In dentistry, it’s more common than you’d think to have multiple solutions to the same problem. In the case of misaligned, gapped, or rotated teeth, you’ll be happy to learn there are two options that are incredibly effective at resolving your cosmetic concerns. This includes Invisalign and veneers. Of course, you’ll want to learn the difference between Invisalign and veneers in Ann Arbor before making a final decision. Ahead of a consultation with a dentist, consider them today!

Pros and Cons of Invisalign

Invisalign makes use of clear, plastic aligners that gently shift teeth into straighter positions. They are highly customized to shift teeth without the use of metal components and work to keep them that way (as long as you wear a dentist-provided retainer after treatment is completed). They can treat mild to moderate levels of gapped and misaligned teeth as well as address rotated teeth and even uneven bites, making them incredibly versatile. Since they are removable, you can even eat the foods you want and practice oral care as normal!

However, treatment tends to take a long time to complete, usually about 12 to 18 months, which may not be ideal for some. Additionally, they require a certain level of compliance (including the act of wearing them for about 22 hours a day to work effectively). They can also make teeth feel slightly uncomfortable in their early days of use and cause slight changes in speech after each new pair of aligners is worn. Thankfully, speech returns to normal after a day or so of use.

Pros and Cons of Veneers

Veneers are ultra-thin sheaths that cover individual teeth. They are made from dental ceramic that’s been color-matched to blend in with your smile. Not only do they look incredibly natural, but they can effectively cover gaps, tooth rotations, and other small misalignments in teeth with relative ease. Even better, they take just two weeks on average to design, fabricate and place, meaning the turnaround time for results is much shorter than Invisalign.

However, they do require removing a small amount of enamel in order to place, which is a permanent process. They also will need to be replaced after enough time, typically every 10 years or so. Their longevity can also be affected by poor oral hygiene, meaning they may be too high maintenance for some.

Which Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, the best way to know for sure which treatment is best for you is to speak with a dentist that offers both. During your consultation, they will examine your smile closely and confirm which treatment would be the most effective and comprehensive at addressing your concerns. However, there are two points worth keeping in mind ahead of your next dental visits:

• Those who also have an uneven bite and/or want a longer-lasting solution to imperfections will want to choose Invisalign.
• Those who want to treat stains, chips, cracks and other imperfections that Invisalign cannot address will want to choose veneers.

Are you an ideal candidate for Invisalign or veneers? Get a professional opinion from a cosmetic dentist in Ann Arbor today!

About the Author

Dr. James Olsen has not only been serving as a dentist for decades, but has expanded his cosmetic and restorative dental education since then. For example, he’s completed courses at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and become a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners, making him uniquely equipped to provide treatments like veneers and Invisalign all under one roof. To schedule an appointment, you can contact him through his website.