Whether you have tooth imperfections or are interested in straightening your teeth, Definitive Dental can help you improve the appearance of your teeth.
With invisible aligners, like SureSmile and Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably. On the other hand, veneers are a wonderful option if you are looking for a way to conceal tooth imperfections and discoloration.
Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons, typical candidates, and procedures of veneers vs clear aligners.
Veneers vs Invisalign: At a Glance
Veneers vs Invisalign: Who is a Good Candidate?
Since veneers are permanent fixtures on the teeth, they work well for color correction and size assimilation for a unified smile, but can’t do as much for moving teeth around. On the other hand, clear aligners can help teeth gradually shift, but don’t help with discoloration.
It should be noted that neither clear aligners nor veneers are usually recommended for children. SureSmile and Invisalign clear aligners focus on straightening teeth, but should not be considered before permanent teeth are in the mouth. Similarly, veneers are made to last, so they shouldn’t be put on baby teeth.
Veneers vs Invisalign: Pros and Cons
Clear aligners have the advantage of being a popular, tried-and-true method that’s relatively the same cost as braces for correcting while offering a quick, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing treatment experience compared to regular braces. However, clear aligners need to be worn for the majority of the day, about 20-22 hours.
Veneers can protect damaged or eroded teeth with a secure covering. However, if you don’t put veneers on all your front teeth, you can have an uneven smile with noticeable color differences as normal teeth change color over time while the veneers remain the same. Veneers are also generally irreversible, in the event your veneers become damaged, you will have to put on another veneer or crown the tooth.
Veneers vs Invisalign: Procedure Details
Length, cost, and recovery are all factors to consider. As previously mentioned, the treatment plan for clear aligners lasts around 6-8 months. After an initial consultation and exam, a virtual workup of your smile is created to envision the results. Once the aligners are ready, patients will need to wear their clear aligners every day, except during meals. Regular checkups are also required to ensure that teeth are moving properly and new trays are used when necessary.
In contrast, veneers only involve procedures at the dentist without any taking off or putting on anything at home since they are permanently placed on teeth. Typically, you have a consult visit, a first operative visit where you get temporary veneers and have an impression taken for your permanent ones, and then a follow-up visit where you get your permanent veneers. Each of these procedures is relatively quick and painless. There isn’t much recovery required since it is typically not an invasive or intensive process, but you do need to upkeep your oral health and continue seeing your dentist regularly to monitor your veneer condition.
Get the Right Care for You
Our dentists create healthy and beautiful smiles that last. Whether you are considering veneers or clear aligners, your journey begins with an initial consultation.
Call our office at (972) 646-0660 to set up your initial consultation.
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