Veneers or Invisalign: Which Will Help Improve My Smile?

You’re no longer happy with your smile. What you see in the mirror each day leaves you feeling more and more self-conscious about your appearance. You’ve heard about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry but don’t know which solution is best. Should you choose veneers or Invisalign? Before making a decision, hear from a dentist who explains the benefits of both so that you can feel confident in choosing the right one for you.

What Are the Benefits of Veneers?

Oftentimes, smile imperfections can cause you to feel embarrassed. Unsightly cracks, stains, and gaps can leave you looking for a solution that hides these flaws. With veneers, you can expect a fully transformed appearance.

Customized based on the desired size, shape, and color, these restorations are made by skilled technicians who work to ensure a proper fit when put into place. Designed to conceal imperfections of all types, they require the removal of a small portion of tooth enamel but can last 10+ years.

It often takes two appointments to complete the veneer placement process, but patients who pursue this method of treatment appreciate their durability, stain resistance, and natural-looking appearance.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

When teeth appear crooked, gapped, or overcrowded, or a bite is misaligned, Invisalign can be a great alternative to traditional metal braces. Unlike brackets and wires that protrude and bring attention to your smile, Invisalign uses clear, plastic aligners to gently move teeth in the right direction.

As a flexible orthodontic solution, these trays allow you to eat your favorite foods, maintain better oral health, and often produce faster results than regular braces. Not to mention, they work to improve appearances subtly.

Invisalign aligners are to be worn 20-22 hours each day, and most patients complete treatment in an average of 12-18 months.

When Looking to Boost Appearances, Which Option is Best?

Although veneers and Invisalign are two different types of cosmetic dental treatments, they are both effective at enhancing your appearance. If you’re looking to cover imperfections that do not affect your oral health as a whole, veneers may be the better option for you. However, if your teeth are causing you to experience difficulty eating or breathing, or they cause you to experience much pain, Invisalign is likely to be the route you’ll want to take.

Of course, the only way to know for sure which method of treatment to pursue is to see a cosmetic dentist for a consultation. This will allow a professional to examine your teeth and discuss your goals, thus helping you to determine how to improve your smile.

About the Author
Dr. Warren Hoffman is a dentist in North Sarasota who received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in Baltimore, Maryland. He then went on to complete an externship during his senior year, providing dental services to stationed members of the United States Coast Guard in Honolulu, Hawaii. At Parkway Ridge Dental, he and his team offer cosmetic dental services that enhance appearances and boost confidence. Contact us at (941) 358-8830 to learn more!