Different treatment options are available for adults who want to undergo a cosmetic orthodontic procedure especially Veneers, Invisalign, braces are popular to improve their smile aesthetics. Regardless of why you need to straighten your teeth, you can choose a suitable treatment to achieve your desired result. However, you need to know the up and downsides of the available options before deciding on which treatment to undergo.
Below are some advantages and disadvantages of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments to help you decide on a suitable option.
Veneers
Dental veneers are the easiest and fastest option for achieving a beautiful smile. But you have to consider other factors before getting veneers. Veneers can last for a few years, depending on the type you get.
Composite veneers can last for about 2 – 5 years, but certain foods and drinks can stain the veneers and shorten their lifespan. Porcelain veneers usually last longer, but preparing the teeth for them takes longer.
To fit porcelain veneers, the dentist will file down the tooth surface to prevent your teeth from looking bulky after the procedure. After filing down the tooth, the dentist will cover the natural tooth. And you always have to cover the filed down teeth with veneers.
Even if your dentist does not file down the affected teeth, the bonding material will etch your enamel, leaving the enamel damaged, so you always have to cover the affected teeth. If you want a reversible treatment option, veneers may not be the best solution.
An upside of veneers is the ease of treatment. You can have veneers fitted within a few weeks, unlike Invisalign and braces that need several months to move the teeth into alignment.
Although veneers are a quick option for restoring the smile, do proper research and consider all your options before opting for veneers. Even if you want your teeth straightened for an event, the event will pass, and you’ll have to use veneers for a lifetime.
An issue that makes veneers placement difficult is building on a tooth to cover the damage by filling or adding composite ceramic or plastic veneers. These procedures can affect the long-term health of your teeth and compromise your gums.
If you have discoloured or misshaped teeth, it may be best to align them first before placing dental veneers on the teeth. Most veneers can last for about ten years, so you need to maintain them to continue having a beautiful smile. You may also have to replace a veneer for any of the following reasons.
Reason To Replace Veneer
- The veneer cracks or becomes damaged
- The surrounding tooth gest stained and does not match the veneer
- Decayed or damaged tooth behind the veneer
- Loose veneer or broken down adhesive material
Before the veneer placement, you would have to decide if you want your dentist or a specialist to place the veneer.
Invisalign
Invisalign is fast becoming a popular treatment option for adults because the aligners are removable and discreet. Adults are usually more compliant with Invisalign treatment than teens and are more likely to wear the aligners for 20 – 22 hours daily. It’s easy for teens to forget to wear the aligners, so braces may be a better teeth-straightening option for teens.
Since the aligners are less discreet, you can go about your regular activities and work without people noticing you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Although Invisalign is not the most suitable treatment for complex orthodontic cases, it can significantly improve your smile. The aligners will gradually move the teeth into alignment, so you won’t see a dramatic change within a short while like veneers.
Reason To Replace Invisalign
Easier to Clean:
Invisalign aligners are easy to pop out and clean. You won’t have to worry about flossing or brushing in between brackets and wires because Invisalign are completely removable. Being able to brush and floss like normal can go a long way in protecting your oral health over time.
Comfortable:
Any new appliance in your mouth may take some time to get used to. However, Invisalign aligners are typically more comfortable than braces for two main reasons: No Sharp Edges and No Tightening.
Virtually Invisible:
One of the most common complaints people have about traditional braces is that they’re unattractive. Everyone notices your smile, so you may not want braces to cover it up. Invisalign can offer the same results as braces without being so noticeable. Invisalign aligners are made out of clear plastic, so they’re practically invisible when you smile.
No Discoloration:
there’s a small chance you’ll experience teeth discoloration from braces, you can avoid it altogether with Invisalign instead. The aligners are not mounted to your teeth, so it’s easy to clean all of your teeth thoroughly.
Some dental professionals suggest Invisalign treatment London to straighten the teeth and veneers afterwards to make finishing touches which helps achieve the desired result. However, veneers after teeth-straightening may not be advisable because the damage on the teeth and gums is long term.
Braces
Some adults with orthodontic issues wished that they had used braces as a child. However, braces are the only teeth-straightening option for some adults, especially those with complex orthodontic issues.
Metal braces exert the right amount of pressure to fix complex orthodontic issues and carry out heavy teeth lifting, which may be difficult for Invisalign and other clear aligners.
Asides from cosmetic issues, braces can correct malocclusion (bite) or jaw problems, crooked teeth and overcrowding to reduce the risk of tooth loss and decay.
Braces London treatment for cosmetic issues may take as short as six months, then retainers afterwards to keep the teeth in their perfect positions. If you need braces but worried about your appearance, you can consider other less discreet braces option such as lingual or ceramic braces.
The orthodontist will fit lingual braces at the back of your teeth, where your tongue rests. Making it difficult for anyone to see the braces from a distance. Although lingual braces are less obvious. They are more expensive as the orthodontist place each custom-made bracket to fit the teeth. You would also need additional check-ups.
Ceramic braces strike a balance between cost and aesthetics. Ceramic braces use tooth-coloured wire and brackets, which make them less noticeable than metal braces.
Cost
The cost of braces, Invisalign, and veneers depend on your case. None of these three options offers a cheap fix. The effect of some last for a short while and others a lifetime. Your dental insurance plan can cover part of your treatment, depending on the level of your health cover.
Before you start your dental or orthodontic treatment, ensure you ask for details of the treatment’s cost. Your dental provider can give you some treatments and procedures that your insurance can cover.
Factors to consider before deciding on a dental treatment
Having all the facts before deciding whether to use braces, veneers or Invisalign to achieve your desired smile is important. Ensure you ask the following questions to guide your decision.
- What is the estimated cost and length of the treatment?
- Will I need future treatment?
- What time commitment will I need?
If you want your teeth straightened and also want to improve your smile, you can contact London Braces today. Schedule an appointment with our dentist to advise you on the most suitable treatment option.
