Are Veneers an Effective Alternative to Invisalign Aligners?

If you’re looking to achieve the smile of your dreams, you have more than one way of accomplishing your goal. However, choosing the right treatment method depends a great deal on the condition of your teeth and the type of results you’re looking for. Two of the available options are veneers and Invisalign in Fort Worth. Which one is best suited to revamp your smile, though? Continue reading to find out!

What are Veneers?

Made from high-grade ceramics, veneers are thin shells that fit directly over the front-facing teeth. They are designed by a dentist to match the shape, size and shade of the surrounding teeth to create a natural looking smile. Veneers can be used to mask minor gaps, crookedness and misalignment. They can also be used to cover badly stained teeth.

While veneers are quite versatile in the different smile flaws that they can address, they still have their limitations.

What Veneers Can’t Do

Veneers aren’t considered to be an orthodontic treatment, as in they can’t correct crowding, gaps or bite issues (e.g. overbite, underbite, crossbite or malocclusion). In the past, traditional braces were required for the previously mentioned conditions. Thankfully, orthodontic care has come a long way over the past few decades. You can now straighten your teeth in a discreet and convenient manner with Invisalign clear aligners.

How Invisalign Works

Using gradual pressure, Invisalign aligners move teeth safely and precisely until they are correctly aligned. It starts with a dentist custom designing a treatment plan to determine exactly what it will take to achieve both smile functionality and aesthetics. The plan details are sent to a certified Invisalign lab that will fabricate the treatment set. You’ll wear each set of trays for around two weeks. At the conclusion of each two-week cycle, you’ll exchange them for the next pair in the series, following this pattern until your treatment is complete.

Can Veneers and Invisalign be Used Together?

There is a possibility of combining veneers and Invisalign, as each treatment offers unique benefits. An example of a situation that may be fitting for using both methods is if you have misshaped and gapped teeth. Of course, Invisalign can’t address the shape of your teeth, but veneers can. By using the two treatments in tandem, both issues can be addressed.

However, you’ll need to have an in-depth conversation with your dentist. All patients and situations are different, so by visiting for a smile consultation, you can determine what will be the best direction for you to take. With a little creativity and planning, you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!

About the Author

Dr. Terry L. Drennan earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental School at San Antonio Health Science Center. He has since gone on to provide over 40 years of exceptional dental care to the Fort Worth area. Throughout his career, Dr. Drennan has maintained the highest standard of care by taking several hours of continuing education. To find out if you’re the right candidate for Invisalign and/or veneers, contact our office to request a smile consultation.