What’s the Difference Between Invisalign and Veneers?

The alignment of your teeth can have a big impact on your self-esteem. If you have gapped, rotated, or overcrowded teeth, it’s easy to feel insecure about your smile. Nowadays, you have more options than ever to get the beautiful, straight smile you deserve. Two of the most popular treatments are veneers and Invisalign. Although both can correct the alignment of your teeth, it’s important to understand the difference between Invisalign and veneers. Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for your smile.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign is an FDA-approved treatment to fix a variety of bite and alignment issues. As an alternative to metal braces, the clear aligners are worn over your teeth to gradually move them into position. Over 5 million people have chosen Invisalign to improve their smiles when used to correct:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Gaps or spaces between teeth
• Crowded or overlapped teeth
• Open bite

On average, it takes about 12 months to finish your series of aligners. During this time, you’ll enjoy a nearly invisible treatment that doesn’t have any dietary restrictions. Overall, it’s a convenient solution to resolve mild-to-moderate bite and alignment problems.

Benefits of Veneers

A veneer is a thin shell bonded to the front surface of a tooth to instantly hide a variety of aesthetic concerns. Typically, they are used to cover minor imperfections; however, they can also be an alternative to braces. In some cases, veneers can make the teeth appear straighter by closing gaps and covering other minor alignment issues. Unfortunately, they cannot fix your bite. Veneers are most often recommended for patients who are interested in hiding:

• Dark tooth discoloration and stains.
• Chips, cracks, or shorter than average teeth
• Small gaps between teeth

Modern veneers are thinner than ever, allowing less of your tooth’s structure to be removed during the bonding process. If you have minor alignment imperfections, you can have a straight, beautiful smile in about 2 appointments. Overall, veneers are an effective option to improve several issues using just one treatment.

Which is the Right Treatment for Me?

You’ll require a thorough consultation with your cosmetic dentist to create a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and the goals you want to achieve. Typically, if you have more significant bite and alignment problems, Invisalign may be the better choice. If you only have small gaps and want to cover other aesthetic flaws, like discoloration, veneers might be the better option.

Invest in an Attractive Smile

You don’t need to feel embarrassed by the appearance of your teeth. Your cosmetic dentist has the solutions you need to love the smile you see in the mirror.

About Dr. Terry F. Rakowsky

Dr. Rawowsky earned his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He has completed advanced training at the Dawson Academy and Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He offers a variety of cosmetic procedures to help his patients achieve their best smiles. If you’re interested in Invisalign or veneers, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.