Veneers Vs. Braces: How To Choose The Best Dental Treatment For Tooth Misalignment

Misaligned teeth can cause chewing problems and lower one's self-esteem, especially if the misalignment is on the front teeth. Choosing the right treatment for tooth misalignment can be an overwhelming process because of the many options. Two common treatments you will encounter are braces and veneers. Although they both address misalignment, these two dental treatments have various differences you should consider before making a choice. Here are the key factors to consider when comparing veneers to braces for dental misalignment.

Severity of Misalignment

Veneers are porcelain or composite resin shells that sit on the tooth surface to conceal dental issues. They are usually used to address minor alignment issues, especially those on the front teeth. If you have a bad bite and severe misalignment, veneers may not be the best treatment option. Furthermore, covering up severe misalignment won't correct your bite. You should opt for braces instead.

Unlike veneers that conceal misaligned teeth, braces correct misalignment. They slowly move and realign teeth to fix crowding, crooked teeth, underbite, overbite, and other alignment problems. Once your teeth become aligned, you can remove the braces and enjoy a proper bite and straight teeth. If you choose veneers, you must keep them in for as long as you want to conceal the misalignment.

Cost and Duration of Treatment

Veneer treatment is a quick process that takes only a few weeks. You may only need to see your dentist two or three times throughout the treatment. Once the veneers have been designed and placed on your teeth, you don't need to see your dentist for follow-up treatment.

Braces work slowly to straighten crooked teeth and fix bite issues. Therefore, the treatment takes several months to be completed. There are various types of braces, ranging from traditional metal braces to clear aligners and ceramic braces. The length and cost of treatment and the number of appointments depend on the type of braces and the severity of misalignment.

Other Dental Conditions

Do you have other dental conditions you'd like to fix during treatment? Braces are usually used to correct crooked and misaligned teeth. They can also fill gaps in between the teeth. Therefore, if you have conspicuous gaps, this treatment is right for you. However, if your teeth are stained or cracked, braces will not fix them.

Veneers sit on the tooth surface and conceal any underlying imperfections. Therefore, they are great for addressing cosmetic issues such as gaps, stains, and cracks. Your dentist can tackle these multiple issues at once by placing a veneer on a tooth. This saves money on multiple treatments, such as dental crowns and teeth whitening. 

Consider these factors when choosing between veneers and braces to fix misaligned teeth. For further consultation, visit a local dentist.


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