably the right treatment for you. Since veneers cover the surface of your teeth, they are able to hide unwanted flaws effortlessly. Interested in learning more?

What is the cost of veneers vs. braces

Straightening your smile – with either braces or veneers – is a great investment in your oral health. In terms of cost, at Tend, smile straightening options range from approximately $3400 (for Invisalign® Express) to $7500 (for our completely hidden Breezy Braces®). The cost of veneers also varies and depends on the type – porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite resin – and the number of veneers you get. On average, veneers at Tend typically cost between $2,000-$5,000 per tooth.

Learn more: Orthodontics at Tend

Which treatment can handle complex vs. simple corrections?

One of the best things about veneers is that they provide a quick fix to unsightly teeth. Unfortunately, veneers have their limitations and often aren’t an option when teeth are very crooked, crowded, or an individual has a complex alignment issue. If this is the case for you, there are a number of amazing orthodontic options available to efficiently and effectively straighten your teeth.

The real deal: straightening vs. hiding crooked teeth

The main difference between veneers and braces is this: veneers simply hide misaligned teeth by covering them with a thin cap while braces straighten your smile by moving bone to properly align your teeth. Both types of treatment can be effective at giving you the cosmetic outcome you desire, but a consult with your dentist or clinician can help you determine which path is ideal for you.

Related: Can veneers transform the shape of your face?

Are you a good candidate for dental veneers?

While many people qualify for veneers, it is good to know what characteristics are essential including:

• Healthy teeth and gums
• Adequate enamel
• No major misalignments
• A non-smoker
• Preferably, a non-grinder

While these aren’t the only qualifications needed, they are a good starting point. We can’t wait to share more information with us, so get in touch to start your smile straightening journey today!