There are several treatments you can undergo to get a gorgeous, straight smile, particularly porcelain veneers and Invisalign. Time to weigh the pros and cons to determine which cosmetic dentistry treatment is right for your smile makeover.
What’s Involved
Why do you want straight teeth? Maybe you are tired of the gaps between your teeth or those few crooked teeth that draw attention to themselves. Perhaps you have alignment issues that are causing jaw pain, clenching and grinding, and all the complications that come along with these problems, like enamel erosion and gum recession. Invisalign could be the answer.
Do you have crooked teeth and discolored teeth? Do you have good oral health and decent alignment and simply want a smile that looks better and healthier? Porcelain veneers are a versatile, one-stop solution for many patients who want a complete smile makeover.
Time
Porcelain veneers are usually complete in just two visits to your cosmetic dentist. The first visit will be all about preparation – cleaning and sanding your teeth to make room for the veneers. You and your dentist will determine the right size, shape, color, and translucency of your customized veneers, which will be designed by a dental lab. A few weeks later, your veneers will be tested out, bonded in place, and you’ll go home with a flawless new smile.
Invisalign takes, on average, a year to complete. Some cases take longer and some are shorter depending on the complexity of your case and your adherence to the rules of Invisalign wear. At the end of the treatment, patients must wear a retainer to keep their newly aligned teeth in place, but your smile will be straight, healthy, and strong.
Budget
One of the biggest considerations for any type of cosmetic dentistry work is how much the procedures cost. Veneers and Invisalign are both major investments in your oral health.
Veneers are typically the costlier of the two options, though the final amount for each veneer will depend on how many veneers you get, the material used for the veneers, your location, and the expertise of your dentist.
Invisalign is comparable to the cost of conventional metal braces and the total for this treatment could equal the cost of several veneers. You will want to discuss the financial aspect of both procedures with your Arlington dentist so you can comfortably make the right decision when upgrading your smile.
Upkeep
Porcelain veneers don’t require any special care. Simply brush and floss daily as usual and see your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and exam. Invisalign must be cleaned daily and carefully maintained so the aligners stay clear and do their job of straightening teeth. Once the treatment is complete, you will have a straight smile that is much easier to floss, brush, and maintain for good oral health.
It’s often a clear-cut choice between veneers and Invisalign, but every patient is different. Contact Dr. Alana Macalik to discuss the most viable smile makeover options for your teeth.