Veneers vs. Clear Aligners – Which Is Best for You?

The unfortunate truth is that we didn’t all develop perfectly straight smiles naturally. Many of us deal with misalignment. On the bright side, there are several cosmetic options out there that can help to improve the appearance of your smile. Two common options include veneers and clear aligners, but which one is ideal for meeting your needs. Continue reading to learn about each one and its benefits so you can make an informed decision about your smile.

How Do Veneers Work?

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are adhered to the front-facing surfaces of the teeth to cover cosmetic imperfections. They can help to close spaces and gaps between the teeth as well as hide cracks, chips, and discoloration. If you have minor misalignment, veneers can be used to mask it.

What Are the Benefits of Veneers?

• Covers Many Aesthetic Flaws: Veneers are able to cover a variety of cosmetic imperfections, like cracks, chips, misshapen teeth, and minor misalignment.
• Long-Lasting: With proper oral hygiene, you can expect your veneers to last for a long time before you need to have them replaced. On average, they last up to 15 years.
• Protect Your Teeth: If you have enamel erosion, veneers can help to restore your teeth and prevent future erosion.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners have become increasingly popular for correcting misalignment. This treatment uses a series of clear aligners to gently push the teeth into their new aligned positions. The aligners are customized to precisely fit your teeth and are switched out with new ones every two weeks.

What Are the Benefits of Clear Aligners?

• Corrects Numerous Misalignment Issues: This treatment corrects a range of alignment and bite issues, including overbites, underbites, gaps, overcrowding, and open bites.
• Virtually Invisible: Many teens and adults don’t want to get braces because of the way they affect their appearance, but clear aligners are virtually undetectable. It’s unlikely that anyone will notice that you’re wearing them.
• Removable: While they need to be worn most of the day, the clear trays are removable. This makes it easier for patients to clean their teeth and eliminates the need for dietary restrictions.
• Comfortable: Clear aligners are made from a smooth plastic material that doesn’t poke or scratch.

Veneers vs. Clear Aligners – Which Is Better?

Both options are effective at changing the appearance of the teeth. Ultimately, the one that you choose should depend on your overall smile goals. If you have minor misalignment and are hoping only to improve your appearance, veneers may be the way to go. If your smile has more significant crookedness or bite issues that need to be corrected, clear aligners may be more suitable for you.

By doing your research and discussing your options with your dentist, you will be able to make an informed decision for your pearly whites. You will have a straighter smile in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Ariel Heisser earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan. Currently, she is an active member of the American Dental Association and recently obtained her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about clear aligners or to schedule an appointment at her office in Norton Shores, visit her website or call (231) 737-2273.