August 2020 - Dental Loft

I’m almost 24 years old. I wore braces for two years, and after my orthodontist removed them, my upper front teeth looked horrible. I almost wish I could wear braces again to cover up my teeth. My dentist said the enamel eroded and permanently damaged my teeth. Now my dentist wants to do porcelain veneers. I grind my teeth too, so I think veneers are risky. My orthodontist never mentioned anything about this damage during any of my checkups. I’m pretty upset about this because I spent so much money on braces, and now I need to spend thousands of dollars on veneers. I don’t trust my orthodontist, and I’m not sure that I should trust my dentist. Should I get a second opinion? Thank you. Konnor from NM

Konnor,

Although Dr. Reddy would need to examine your teeth for an accurate diagnosis, porcelain veneers are an aggressive treatment for the problem. Rather than enamel erosion that requires porcelain veneers, you probably have decalcification spots from the braces. And dental bonding will conceal the marks.

And yes, get a second opinion from an experienced cosmetic dentist. Even if you need porcelain veneers, you could avoid having an awful experience by finding a skilled cosmetic dentist. Although dental bonding is likely the solution, it takes an artistic dentist to match the bonding with your teeth and conceal the spots perfectly.

Invisalign upper and low aligners; for information on Dallas, TX orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic treatment with clear braces makes it easy to keep your teeth clean

We don’t know why your orthodontist didn’t mention the decalcification spots when they cleaned your teeth four times a year, but they should have. When you wear braces, you must brush around the braces and brackets to remove food debris after every time you eat. Otherwise, bacteria will collect, release acid, and decalcify your teeth. Clear braces, like Invisalign, are removable and make it easier to floss and brush your teeth.

It’s not too late to improve your smile. But don’t let your dentist prepare your teeth for porcelain veneers. Find a cosmetic dentist with advanced training in orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry and get a second opinion.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Rekha Reddy, an Invisalign Platinum provider in Dallas, TX.

I want to improve my smile because my teeth aren’t white, and one upper side tooth is crooked. During my last appointment, I told my dentist that I want to change my smile. I explained that I want ten porcelain veneers for my top teeth because I think it’s a good alternative to braces, which I prefer not to get.

My dentist suggested using Invisalign to straighten my teeth first and then getting porcelain veneers to limit the amount of preparation to my teeth. She doesn’t recommend the Lumineers brand because they often make teeth look bulky. Although I’m not excited about 9-12 months of Invisalign and the additional cost before getting porcelain veneers, I will think about my dentist’s suggestions. But I want to balance her opinion with another one. I wasn’t expecting her to recommend two expensive treatments. Is her recommendation correct? Thanks. Bethany

Bethany,

Although Dr. Reddy would need to examine your teeth and see your digital x-rays, we’ll try to give you some insight. Ordinarily, a dentist would recommend porcelain veneers or Invisalign, but not both. It’s not clear why your dentist suggests treatment with Invisalign, followed by porcelain veneers. Are your teeth severely crowded, or do you have a serious issue with your bite?

Indeed, Lumineers often make teeth look bulky. But we’re suspicious about the recommendation for porcelain veneers. We suggest that you get a second opinion from a cosmetic dentist that is a distance away from your current dentist. You’ll receive an independent opinion from someone who doesn’t know your dentist.

Porcelain Veneers or Invisalign?

Porcelain veneers and Invisalign are options for straightening your teeth. The difference is that porcelain veneers will make your teeth appear straighter, but Invisalign literally aligns them.

Porcelain veneers

two photos, one above the other, of a woman's mouth. In the top image, she is inserting an Invisalign tray. In the bottom, the tray is in place but you can't see it.

Wear Invisalign without anyone noticing

If your teeth are individually misshaped, and you’re in a hurry for a resolution, porcelain veneers will beautifully transform your smile. A cosmetic dentist will prepare your teeth first, so the veneers fit correctly. But you must see an expert cosmetic dentist to straighten and whiten your teeth with veneers, make your smile look natural, and give you the exact results you want.

Invisalign

Invisalign invisible braces will straighten your natural teeth. And you probably won’t need a single porcelain veneer. Invisalign is faster than conventional braces. You can complete treatment in six to twelve months. And if you want whiter teeth, your dentist can give you bleaching gel to use in the Invisalign trays and brighten your smile.

Rekha Reddy, DDS of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.

Did Braces Damage My Teeth So Much That I Need Porcelain Veneers?

Her dentist recommends Invisalign before porcelain veneers

Porcelain Veneers or Invisalign?

Porcelain veneers

Invisalign

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Porcelain Veneers or Invisalign?

Porcelain veneers

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