Are you unhappy with your smile? Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, there are now many ways you can achieve your dream look. Invisalign and veneers are two excellent options that can help correct and improve the appearance of your teeth. However, each treatment helps you upgrade your smile in different ways. If you need help determining the right one for you, continue reading as your cosmetic dentist in St. Peters explains the difference between Invisalign and veneers.
Invisalign
Do you have crooked or misaligned teeth? Invisalign is an excellent solution to address your concerns without the hassle of metal wires and brackets. It involves the use of clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into a more ideal and aligned position. The average length of treatment is usually 6-12 months, but it varies from patient to patient based on several factors.
Benefits
If you want to straighten your teeth with Invisalign, you can expect to reap many benefits, including:
- Virtually invisible treatment
- Easier to maintain oral hygiene
- No dietary restrictions
- Improved comfort
- Shorter treatment timeline
The Ideal Candidate
Invisalign is not a viable solution for everyone. It’s most suitable for adult patients who can commit to treatment and diligently follow recommended instructions from the dentist. Also, the clear aligners cannot fix every issue with teeth – if you have severe malocclusion or misalignment, you might not be a candidate.
Veneers
These ultra-thin sheaths of porcelain are bonded to the front of teeth, instantly improving their appearance. Veneers can address a range of issues, including severe discoloration, cracks, chips, gaps, and misalignment. In as little as two appointments, you can enjoy a stunning new grin!
Benefits
Veneers offer substantial benefits to patients, including:
- Ability to treat a wide range of concerns
- Long-lasting solution
- Protect eroded teeth from further erosion
- Instant boost of confidence
The Ideal Candidate
If you have good oral health and a sufficient amount of enamel, you may be a candidate for veneers. They’re a great option for fully grown adults who want to improve the appearance of their smiles. Since a veneer is attached to the front of a tooth, the tooth must be full-sized before placement.
How to Choose the Right One for Your Smile
When deciding between Invisalign and veneers, you must consider your smile goals. Although both options can enhance the appearance of your pearly whites, they do so in different ways. Invisalign solely corrects your bite and the alignment of your teeth. Veneers, however, can correct multiple issues like their color, shape, texture, and size. Once you understand what problems you want to address, it’ll be much easier to determine the right treatment for you.
You may now better understand the difference between Invisalign and veneers, but do you still need help deciding between the two? Ask your cosmetic dentist in St. Peters what they recommend. They’ll help you learn more about each one and determine the best solution based on your budgets, needs, and goals!
About the Author
Dr. Krista Cayo earned her dental doctorate from the School of Dental Medicine in Alton. She has a certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) and is a member of the American Dental Association. Dr. Cayo has been working hard for the smiles of her patients since 2010. If you are interested in learning more about veneers or Invisalign, she can discuss them in-depth during a consultation, which you can schedule on her website or by calling (636) 928-9693.
