Invisalign vs. Veneers: Which is right for me?

Everyone wants a beautiful smile. There are many options that can make your smile straighter, more cohesive, and all-around charming, but as adults, few people want to risk a braces-filled or otherwise less than ideal smile for months while waiting for them to do their job. Luckily, there are now options that straighten the teeth and improve your smile quickly– all without visible orthodontia. Invisalign and veneers are the most popular–and effective– of these options. When assessing Invisalign vs. veneers, however, how do you know which one is really right for you?

You may think comparing Invisalign and veneers should be easy since, on the surface, the two are very different. After all, Invisalign operates as a type of “invisible braces,” straightening teeth using clear plastic aligners. These aligners serve the same function as braces, only are less visible during the straightening process. Veneers, on the other hand, actually coat the teeth by bonding to enamel. Veneers totally remake the smile in just a few sessions, not by moving teeth, but rather by covering your existing smile with a more attractive version. In reality, however, they accomplish similar goals, and many people consider both.

The Benefits of Invisalign vs. Veneers

So which is really better for you: Invisalign or veneers? The reality is that the answer will differ from person to person. Not everyone has the same goals for their smile or the same problems marring it. Let’s look at some of the benefits of Invisalign and veneers, so you can answer the question for yourself.

The benefits of Invisalign are similar to those of braces, but Invisalign allows you to avoid the embarrassment, pain, and mouth sores sometimes associated with months or years of unsightly orthodontia. Invisalign simply moves your teeth, making it ideal for anyone simply looking to improve the alignment and placement of teeth. Invisalign preserves your tooth enamel, as well. Although Invisalign primarily solves fewer issues than veneers (only changing the spacing and placement of teeth), the procedure is less invasive and requires less maintenance than veneers, which need to be replaced at least once in a lifetime.

Veneers, on the other hand, bond to the teeth, which means they change more than their placement. Veneers eliminate other issues, such as discoloration, chips, and misshapen or damaged teeth. Your smile will look whiter and more attractive in just two visits to the dentist. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your teeth moving back to their original place if you don’t wear your retainer like you would with Invisalign. The downside, of course, is that veneers won’t last forever. You will likely have to do the procedure again. Plus, veneers tend to cost much more than Invisalign, especially if you do the procedure more than once.

Consider these benefits when deciding on the merits of Invisalign vs. veneers for yourself. Of course, the easiest way to better understand whether Invisalign or veneers will better meet your goals for your smile is to discuss your options with an experienced cosmetic dentist. At Kantor Dental Group, we regularly help patients achieve their goals with both. Call us today for your own consultation, and we’ll discuss all your options so you can make the most informed decision.