Do you feel conscious about your teeth every time you smile? Well, you don’t have to! Cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve the perfect smile by improving your teeth’s alignment, bite, colour, shape, and size. Two of the most popular treatments for achieving an aesthetic smile are Veneers and clear aligners, also known as Invisalign.

Both of these treatments have their unique characteristics and are equally effective in improving your smile. While everyone desires a perfect smile, most patients have a dilemma when choosing a treatment that is suited for them. In this blog, we will have a deeper look at veneers and Invisalign and compare them both to help you make an informed decision. 

A] What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are shells that are placed in front of a chipped or broken tooth. Dental Veneers are meant to improve the appearance of your teeth by hiding cosmetic flaws. There are various types of dental veneers, such as porcelain veneers, composite veneers, instant veneers and removable veneers. Dental veneers can help you conceal a wide range of dental issues, such as a chipped tooth, cracked tooth, misshapen teeth, discoloured teeth, teeth that are smaller in size, and gaps.

Dental veneers in Sunshine Coast are custom-made by your dentist to suit your dental anatomy. The dental professional might have to remove some part of your tooth enamel before applying the dental veneers. This makes your teeth surface rougher, helping veneers stay in their place. Your dentist might even use local anaesthesia for the process. 

Dental veneers are minimally invasive and do not need any recovery time. Patients can go back to their normal life after the procedure. Most dental veneers are usually permanent and do not come off easily after the procedure. Once applied, they can last for 5 to 10 years. 

B] What Are Clear Aligners Or Invisalign Braces?

Clear aligners are a type of orthodontic treatment used for straightening the teeth’ position over time and giving you an aesthetically pleasing smile. They provide a hassle-free alternative to metal braces. Invisalign are a brand of clear aligners, which are most widely used. Hence, the name clear aligners are sometimes used interchangeably with Invisalign.

As the name suggests, clear aligners are transparent, making them a perfect fit for anyone who doesn’t want to wear traditional metal braces. Unlike the metal braces, you can also remove the clear aligners while eating to maintain their cleanliness and hygiene.

In addition to straightening your teeth’ alignment, they can also correct other dental problems, such as an overbite, an underbite, small gaps and spaces between teeth. Dentists might also recommend them for crowded or overlapping teeth. 

To begin the procedure for Invisalign at Sunshine Coast, your dentist will create a digital model of your mouth’s anatomy by taking an impression of your teeth. This model will help the dentist design customised plastic clear aligners. You need to wear these aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day for optimal results and only remove them while eating. Each set of teeth aligners is required to be replaced every couple of weeks as the positioning of your teeth changes over time.

C] Veneers Vs Invisalign: Which Is The Better Option for You?

Veneers and Invisalign are both very effective procedures. However, when choosing between the two, there are several factors that you should consider. 

1. Invisalign Pros And Cons

Pros

• Invisalign is removable, so you can take them out while eating and brushing your teeth.
• They are very comfortable and do not irritate your gums or cheeks.
• The risk of enamel erosion and strained teeth is also reduced.

Cons

• The progress could be slow for patients who do not wear them for the instructed amount of hours.
• The results might take several weeks.
• As patients have to change their aligners every couple of weeks, it can be expensive.

2. Pros And Cons Of Veneers

Pros

• Veneers can be used to address a wide range of cosmetic dental problems.
• Veneers cover the front of your teeth to add an extra layer of protection.
• Veneers offer instant aesthetic improvements to your teeth.

Cons

• It can be expensive if the number of teeth that need veneers is high.
• A part of the procedure is to remove very small amounts of enamel which helps it stay better.
• It may not address medical conditions.

3. Veneers Vs Invisalign Cost

Generally, porcelain veneers are more costly than Invisalign. As Invisalign treatment takes place once every two weeks, it can be more affordable. The cost of veneers and Invisalign can vary depending on the treatment you require. It is advisable to find your nearest Sunshine Coast Dentist and consult them for detailed information.

4. Can Veneers And Clear Aligners Be Used Together

Yes, dental veneers are a thin strip of porcelain attached in front of your teeth and do not interfere with aligners. Different cosmetic dentistry procedures can be incorporated together to address different issues. Veneers can help you fix broken or chipped teeth, while aligners help you fix the alignment of your teeth. These cosmetic procedures can be effective in addressing your dental problems and enhancing your smile and self-confidence. Have a look at our cosmetic dentistry before and after images to see the transformative results you can expect.

Conclusion

Both dental veneers and Invisalign are effective cosmetic procedures that can help you enhance your smile. Both of these procedures have their unique advantages and drawbacks; hence, you need to be careful while choosing which one is suited for your dental needs. Consult a reputed dentist in the Sunshine Coast to understand your dental requirements and get personalised recommendations and treatment. While you are trying to make your smile more aesthetic, you should also remember to make oral health and hygiene your priority. If you are looking for a reputed cosmetic dentistry in the Sunshine Coast, feel free to contact us.