Invisalign is a big name in the teeth straightening game, but not many people know that dental veneers can also correct misalignment. Now you might be wondering which treatment you should pursue to achieve your dream smile. Don’t worry! These two options have plenty of differences that should help you narrow down your decision. Keep reading for the details.
How Does Invisalign Work?
To correct your crooked teeth with Invisalign, you’ll be provided with a set of clear, plastic trays. The trays will fit snugly to your teeth, almost like a retainer or mouthguard. If you wear them for 22 hours per day, they’ll gradually shift your teeth by applying pressure. Once you complete your treatment, you’ll have a perfectly straight smile that has been physically adjusted by Invisalign clear aligners.
How Do Veneers Straighten Teeth?
Dental veneers work drastically differently. Your dentist will custom-make a set of thin, porcelain shells that are meant to be adhered to the front-facing portion of your teeth. Basically, the idea with veneers is to conceal minor flaws, odd shapes, or misalignments behind an artfully crafted facade. Your teeth won’t actually be straighter, but they’ll appear to be straighter.
Why Would I Choose Veneers Over Invisalign?
You might be wondering what the point would be of choosing the cosmetic option over the one that physically fixes your teeth’s crookedness. Indeed, if your dental misalignment is major enough to cause issues like overcrowding or jaw pain, it’s likely best to go with Invisalign. However, if your pearly whites are only slightly off-center, you could enjoy a shorter treatment time and skip having to wear aligners altogether.
Don’t Forget to Talk to Your Dentist!
Whether you’re still undecided or not, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with your dentist! Since veneers can only correct a specific type of misalignment, you’ll need a dental professional to evaluate the crookedness of your teeth.
Plus, it’s always good to check for oral conditions like tooth decay and gum disease before receiving other treatments. That way, your dentist can help you take care of it before it causes complications. Rest assured, they’ll do their best to ensure your smile straightening journey progresses as smoothly as possible!
About the Practice
Dr. Rick Cofer and Dr. Ryan McNutt are happy to serve Waco and the surrounding areas with quality dental care. To help ensure they provide the best for their patients, they keep up with emerging trends in dental technology and techniques. If you’d like to straighten your smile, Dr. Cofer and Dr. McNutt will provide the latest and greatest treatment that modern dentistry has to offer! To contact their office, call 254-732-0309.