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
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.
