Veneers or Braces: Which is Better?

Are you seeking a solution to restoring your happy smile? You may have to gauge and pick one of the many effective cosmetic dentistry treatments available today. Two such treatments are the use of veneers or braces. How do these procedures work? Which one is appropriate for your case? And, is one better than the other? To help you solve all these queries and more, here is a quick guide:

Understanding Veneers

Dental veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells that cover the surface of the teeth. These shells are often in the same shade as the teeth in question. Hence, they help to protect the crown while correcting any discoloration, chipping, misshapen, and gaps.

Fitting of veneers is a rather painless process. Here, a certified dentist starts by filing down the patient’s teeth for an impression. Once he gets a satisfactory negative imprint, he will hand it over to the dental laboratory. The lab team will use the print to make custom veneers for the patient. And if you’re looking for a good dentist for this procedure, visit this cosmetic dentist in Boynton beach for the best services.

There are two types of veneers, that is, porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Composite veneers use resin composite materials. In contrast, porcelain veneers rely on the longer-lasting porcelain cast.

Unlike custom porcelain veneers that are manufactured in a laboratory, once the dentist gets the impression of the teeth, he can proceed to make the composite veneers. In effect, you can have your smile corrected in a single appointment for a composite veneers procedure. On the other hand, porcelain veneers may take up to three weeks from your first appointment to cementing onto your existing teeth.

The Benefits

Both composite and porcelain veneers result in uniformly shaped and brightly colored teeth for a healthy smile. Plus, they are powerful in protecting the enamel from future damage or discoloration. The entire procedure is rather painless. Indeed, the dentist will first numb the gums surrounding the teeth. Even afterward, when the numbness subsides, there is no discomfort whatsoever.

Further, composite veneers work for persons who want quick results at a pocket-friendly budget. And, it is a cost-saving for a family. The dentist can fix more casts in one session. These veneers are quite easy to repair too. Porcelain veneers may take longer to fix, yet they last for much longer than composite veneers. Hence, they will keep your teeth bright for 10 to 15 years with minimal repairs.

Below is a summary of other benefits of porcelain veneers: –

• They preserve the bright shade of the teeth for longer.
• They are easy to clean.
• They are resistant to staining.
• They are less likely to damage.

Cons

Veneers are not permanent. That is, with time, they get susceptible to natural wear and tear, damage due to accidents, or eating a poor diet. Hence, anyone who opts for this treatment should exercise caution to keep the veneers in tip-top shape.

Understanding Braces

Dental braces are aligners that help in straightening teeth in adults, teens, or kids. There are at least five types of braces. That is the traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, Invisalign braces, and self-ligating braces. Each of these braces has unique advantages as follows:

• Metal Braces

They comprise of wires and brackets that attach teeth to correct their positioning. A newer version of metal braces uses heat-activated archwires that expand or contract in response to the body heat. That way, they allow for comfortable mouth movements and less discomfort.

Metal braces are useful and affordable. Yet, they are quite visible. Hence, these braces are not ideal for a self-conscious person. To solve this, you can wear colored bands to conceal metal braces.

• Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are of a ceramic material instead of wires and brackets. That way, they are less noticeable yet as efficient as metal braces. Still, they are prone to staining if you are not cautious with them. And, they retail at a slightly higher price than metal braces.

• Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are metal braces attached to the inside of the teeth. That way, they remain hidden when talking or chewing. Still, these braces are less effective than the traditional metal braces. Plus, they may take a considerable time to achieve the desired alignment. Some patients experience discomfort as the wires and brackets come into contact with the tongue. Also, it is not always easy to clean lingual braces.

• Invisalign Braces

Invisalign braces comprise of clear plastic aligners that are comfortable and invisible. You can wear and remove the aligners with ease to clean and disinfect them. The dentist relies on a computerized system to fit these aligners, avoiding, and errors. Afterward, the patient has to remove the aligners to eat, drink, or brush teeth for at least six months. Again, poor oral hygiene can comprise the effectiveness of Invisalign braces.

• Self-Ligating Braces

The self-ligating braces are the latest models with aesthetic features for precise teeth alignment. These braces look like metal braces but use clips to hold the wires together. Hence, they are easier to clean and more comfortable on the gums. Still, the supports are visible and pricey.

In Conclusion: Which One to Choose?

Porcelain veneers are quite popular for a variety of orthodontic adjustments, teeth whitening, and other cosmetic dental corrections. Their lifelike characteristic makes them acceptable to most patients. But for someone on a tight budget and limited time, composite veneers make an ideal choice.

In contrast, the primary purpose of braces is to straighten teeth. The length of the treatment will vary depending on your choice of aligners. For example, metal braces will take six months to 2 years to straighten the teeth. But, self-ligating braces take three to six months.

Note, there are instances where a patient may need both veneers and braces to treat his condition. In such circumstances, the dentist will come up with a custom procedure that will incorporate the two treatments and restore the smile.