Fixing misaligned teeth is usually associated with orthodontics or clear aligners. It’s less common to consider cosmetic dentistry, specifically veneers, to help you achieve the same result. However, both can be effective. Your choice depends on your case and your smile goals, but your dentist can help you decide. In the meantime, keep reading to learn how each method works so you can start treatment confidently.
How Can Veneers Straighten Your Smile?
Veneers are a cosmetic treatment that hides flaws such as stains, chips, cracks, and small gaps. Coined “instant orthodontics” by some professionals, they can even address minor misalignment issues. As thin shells that bond to the front surfaces of teeth, veneers change your smile’s appearance, not its position.
It can take two visits before you see results, but they can last a decade or longer with proper care. During your initial appointment, your dentist will remove a small bit of enamel to ensure the veneer lies flat. They’ll take impressions and send them to a lab so your customized restorations can be created. Your second visit is when your new veneers will be placed.
If you’re considering veneers, don’t expect them to address complex orthodontic issues. Since these shells address only the cosmetic aspects of your smile, they won’t shift your teeth or change their alignment.
How Do Clear Aligners Straighten Your Teeth?
Unlike veneers that are purely cosmetic, clear aligners are a form of orthodontics designed to straighten teeth. When worn 20-22 hours a day, these clear plastic trays apply gentle pressure to move smiles into alignment over time. It can take an average of 12 to 18 months to see results, as long as you swap out each set for a new one throughout treatment.
Depending on the complexity of your case, it may take longer than the general timeframe, but it’s worth the results when you see a straighter smile.
Clear Aligners or Veneers: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re still unsure which option to choose, schedule a consultation with your dentist. They will discuss your concerns and goals and assess your smile. This will determine which method will deliver the results you desire. If minor misalignment isn’t causing oral health concerns, veneers may be the ideal solution. However, if several teeth are in an improper position, you’ll want to consider clear aligners.
No matter which treatment option you and your dentist choose, you can expect a more confident, healthy, and radiant smile in the end.
About the Author
Dr. M. Maxwell Hejazi has spent more than 30 years helping patients enjoy their dental experiences. After earning his dental degree at Washington University School of Dental Medicine, he completed a general dentistry residency at the University of California, San Francisco. Providing orthodontic and cosmetic services, he will work closely with you to establish your goals so that you are happy with your results. If you want to learn how you can straighten your misaligned teeth, visit our website or call (702) 804–0153 to schedule an appointment.