Veneers or Braces?

By: Stephen Price DDS | Friday, November 30th, 2018 | Veneers

Friday, November 30th, 2018

Many of our patients state that they want to have a more appealing smile. If you are interested in upgrading the appearance of your teeth, you have several options. When the concern relates to the alignment of one or more teeth, it may be possible to achieve the desired outcome with braces or veneers. Deciding which method of care is right for you takes a great deal of thought and detailed information from an experienced dentist.

The results from veneer treatment are outstanding when the process is carried out by a dentist familiar with not only your smile and desired outcome but also with the various materials that are used to make veneers. Like veneers, braces are used to correct specific flaws in the smile. The two approaches to a better smile may achieve similar outcomes, but that is where similarities end.

Braces, including Invisalign, physically correct misalignment. This is achieved over the course of several months, during which specific fixtures place gentle force on teeth to move them from one position to another. Dr. Price is a Premier Invisalign Provider in Northern Virginia who routinely utilizes this discreet system to correct overbite, underbite, crossbite, turned teeth and more. Once Invisalign treatment is complete, a retainer needs to be worn at all times for at least another 12 months. With consistent maintenance, the results of Invisalign can last a lifetime.

Veneers do not correct the problem of a turned tooth or mild misalignment. This treatment covers the problem so the tooth or teeth that are unappealing take on a whole new look. The process is much faster, taking only a couple of office visits. It is important to know that veneers do not last forever, and that good oral care is critical to preventing decay and inflammation around the covered teeth.

Crooked teeth pose significant cosmetic concerns. Any amount of misalignment can also mean that bacteria accumulate in between teeth and in hard-to-reach areas. There are advantages and disadvantages to any treatment option to give the smile a natural, beautiful look. To learn more about the options available to you, call our Burke office at (703)935-2879.