For many people, straightening teeth is a lengthy process that involves wearing braces for months or years on end. But did you know that there’s another way to get the perfectly aligned smile that you’ve been dreaming about? With veneers, you can have your crooked teeth corrected in as little as two appointments. Here’s what you need to know about this treatment and when it can be a viable alternative to traditional orthodontics.
How Do Veneers Work?
A veneer is a thin shell of ceramic material. It is designed to be placed over the front side of a specific tooth, thus completely hiding a variety of flaws from view. In some cases, veneers can be attached to crooked teeth to make them appear properly aligned.
When are Veneers a Good Option for Straightening Your Smile?
It’s important to keep in mind that veneers only make your smile look straighter; they don’t actually change the position of your teeth. As such, if you have any functional orthodontic issues that need to be addressed, such as an overbite, braces are a better choice.
That being said, veneers can be an excellent solution for a number of aesthetic imperfections, including:
- Teeth that are slightly crooked or misaligned.
- Small gaps between your teeth.
- Rotated or otherwise misshapen teeth.
Remember that in order to have veneers placed, you need to be in good oral health overall. The procedure isn’t recommended for people who have cavities, as veneers can end up covering the areas in need of treatment. Similarly, veneers have been known to interfere with periodontal therapy for gum disease. In short, any oral health issues you’re currently suffering from should be dealt with before you move forward with cosmetic dental work.
What are the Advantages of Using Veneers to Create a Straighter Smile?
There are several reasons why many people choose veneers over traditional braces when it comes to correcting their misaligned grins:
- The process of getting veneers is much shorter and can usually be completed in just a few weeks. Braces, in comparison, often have to be worn for 18 to 24 months.
- Veneers are extremely versatile. In addition to making your smile appear straighter, they can also be used to hide discoloration as well as small chips or cracks.
- Braces involve brackets and wires that can irritate your soft oral tissues. Veneers, meanwhile, are made out of smooth ceramic materials that feel very comfortable in your mouth.
If you don’t want to have to wait for a straighter smile, talk to your dentist and let them know about the improvements you want to make to your teeth. They can help you decide whether veneers might be a viable alternative to braces in your case.
About the Author
Dr. Nabeel Ahmed attended the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University. He enjoys all types of dentistry and works closely with his patients to help them make the best decisions for their smiles. He can place veneers to straighten your grin and make other cosmetic corrections. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahmed at Donlands Family Dentistry in East York, visit his website or call (416) 551-5224.