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INVISALIGN

INVISALIGN OR VENEERS: WHICH IS BEST TO GET YOUR DREAM SMILE?

22 Jun 2021
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Straighter, whiter teeth is the number one goal for many of our clients at Sydney Road Dental Care. But which treatment will get you there? Invisalign or veneers? Do you need to straighten your teeth before you get veneers? And if you do get veneers, are your teeth filed down?

Invisalign is a clear aligner solution that is comfortable and effective. Once on your teeth they are virtually invisible

As top cosmetic dentists in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, we are regularly asked questions just like these. We’re experts in achieving celebrity-style smiles, in the quickest, most cost-effective and comfortable way for our patients.

So, to clear up any confusion, let’s take a closer look at two of the most popular teeth transformation treatments – Invisalign and veneers – to examine which one might be right for you:

Invisalign or veneers: What’s the difference?

Invisalign is a removable, clear ‘invisible’ aligner that is designed to straighten your teeth. You wear your aligners over your teeth for a set number of hours a day, and over time your teeth move into a straight position.

Our patient was very happy with their invisalign treatment which was completed within 12 months

Veneers on the other hand are a permanent, long-lasting covering for each tooth. Made of incredibly thin material – usually porcelain, or a resin composite – the veneer is bonded to the front of your tooth, instantly changing its shade and shape to whatever you desire.

The top image shows the teeth before any preparations. The bottom image shows the teeth after they have been prepared showing how little has been removed. This is only possible through experience and high magnification. Conservatively prepared teeth have less sensitivity issues are able to keep their strength. Note that the dark line around the gums is a cord that we place there temporarily.
Final cementation of the veneers. Perfect fit and beautiful porcelain veneers that will last for many years. Our patient is thrilled with this life changing experience!

When would I use Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern way to straighten your teeth without it being obvious, unlike traditional braces which have visible metal wires and brackets. However, just like traditional braces, Invisalign does not change the actual shape of a tooth or its colour, it simply brings crooked or misaligned teeth into line with each other.

Invisalign might be a good option for you if:

  • You are happy with your teeth’ shape and colour but just want a straighter smile
  • You are self-conscious about crooked teeth
  • You have lots of teeth overlap affecting dental hygiene
  • You have bite issues
  • You want a teeth straightening system that you can take out – Invisalign is removable but is most effective when worn consistently

When would I have veneers?

Dental veneers are the most common way for most people to achieve that ‘Hollywood’ insta-worthy dazzling smile. Because veneers fit over each tooth, you can make your teeth whiter and improve their shape at the same time.

You might choose dental veneers treatment if:

  • You have chipped or misshapen teeth
  • You want permanently whiter teeth
  • You want an instant smile makeover
Composite veneers is a great way to restore any wear and chipping. This treatment is painless and requires no drilling

Which is the quickest treatment: Invisalign or veneers?

If you are in a hurry to get your dream smile, then veneers are the quickest solution as they are effective immediately. Compared to Invisalign which takes time to straighten your teeth, typically 3-18 months, depending on how much your teeth need to move to achieve a straight smile.

Your custom-made Invisalign aligner is regularly changed and updated throughout the process, to shift your teeth into the correct position.

Are teeth filed or shaved down for veneers?

This is a very common misconception about veneers! Teeth are not shaved down into short stumps or ‘pegs’ or anything like that. Veneers are custom-made to fit over your natural teeth as they are.

Preparation to fit veneers involves removing only a very small amount of enamel from the surface of each tooth, before bonding the veneer to the front. We’ll be covering the veneers process in future blogs, so you get a good idea of what to expect.

Ceramic veneers can be 0.3 – 1mm thin. Once bonded to the tooth it becomes very strong lasting many years.

Do I need to straighten my teeth before I get veneers?

Whether you need to straighten your teeth with Invisalign before you fit veneers depends on any level of misalignment. Remember that Invisalign straightens teeth only. Veneers correct colour and shape. So you may be advised to have both treatments, depending on the results you want to achieve. There is no right or wrong answer. It’s up to us as experienced cosmetic dentists to discuss with you all the options so that you can get a result that you love.

Ceramic crowns
Full coverage veneers are also called crowns. These can achieve a cosmetic result as well as replace missing teeth. Smile design was used to reconstruct the bite and improve the smile

Which treatment is right for me: Invisalign or veneers?

As we’ve touched on here, Invisalign and veneers each have their own benefits, but they are very different treatments and achieve different results.

Your best option is to come in and see our friendly cosmetic dental experts for a consultation, to chat through your smile goals. Bring photos if you want to, so we can see exactly the sort of look you want to achieve.

We’ll examine your teeth and explain which treatment – whether that’s Invisalign or veneers, or other cosmetic solution – will be most effective to get you the smile you are looking for.

We’ll talk you through the processes involved, associated costs and answer any questions you have. So you can make an informed decision.

Just click here to make an appointment or call us on 02 9977 2442.