In a world where time seems to move so quickly, it is no wonder that the idea of Instant Orthodontics might be appealing. After all, for many people straight teeth are the primary factor for when determining what is an attractive smile. And who doesn’t want a beautiful smile, now!?! While in most cases a slight imperfection in one’s smile is rarely a cause to run out and get braces, neither are veneers the guaranteed go-to answer for a straighter more beautiful Forever Smile. So, what is the score in the Veneers vs. Orthodontics matchup?
Any dental professional who practices a non-invasive or systemic approach to healthcare would have at least some reservations in recommending veneers for a straighter smile. The instant smile afforded through the application of veneers is superficial at its surface, and in some cases very invasive indeed. Tooth preparation in the manner of removing at least some or part of the healthy enamel needed to protect the teeth must be done to accommodate veneers. There are some no-prep or very minimal prep veneers, but make no mistake, there is still some prep that defaces the structure of your existing teeth. This prep can expose teeth to any number of other unforetold issues sometime later in the patient’s life. That translates to a lot of uncertainty and raises the question of when or if this option is ever really worth the risk?
So, what should you consider when exploring whether orthodontics or veneers are right for you?
Let’s talk position. Are your teeth out of alignment, or is your bite a little off? Some dentists might recommend veneers, but then a consultation with a board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Razdolsky could really be your first and best choice. Whether you see it or not, sometimes even the smallest imperfection can be a sign of movement just below the gum’s surface, which if left untreated may develop into a worsening issue down the road. Let’s take it a step further, do you experience headaches, jaw pain, troubles with chewing or biting, or maybe even sleeping? These can be symptoms of a greater underlying problem and even more reason to call on Dr. Razdolsky and the Forever Smiles team to evaluate your smile. Perhaps you think the shape of your teeth are all wrong. They are too long, too short, too far apart. Yep, that too is your clue to meet with Dr. Razdolsky and the team. Issues such as these could also be signs of improper development or once again a bigger issue looming under the gum’s surface that may require correction through orthodontic treatment. No matter how you look at it, Dr. Razdolsky and the team are here to help you evaluate and ultimately come up with a plan for correcting these issues that’s just right for you!
Perhaps you are considering veneers because you are concerned about what you will look like with braces. Let’s look on the bright side, if the issue is minor, your stint in braces may be over before you know it! But, if it is a matter of aesthetics, or being self-conscious, there are still a number of treatment options available. Clear or tooth-colored brackets are a great option for patients who want a more subtle look, but the same effectiveness of traditional braces. For some patients there’s lingual braces where brackets and wires are mounted on the tongue-side of your teeth. But keep in mind, in the case of lingual, careful considerations must be made on a per patient and case basis. Lastly, there’s clear aligners, which in some cases may be an ideal solution but just take longer to achieve the desired result.
Indeed, with orthodontic treatment, there are so many different options to get the beautiful Forever Smile you’ve always wanted. So if your choice is to go veneers simply because you don’t like the idea of braces, consider these points before you take a leap into something that’s uncertain to get the results you truly deserve. Because when it comes to you and your Forever smile, it’s no contest!
