Is It Better To Get Veneers Or Braces?

Before choosing between veneers and braces, it’s vital to understand the difference in these treatment plans and how they achieve the results you are looking for. Only when you are fully informed about the treatment plan and implications can you make a decision about your long-term oral health.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that fit over your existing teeth to help change the appearance of your smile. Veneers can make your teeth look straighter and whiter. They can also close gaps in your smile and address issues such as crowding, rotations, thinning enamel and chips.

Veneers are commonly used as a quick and simple way to achieve a perfect smile without the wait. This is why they are often recommended for individuals who are thinking about orthodontics but who don’t want to wait as long to achieve the desired results.

What are braces?

Braces are also known as orthodontic treatment. This treatment plan uses fixed or removable braces to gradually move the teeth into the correct alignment. This can improve the appearance of the smile but also offer improved function of the jaw.

Braces are not a quick fix and can take up to 2 years to complete the treatment. However, this is because the improvements are made to the natural teeth, rather than simply covering and concealing the teeth. Braces also address the whole arch, whereas veneers only focus on the teeth that are visible when you smile.

Benefits of veneers

Some of the most common reasons that patients turn to veneers include:

• Veneers are quick. The treatment can be completed in a matter of weeks with just 2-3 visits to the dentist. If you’re looking for a smile makeover on a deadline, then veneers could offer an ideal solution.

• Veneers are versatile. They can address multiple concerns at once, allowing you to straighten, whiten and refine your smile with one treatment.

• Veneers are cost-effective. The cost of veneers will be lower than a full orthodontic treatment, simply because it is a shorter treatment plan with fewer dental visits.

Benefits of braces

If you’re not fond of veneers and would rather explore your options for orthodontics, you might consider the following benefits:

• Preserves your natural teeth. While veneers cover and conceal your teeth, braces will work with your natural smile. There is no preparation of the tooth surface so you never have to worry about lost enamel.

• Long-lasting treatment. If you continue to wear your retainer after you have completed treatment, your teeth should remain in the correct alignment for the rest of your life. A veneer would need to be replaced or repaired after around 10-15 years.

• Improves your overall oral health. Many patients who invest in their smiles with braces enjoy better overall oral health. This is because they learn good oral health habits during treatment and are more likely to maintain this care after treatment has ended.

• Improves your overall health. Braces are not just about aesthetics but also about the function of your mouth. By choosing braces over veneers, you can also optimise your bite and this could have benefits to your wider health.

How to choose the right treatment

Choosing between braces and veneers is a deeply personal choice. You need to consider how long the treatment will take, your aesthetic goals, and the lifetime cost and value of the treatment.

If you have multiple issues to address, veneers might be more effective and you might be more pleased with the outcome. If your concerns are only about alignment or overcrowding, then braces might be a better choice for you.

Ready to start your journey?

If you’re ready to start your aesthetic journey, make an appointment to meet with our team of aesthetic dentists. We can help guide you through the options available so you can make an informed choice. There could also be other treatment options that would achieve similar results that you haven’t yet considered.