The Perfect Smile: Braces vs. Veneers
Individuals who suffer from misaligned teeth, tooth chips or gaps often find themselves at a crossroads. They can opt to undergo an orthodontic treatment to repair their smile deformity, or they can be outfitted with dental veneers for instant relief. Both of the aforementioned options have their respective merits and downfalls. Veneers are undoubtedly a quicker route to a perfect smile, while braces are better suited for those who are patient. This article will delve into both the advantages and disadvantages of these two procedures in hopes of helping individuals make more informed decisions. It is very important that you consult your dentist before making any final decisions in respect to course of treatment.
Braces are among one of the most popular orthodontic treatments. They are installed on a patient’s teeth by a dentist who specializes in this field of dentistry, known as an orthodontist. He or she may prescribe a treatment plan for a given patient that calls for the use of other orthodontic products (such as orthodontic rubber bands). Such adjuvant treatment plans can work to not only straighten a patient’s teeth, but also correct his or her bite. The world of modern orthodontics is almost indistinguishable from the one that existed several years ago. Patients are provided with far more flexibility as to accommodate their lifestyle.
Braces are available in a variety of colors and can now even be rendered invisible. Hence, more and more people have gravitated towards this exciting treatment. Society has also come to accept braces, making the decision to receive them a much simpler one for younger children. In the overall scheme of things, the procedure has become more pain-free and highly lucrative.
Misaligned teeth can be effectively corrected with braces. Unlike other procedures, braces don’t mask the problem but rather address it. However, correct misalignment can take a substantial amount of time. Those who wear braces often do so for more than a year. This can obviously be intrusive on one’s life. While there are sacrifices to be made, they are indeed rewarding in the end.
Dental veneers differ from braces in several respects. For one, they provide for relatively instant results. The patient can walk out of the cosmetic dentist’s office with a new smile after only a few appointments. Dental veneers don’t seek to repair existing problems with a patient’s teeth, rather, they seek to mask them. Those who sport veneers on their teeth often suffer from tooth misalignment, severe discoloration, or chipped teeth.
Veneers, much like braces, are not the all-around miracle treatment some make them out to be. Since the installation of veneers calls for tooth enamel removal and tooth reshaping, patients need be ready to commit themselves before opting to receive veneers. Enamel removal provides for an optimal adhesion surface, while the tooth reshaping helps accommodate the added size of the veneer shells. Tooth structure removal cannot be reversed, and as such, after the teeth are prepared, the will need to be covered as to ward of decay. The pricing of veneers is also a deterring factor. They can easily run a patient over $1,000 for one tooth. Instant results call for a big investment.
Lumineers are a thinner variant of porcelain veneers that are good option for those looking to spend less without compromising quality. Lumineers can be installed with a reduced amount of preparation work due to their reduced thickness. Whichever route you decide to take, remember that veneers can last for well over ten years. Thus, in retrospect, your investment is not excessively huge. Veneers are a good option for those who need immediate results, while braces are often recommended for those who can be patient and wish to correct their orthodontic problems. It’s best to think things through carefully and speak to your dentist before deciding on your course of action.