You take excellent care of your teeth, brushing and flossing after meals and visiting the dentist regularly. Yet, you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile. They may be discolored or misaligned, or there may be too much gum tissue showing when you smile.
Fortunately, your cosmetic dentist in High Point offers solutions, such as dental veneers and Invisalign.
This blog explores the following:
- Determining Your Candidacy for Cosmetic Dentistry
- The "Instant Orthodontics" Trend: Can Veneers in High Point Really Replace Braces?
- When to Choose Porcelain Veneers: The Fast Track to a Flawless Smile
- When Invisalign Is the Necessary Foundation
- Comparison: Treatment Timeline, Cost, and Longevity
- The "Hybrid" Smile Makeover: Combining Both Worlds and Other Options
- A Lasting Smile: Veneers and Invisalign Aftercare
- Making the Best Decision at Deep River Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Determining Your Candidacy for Cosmetic Dentistry
Your dentist will evaluate your cosmetic concerns and discuss potential options, such as veneers or Invisalign. This initial appointment determines your candidacy, answers your questions, and addresses your concerns. You’ll have a better understanding of what to expect and how much your chosen treatment costs.
About Veneers and Invisalign
Veneers may be porcelain or composite, depending on your needs, goals, and budget.
Porcelain veneers are thin, durable shells custom-designed to fit across the front of teeth. To place these veneers, your dentist removes a bit of enamel, allowing the restorations to fit flush and look natural. However, enamel removal means you should consider your veneers permanent and replace them if they are lost or damaged.
Composite veneers typically don’t require enamel alteration, but the result is less dramatic and less durable. However, they are less expensive than porcelain and can be touched up periodically.
Invisalign is a discreet orthodontic system that gradually moves your teeth into their proper positions, correcting overcrowding, bite issues, and uneven tooth spacing.
The "Instant Orthodontics" Trend: Can Veneers in High Point Really Replace Braces?
In some cases, veneers act like orthodontic treatment, especially porcelain veneers. These small shells can conceal minor misalignment, small gaps between teeth, and slightly crooked teeth, resulting in a beautiful cosmetic finish.
However, concealing these issues is not the same as correcting them. If your smile misalignment is purely cosmetic and isn’t affecting your bite or jaw health, veneers may be the ideal solution. With veneers, you can treat as many teeth as you’d like.
When to Choose Porcelain Veneers: The Fast Track to a Flawless Smile
Your dentist may recommend veneers over Invisalign if your smile flaws are merely cosmetic.
Porcelain veneers can conceal the following imperfections:
- Gummy Smiles
- Slightly Crooked Teeth
- Slightly Misaligned Teeth
- Unusual Spacing
- Abnormally Shaped Teeth
- Discolored Teeth
- Chipped and Worn Teeth
When Invisalign Is the Necessary Foundation
Invisalign in High Point is often the best solution if you have orthodontic concerns along with cosmetic imperfections.
It’s important to remember that orthodontic treatment is about more than the appearance of your smile. Misaligned teeth can lead to premature wear and tear, tooth fractures, new cavities, jaw joint dysfunction, and even future tooth loss.
When your oral health is at risk due to misalignment, Invisalign may be the foundation you need to start your smile journey.
Comparison: Treatment Timeline, Cost, and Longevity
When comparing options, you’re likely considering the treatment timeline, costs, and longevity.
Veneers are typically faster than invisible braces, but they don’t last forever. Meanwhile, Invisalign treatment can take several months to complete, or up to two years, but the results can last a lifetime if you wear your retainer after treatment.
Costs vary by patient due to the complexity of your case, materials used, and any necessary pretreatments.
A consultation helps determine the final price.
The "Hybrid" Smile Makeover: Combining Both Worlds and Other Options
Of course, veneers and Invisalign offer fabulous results, but there are other options to consider. It’s also possible to combine Invisalign and veneers for a transformative finish. For example, Invisalign straightens your teeth. Then, veneers can conceal any discoloration or chips.
Additionally, a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) found that "ortho-restorative" treatments (straightening teeth before applying veneers) minimize the amount of tooth reduction required for veneers, significantly increasing the long-term success of the porcelain restorations.
Your dentist can combine other options as well to give you a complete smile makeover, including:
- Invisalign
- Dental Veneers
- Professional Teeth Whitening
- Tooth Replacement
- Dental Bonding
- Tooth-Colored Restorations
- Full-Mouth Reconstruction
A Lasting Smile: Veneers and Invisalign Aftercare
For long-term success and longevity, always follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. For example, brush and floss your teeth after meals, at least twice daily, and continue visiting us regularly for checkups and teeth cleanings.
For Invisalign patients, wear your retainer as directed to prevent orthodontic relapse.
Making the Best Decision at Deep River Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
Whether you’re looking for porcelain veneers, Invisalign, or a combination treatment to address your smile flaws, the team at Deep River Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help you decide and choose the best course.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation in our dental office, call us today at (336) 883-1371. Remember to ask about our exclusive membership plan!