Which Is Best for You? Invisalign vs. Porcelain Veneers By Kellyn Hodges on April 08, 2020

You can have a more attractive smile with cosmetic dentistry. But when you talk with your dentist, you’ll find out that various treatment options can achieve similar results, at least esthetically. Two of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments include Invisalign® clear aligners and custom-made porcelain veneers.

In this blog post, we discuss Invisalign vs. porcelain veneers. Read on to learn:

how the treatments work,
which cosmetic issues are corrected by each,
and the pros and cons of each.

At Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, serving Philadelphia, PA, Bensalem, PA, and Bala Cynwyd, PA, we offer many cosmetic options to straighten your teeth and help you achieve better oral health.

How Invisalign Works

A revolutionary orthodontic system, Invisalign relies on clear aligners instead of brackets and wires to shift teeth into their preferred positions. Digital technology is used to design a custom treatment plan and fabricate the aligners that will achieve desired results.

Benefits of Invisalign

Straightens teeth in less time than traditional braces
No brackets, wires, bands, or tightening appointments required
Tooth structure is not altered
Clear, removable aligners are inconspicuous and can be taken off at any time
The material Invisalign aligners are made of is pliable and comfortable
Invisalign can address bite issues, called malocclusion, by correcting the relationship between upper and lower teeth in the front or back of the mouth

Think about This

Aligners must be worn 22 hours a day to remain on track with the treatment completion date
If you don’t wear the aligners as often as directed, your teeth can relapse
Because they are removable, aligners may be lost or damaged when not in your mouth
Dental visits every four to six weeks are required to track progress and provide you with the next set (or few sets) of aligners
The treatment takes up to 18 months, but less in some cases
Patients who wear their retainer as prescribed (after treatment is completed) can maintain results for life

How Porcelain Veneers Work

Offering instant results, porcelain veneers cover the front surface of teeth that show when a person smiles. The veneers create a uniform appearance by improving one or more of these attributes: size, shape, alignment, or color.

Benefits of Veneers

In two to three appointments, the procedure will be completed
No-follow up visits are necessary
No orthodontics are involved (brackets, wires, bands, or aligners)
They correct more cosmetic issues than misalignment of teeth

Think about This

Teeth must be shaved down to accommodate veneers; this procedure is irreversible so the patient will always need veneers or crowns on the treated teeth
Veneers last up to 20 years
If they are damaged, veneers will need replacing
Veneers do not address malocclusion and other orthodontic issues; they are not an orthodontic treatment