Veneers vs Braces: Which Treatment Is Better for My Crooked Teeth?
Misaligned and gapped teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile. Veneers and orthodontic treatments such as braces can help you achieve a straighter smile. But which treatment is right for you, and what are the differences?
Premier Dental and Implant Center in Orland Park, IL, is here to help you achieve your oral health and aesthetic goals. Let's explore the various treatments for misaligned teeth and the benefits and cons of each treatment.
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over the front surface of a tooth to conceal cosmetic imperfections such as cracks, chips, stains, gaps, and misalignment.
Veneers are often called instant orthodontics because they can give your smile a straighter appearance in as little as two appointments. However, it is important to remember that veneers do not correct orthodontic issues. This treatment merely conceals the problem.
Porcelain veneers also require a small amount of enamel to be removed from the tooth. This alteration means the tooth will always require some sort of restoration. Finally, because it is considered a cosmetic treatment, veneers are typically not covered by dental insurance.
Pros of Veneers:
- Quick treatment
- Natural-looking results
- Can last for up to 15 years
- No metal wires or brackets for treatment
Cons of Veneers:
- Only conceals issues
- Will need to be replaced
- Requires alteration of the tooth
- Cannot help bite issues
- Can be costly if you need multiple veneers
- Not covered by dental insurance
Cost of Veneers: $1,100 and $1,800 per tooth
Braces
Traditional braces use metal wires and brackets to guide teeth into proper alignment. Metal braces can correct orthodontic concerns such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, crooked teeth, gapped teeth, and overcrowded teeth.
Depending on the severity of your issues, treatment with braces can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months. In severe cases, it can take even longer.
During treatment, you will have dietary restrictions to prevent breaking a wire or bracket. However, correcting your orthodontic issues is beneficial to your oral health, can help you brush and floss your teeth better, alleviate painful TMJs, and prevent excessive wear to your teeth.
Pros of Braces:
- Corrects orthodontic issues
- Improves oral health
- Straightens teeth and offers aesthetic benefits
- Can last a lifetime with retainer use
Cons of Braces:
- Longer treatment time
- Dietary restrictions during treatment
- Obvious metal wires and brackets during treatment
Cost of Braces: Varies depending on the severity of your orthodontic issues.
Other Orthodontic Treatment Options
Our Orland Park dental practice offers two other orthodontic treatment options: ceramic braces and Invisalign®.
Let's explore the pros and cons of these two treatment options.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work just like traditional metal braces, but they use ceramic brackets instead of metal brackets. This makes them less noticeable.
Another benefit is that they work faster than Invisalign. However, treatment is more costly than traditional braces and more noticeable than clear aligners.
Pros of Ceramic Braces:
- Less noticeable than traditional braces
- Works faster than Invisalign
- Corrects orthodontic issues just like traditional braces
- Straightens teeth and offers aesthetic benefits
- Can last a lifetime with retainer use
Cons of Ceramic Braces:
- Cost more than metal braces
- More visible than Invisalign
- Treatment is about 12 to 24 months
- Same diet restrictions as metal braces
Cost of Ceramic Braces: Varies, but is typically more expensive than metal braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic alternative to metal or ceramic braces. Instead of wires and brackets, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gently guide your teeth into proper alignment.
Treatment typically takes about 12 to 24 months. Because the aligner trays are removable, there are no dietary restrictions, so you can eat the foods you love during treatment.
The Invisalign clear aligners are virtually unnoticeable, making it a very discreet treatment. Invisalign treatment can correct mild to moderate orthodontic concerns and provide the same benefits as braces.
Pros of Invisalign:
- Removable
- Discreet
- No wires or brackets
- Straightens teeth and offers aesthetic benefits
- Can last a lifetime with retainer use
Cons of Invisalign:
- Can be easy to lose
- Must be worn 22 hours a day
- Not appropriate for severe issues
- Not appropriate for young children who can't maintain the aligners
Cost of Invisalign: Varies depending on the severity of your orthodontic issues.
So, Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
The appropriate treatment for you will depend on a variety of factors.
What are your goals?
Are you looking to correct the orthodontic issues or simply want a quick way to improve the aesthetics of your smile? If you have a minor gap, veneers can be a great way to conceal this issue quickly. However, if you are looking to ease pain caused by a misaligned bite, metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign is a better option.
What is your budget?
Some treatments cost more than others. Our Orland Park dental office offers financing options and works with most insurance providers. It is important to remember that dental insurance typically covers at least a portion of metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign, but it often does not cover veneers at all. My team can verify your coverages to help you budget and plan treatment.
Are your orthodontic issues mild or severe?
The severity of your orthodontic issues can limit your treatment options. Veneers and Invisalign are often not a good option for severe misalignment.
What is your timeline?
If you have very mild issues and want to achieve your aesthetic goals quickly, veneers can be completed in as little as two appointments. However, braces and clear aligners will take longer.
Can you commit to tooth alterations?
If you wish to proceed with veneers, it is very important that you understand the teeth will be altered to fit the veneer. This alteration is permanent and cannot be undone. It is also important to keep in mind that veneers will wear over time and will eventually need to be replaced.
If you want to correct concerns but aren't sure braces are the way to go, you must be responsible enough to maintain the aligners, not lose them, and wear the aligner trays for at least 22 hours a day.
Ready to Discuss Your Options?
If you are ready to start treatment or you still aren't sure which option is best for you, you can start your journey to a beautifully straightened smile by requesting a consultation at my office in Orland Park, IL. I look forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams!
About Yamen Akhras, DDS
Dr. Yamen Akhras completed training in dental implants from the Misch Institute and the Urban Regeneration Institute. He specializes in treating gum disease, placing implants, and bone and gum grafting.
Read Dr. Akhras's Full Bio | All Posts by Dr. Akhras
