Invisalign vs veneers – what is your best option?
The days of traditional metal braces as the only option for fixing malocclusions have been long gone. Today, people have more options to fix a wide array of dental and oral health problems; from straightening crooked teeth, fixing overcrowding, spacing, gapped, overbite, underbite, etc.
Two of the most popular options in cosmetic dentistry today are Invisalign and veneers. Both work wonders in correcting and improving the appearance of teeth for a beautiful smile. However, both veneers and Invisalign are also different in the way work. But which is better? Which one should you get? Here’s a closer look at Invisalign vs Veneers.
A quick look at Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is a relatively new and popular orthodontic treatment used to help patients straighten their teeth, fix a wide range of malocclusions, and improve their smiles. Rather than using metal brackets, wires, and elastics to apply pressure on the teeth and move them to the right direction and desired spots, Invisalign treatment uses clear trays called aligners. Invisalign trays are made with state-of-the-art proprietary material designed to fix malocclusions all while looking invisible. Hence the name Invisalign, short for invisible aligners. They are removable, making it easy to eat, drink, and clean the teeth and the aligners as well.
Not only are they less obvious than traditional braces, but the treatment time is also considerably shorter or even cheaper in Invisalign.
A quick look at Veneers
Veneers offer a quick and easy way to improve your smile. They are quite popular and have become the more mainstream option over the past decade. But rather than slowly rearranging and realigning teeth like in braces and Invisalign, veneers are bonded to the existing tooth (tooth enamel). The two popular options for veneers are composite resin and porcelain veneers. The latter is the more expensive but durable and longer-lasting option.
Porcelain veneers are thin sheets of porcelain bonded straight into the surface of the front teeth. They are fully customizable to meet the needs of each patient, from color, size, shape, and even texture. Cosmetic dentists also use veneers to fill in and close small gaps, cover up cracks or chips on a tooth. Moreover, it can also be used to mask mild misalignments.
The great thing about veneer treatment is it is quick and easy. Moreover, it is also a lot cheaper than any teeth alignment treatment.
Invisalign pros and cons
Real teeth straightening treatment – Invisalign aligners work just like traditional braces; it is not just an aesthetic solution, but a real treatment for malocclusions. The treatment involves the use of a series of removable custom-made and custom-fit aligners that put pressure on your teeth to gradually force movement and push them to the right directions and spots. Though often used for mild to moderate dental problems, Invisalign is also sometimes used for complex cases.
Depending on the complexity and severity of the problem, Invisalign treatment may take anywhere from 3 months to 18 months. However, not everyone can be a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. Your dentists or orthodontist can help you assess your condition. Or you can visit their website’s assessment page to find out if you are eligible for the treatment.
Pros
• Aesthetic factor – almost invisible
• Removable – no food or drink restrictions, makes for easy cleaning of the aligner
• Ease of cleaning your teeth – brushing and flossing of teeth
• Fewer potential dental problems (compared to braces)
• Convenient; no need for multiple visits to the clinic (though you have to visit your orthodontist every 6 or 8 weeks to make sure you are on track of the treatment)
• Less expensive than traditional braces (though it can cost more for complex cases)
Cons
• Less effective for complex and severe malocclusions
• Requires patient’s compliance – aligners must be worn 22 hours a day
• Discomfort – Though less severe compared to braces
Veneers pros and cons
As said earlier, Veneers are attached straight to the front side of the tooth. Thus, it does not actually correct the malocclusions, rather, it covers up the natural teeth to make them look straighter, better, and even whiter.
Porcelain veneers may be thin, but for them to attach to the tooth; they usually require some tooth enamel to be shaved off from the natural teeth so the veneers don’t look bulky when they are set in place.
Attaching the veneers to the tooth, however, is pretty quick, depending on the type and number of veneers needed. If there are no underlying dental conditions, composite can be attached straight away. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, may take longer as they are made in the lab (2 to 4 weeks).
It is important to note that veneers, while they can last for a long time, are not permanent. They will eventually need replacement due to damage from wear and tear.
For eligibility, however, most people can get this aesthetic procedure, usually after fixing some minor dental problems.
Pros
• Quick and versatile cosmetic solution, looks like real teeth
• Fixes minor cosmetic problems
• Instant results, quick fix for damaged tooth enamel
• Easily brightens your smile (whitens your teeth)
• Stain resistant
Cons
• Artificial solution – rather than fixing, veneers masks the problem
• Usually not covered by insurance – since it’s a cosmetic procedure (check with your insurance plan to confirm)
• Irreversible – changing and reshaping your teeth to attach the veneers is permanent, since you cannot restore tooth enamel
• Teeth sensitivity – removal of enamel can make your teeth sensitive to hold and cold temperature
• Not permanent – though veneers are relatively tough (especially porcelain), they aren’t as tough as real teeth.
Invisalign vs Veneers: Quick Summary
Invisalign
Patient Visits: Multiple – every 6 or 8 weeks
Length of treatment: 3 – 18 months
Longevity: Indefinite – based on your compliance of wearing nightly retainers and oral health care
Cost: $3,000-$9,000 (case to case basis)
Damage to teeth: No orthodontic damage to existing teeth
Porcelain Veneers
Patient Visits: Multiple, from consultation to attachment
Length of treatment: 2 – 4 weeks
Longevity: 10 – 15 years
Cost: $3,000-$9,000 (case to case basis)
Damage to teeth: Yes, requires removal of enamel of existing tooth
Composite resin veneers
Patient Visits: Usually just 1
Length of treatment: Same day
Longevity: 10 – 15 years
Cost: $3,000-$9,000 (case to case basis)
Damage to teeth: Possible filling and removal of enamel
Which is best for you?
As you can see, both are completely different procedures, thus both are good options for different reasons. Obviously, there are lots of variables to consider when choosing between Invisalign vs veneers, such as your oral health, the timing, and of course, the cost. Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose Invisalign or veneers depends on your goal; how you want to take care of your oral health, your personal situation, and your preferences.
Invisalign, much like traditional metal braces will fix your malocclusions by straightening your teeth. This is the best option for people with mild to moderate dental conditions, such as overcrowding, overbite, underbite, etc., However, for it to be effective, it requires maximum compliance on the part of the patient. The treatment only takes place whenever you wear the aligner trays, which should be 22 hours a day. In some cases, Invisalign can be used for complex malocclusions.
Veneers, on the other hand, provide a cheap and quick cosmetic fix for many orthodontic problems, especially composite resin veneers. They are fantastic for improving the overall look of your teeth and addressing specific concerns for a more beautiful smile. They are ideal for correcting gaps between teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, discoloration, etc. However, they are not permanent, even the more expensive porcelain ones. Thus, you have to take extra care of your teeth and make sure to not bite hard on tough food. They are also subject to wear and tear. While veneers are generally cheaper, they are installed per tooth, which means it could cost more depending on the number of veneers you need.
If you are still unsure what to get, then it is best to talk to your dentist or orthodontist. Your dental professional can help you examine both options and find out which option works best for you, depending on your current oral health condition, goals, and financial situation.