Braces or Veneers (How to Own Your Smile in 2021)

Orthodontic Braces

These tooth-straightening systems come in several varieties. There’s the traditional stainless steel wire version. This is where bracket cement to the outside of the teeth. They connect with wires which tighten or loosen to move the teeth. The lingual version applied to the inside of the teeth achieves the same results. Either of these may also have ceramic rather than metal brackets. There is also a self-litigating system called Empower.

This has a single adjustable metal wire that connects all the brackets. This is rather than individual wires to connect each bracket. Invisalign is a removable tooth-straightening system. It consists of a series of plastic aligners that fit over the teeth. Unlike traditional systems that are difficult to clean, Invisalign is removable. This means it’s easier to keep the teeth clean and you don’t need to restrict your diet. Take the aligner out for meals with this treatment option.

Porcelain Veneers

Although you wouldn’t compare your teeth to furniture. It makes sense when talking about a veneer. As the thin layer of expensive wood used in a furniture veneer, these are wafer-thin shells. They cover the tooth. The shell, made of porcelain in a dental lab and attached to each tooth. They are of resin composite, which is a type of plastic. Veneers for crooked teeth are a good route.

A veneer can be color-matched to your existing teeth. If you are having all your teeth covered, you can have all the shells made in a lighter color. This gains the same effect as tooth whitening treatments. By the way, an orthodontist doesn’t usually provide veneer applications.

Tooth Treatment

When improving your smile, it’s essential to recognize the functions that braces play. There are cosmetic improvements, functional improvements, and combination treatments. For example, getting your teeth whitened is cosmetic. It does nothing to affect the function of the teeth. A severe overbite or underbite means the primary reason for treatment is to correct a functional problem. Overbites and underbites affect your ability to chew and talk…

A veneer, like whitening, is only cosmetic. It does not affect function.

…and can cause problems like headaches or uneven tooth wear. Yet, straightening the teeth has both cosmetic and functional effects. Many treatments offer both cosmetic and functional improvements. Even though the primary purpose leans in one direction or the other. A veneer, like whitening, is only cosmetic. It does not affect function. If a veneer affects function, it usually is on the negative side and means there’s a problem.

Why Do I Need Treatment?

Crooked teeth, teeth with noticeable gaps can all create functional problems. Oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing can be more difficult in these situations. Which increases the risk of under-cleaned teeth and may promote tooth decay. Misaligned teeth can wear and contribute to jaw pain or headaches. Stained, yellowed, or grayish teeth cause aesthetic issues. And may make you look older, as the teeth become more yellow with age.

But, the color of your teeth doesn’t affect function – this is a cosmetic issue. That’s not to say cosmetic issues aren’t important – how you look can affect how you feel about yourself. Your looks can also affect your success at work. Especially in high-profile jobs or those where appearance is a major issue. Such as the media or entertainment industry.

What Are the Treatments Like?

You can use a veneer only on an individual tooth or all the teeth. In either case, the tooth needs preparing first. The teeth also need cleaning and buffing, which removes a thin layer of the natural tooth. The resin composite veneer is then built right on the tooth or the porcelain shell stays on the tooth with glue. In either case, a veneer can cover stains or chips, make the tooth look straighter or hide gaps between the tooth.

You’ll need at least two appointments. Orthodontic treatment takes at least a year. It may take longer depending on what the actual problem is. Many visits are necessary to apply, fit or adjust brackets and wires. Or create the Invisalign aligners (although you need less frequent visits with Invisalign). You’ll also need to continue to wear a retainer after the initial treatment. This will keep the teeth in their new position.

So How Do I Choose?

It depends on your goal, dental problems, and financial situation. Orthodontic treatment resolves any issues of crooked teeth. It moves the teeth into alignment so they don’t gap or crowd and improves the function of your bite. Orthodontics also improves the appearance of your smile. Although that isn’t its primary purpose. Orthodontic treatment does not affect stains or discoloration. Veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth by making them look straighter. Also covering up stains, but they don’t affect function.

It’s difficult to compare the costs because of the different treatment systems. Again, remember, if you need to improve the function of your mouth, bite, and teeth, a veneer can’t achieve your goal. Have a frank discussion with your orthodontist. Then you can be sure you understand all the risks, benefits, and costs involved.

You can improve your smile and appearance. You can also improve the function of your mouth and prevent problems later in life. Please contact Dr. Panucci for questions or to schedule an appointment.

Suite A

220 N. Aviation Blvd

Manhattan Beach

CA 90266

Phone:(310) 379-0006