Dental Veneers Vs. Braces: What to Know Before You Decide

In the wide world of dentistry, there isn’t just one treatment available to correct your smile. In fact, there can be a whole range of solutions for a patient to consider. It can lead people to wonder which approach is the best one for them. From your budget to your lifestyle, the answer can change quickly from person to person. Luckily, the question of braces or veneers is more clear-cut. If you’ve been weighing the pros and cons, here’s a little more information to fill in the proverbial gaps.

Braces Vs. Veneers

Both of these solutions will make your smile straighter and more attractive. However, veneers are considered cosmetic while braces attack underlying issues (e.g., cross-bite, etc.). Improving the structure of your teeth is very different from, say, covering up a chip in the front tooth.

Basic Maintenance

Braces are temporary measures achieved with the help of an appliance while a veneer is a more permanent attachment. Braces may last a few months or a few years, but a veneer can go for up to 10 years with proper care. Whether you opt for traditional braces or a less noticeable option (e.g., Invisalign), there will be more maintenance than veneers.

Veneers are a popular solution in the industry, but they will involve some work. The tooth will need to be filed down, which will also strip much of the enamel away from the tooth. It’s just something to think about before you go in for your first appointment.

Recommendations

While there are exceptions, braces are usually necessary for the person. They may have difficulty eating or speaking if their teeth aren’t properly aligned. They may not even be able to close their mouth in more severe cases! Plus, even in mild cases, brushing and flossing can be severely limited if the teeth are crowded enough. Instead of risking more serious diseases like gum disease, braces are a sensible way to protect your mouth from a host of potential issues.

The cost, procedures, and long-term effects of veneers and braces are very different, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into. When you see an experienced specialist, you can ask more about which option is best for you.