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Fedoricw, Massoumi, & Kolbig

Veneers vs. Invisalign: Which is Best?

Veneers vs. Invisalign

Did you know that gaps between the teeth are a common cosmetic concern that many people wish they could fix? What about the fact that crooked teeth can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease? How about the fact that correcting an imperfect smile is as easy as visiting your local cosmetic dentist? Cosmetic dentists offer a variety of treatments that can address gaps between the teeth, as well as crooked or overlapping teeth. When it comes to treating these cosmetic concerns, two of the most popular treatments are Invisalign and veneers. Although both treatments are effective, they offer patients slightly different options. Here’s how they compare: 

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that gradually repositions the teeth and bite so that they are properly aligned. In doing so, gaps between the teeth are eliminated, crooked teeth are straightened, and overlapping teeth are moved so they are no longer overlapping. While undergoing Invisalign treatment, you can expect to wear a clear aligner for a minimum of 22 hours per day. Every 1-2 weeks, this aligner will be switched out to the next aligner in the series. On average, treatment with Invisalign usually lasts about a year and a half. However, once treatment is complete, the results are permanent in most cases. 

When it comes to Invisalign treatment, some people may consider the treatment length as a negative. Additionally, you will need to visit your dentist about every 8 weeks so that they can monitor your progress and make adjustments as necessary. Another con of Invisalign treatment noted by some is the fact that properly aligning your teeth can cause discomfort, especially after changing aligners. 

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are sometimes called laminates. These porcelain shells are adhered to the front surface of visible teeth in order to improve the appearance of your smile. Unlike Invisalign, veneers can address more cosmetic concerns such as discoloration, tooth shape, and the size of individual teeth. Not only that, but cosmetic treatment with veneers only requires about two dental appointments. During the first appointment, your teeth will be prepared for veneers by removing a thin layer of enamel and taking an oral scan of your mouth. During your second appointment, your permanent veneers will be checked for size and then adhered to your teeth. After their application, veneers can last around 10-15 years. 

Unfortunately, since veneers do require removing a thin layer of enamel, this makes then an irreversible treatment, meaning that veneers cannot be removed without immediately being replaced. Additionally, veneers will not actually fix your teeth in the same way Invisalign will. Instead, veneers work by covering up cosmetic concerns. 

Overall, these are the things that you will need to consider when deciding between veneers and Invisalign. While both methods can eliminate gaps, crooked teeth, and overlapping teeth, each method offers a slightly different approach to accomplishing this. Therefore, you will need to decide which approach is right for you and your smile. 

Dr.-Roman-Fedorciw
Dr. Roman Fedorciw has been in private practice in Cromwell since 1991. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He is also a member of the Connecticut Dental Association and Middlesex County Dental Association. Dr. Fedorciw has been acknowledged by his peers as one of the “Top Dentists” in Hartford County by Hartford Magazine and in the state of Connecticut by Connecticut Magazine.
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