Many people will do anything for that perfect smile — a dentition that turns head. And yes, a smile is worth more than you think. Do you know that 38% of Americans would not go on a second date with someone whose teeth are all over the place? Porcelain veneers and traditional braces are two ways people have sort to remedy their dental problems. But which option should you settle for? This post looks at the factors that determine which of the two options is best for you.
What are Porcelain Veneers And Traditional Braces?
Most times when people come in, they are not sure if what they need is a veneer or the traditional braces. Truth is, they don’t treat the same things, yet they can be used to achieve great results. To appreciate the difference between the two, you can look at it broadly in terms of structure and aesthetics or cosmetic. Traditional braces are used to treat more structural defects like open bites, under bites, overbite, excessive crowding, etc., while porcelain veneers can be used to improve the look of teeth that are stained, chipped, discolored, etc. What braces do is to shift the teeth from an undesired position to a more favored one. Veneers, on the other hand, are custom-made sheets/laminate that conceals blemishes on the teeth.
Differences Between Porcelain Veneers And Traditional Braces
- For braces to work properly, they need to have been worn for at least 20 hours a day for several months, with many dental visits to boot. With veneers though, you can improve the cosmetic outlook of your teeth just after two visits.
- Veneers are more comfortable to wear as they are made from very thin translucent material, while braces take some adjusting to, especially when they are tightened.
- After braces have been used and the teeth moved to the desired position, there is still the need to wear retainers. As the name implies, retainers ensure that the teeth is fastened to the new position. On the other hand, permanent veneers can last for up to 15 years depending on the kind of wear it is subjected to, after which they can either be repaired or replaced.
- Before veneers are fixed, dentists remove a small part of the enamel. With braces, there’s no need to change any of the teeth’s natural structure.
- Veneers do not offer a permanent solution; they are more or less a cloak on the original teeth. Whereas braces fix the underlying issue(s) permanently.
Should I Choose Porcelain Veneers or Braces
First and foremost, to ascertain this, you need to visit a professional cosmetic dentist who will examine your teeth and tell you which solution would be best. In fact, in some cases, you will find that the dentist might even prescribe something totally different like Invisalign. If you want to get a solution that will keep you smiling call Dr. Alex Rubinov at (718) 253-0800 today to book an appointment.