Image by brittanysoup via FlickrComfort, esthetics, and treatment time have always been the primary concerns for the adult patient when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Invisalign, when compared to other teeth straightening options, has been shown to solve many of these concerns.
Veneers have been used for a long time to address many cosmetic dental concerns. Invisalign and veneers cannot necessarily be compared directly with each other even though they address many of the same problems. Veneers are considered a “quick fix” for a whole host of dental issues including crowding, gaps between teeth, overlapping of teeth, irregular alignment, discoloration, tooth-size discrepancies, etc.
The major advantage of Invisalign is that it is virtually impossible to see while it is being worn and at the same time it is taking care of alignment and crowding problems that could be affecting the overall health of your teeth. It is not faster than getting veneers, but over a lifetime Invisalign is a much better value since it does not have to be redone over and over again. Straighter teeth means it is much easier to maintain your teeth for a lifetime – less food, plaque and debris getting stuck in those crowded, overlapped areas. Veneers are a quick fix and sometimes are an excellent option, but nearly all of Dr. Derenzy’s patients have a discussion about the benefits of having teeth straightened before any type of cosmetic smile enhancement.
Even if veneers are needed, for whatever reason, properly aligning the teeth with Invisalign can decrease the total number of veneers needed and/or improve the appearance of veneers placed by closing gaps, reducing crowding and more ideally aligning teeth. This can result in a significant cost savings. So, before you go to the dentist for veneers, see Dr. Derenzy for a free consultation to review your options for avoiding veneers or at least limiting them. Often, Dr. Derenzy can straighten your teeth with Invisalign and this will be all you would need. If veneers are still necessary to correct cosmetic defects after Invisalign, the veneer preparations on your teeth can be much more conservative, leaving more of your natural tooth behind.
