Dental Veneers vs. Braces

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can be made out of composite resin or porcelain and are typically aesthetic in nature. Veneers are usually placed over the top of existing teeth and can be used to change a person’s smile in a number of ways, including:

• Correcting gaps between teeth
• Straightening crooked or misaligned teeth
• Covering up discoloration due to food/drink
• Concealing worn tooth enamel and surface stains
• Making teeth look more uniform in size
 
The cost and length of treatment will vary depending on the type and number of dental veneers required and their thickness. Porcelain veneers typically cost more than composite resin ones and take longer to apply because they require more manufacturing time before they are ready for placement on a person’s teeth.

Dental braces are restorative orthodontic devices that are used to straighten teeth, align bites, and realign jaws. The main purpose of dental braces is to fix crooked teeth and other dental problems, such as malocclusions. Traditional braces use a series of metal wires or bands that are attached around the teeth. The brackets on the wires or bands are attached to the teeth and held in place, slightly adjusted every few weeks to realign the teeth. There are four main types of braces: traditional metal braces, clear aligners, lingual (invisible) braces and self-ligating brackets.
 
The cost for braces can vary depending on the type of material used in the construction, how complex it is to construct them and what type of treatment is required before applying them.

While veneers and braces are both cosmetic dental procedures, they are quite different from one another. For example, braces are used to reposition the teeth and correct their alignment, whereas veneers are used to cover up imperfections, not treat them. Braces and veneers are both fit over the teeth, but veneers are made of composite resin or porcelain, and braces are made of metal or ceramic.

Both veneers and braces can provide a number of benefits, and it is important to know the difference so you know which option is more appropriate for your situation.
 
Situations where veneers may be best:

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Teeth are worn down
• Irregularly shaped teeth
 
Situations where braces may best:

• Bite misalignments: overbite, underbite, openbite, crossbite
• Gapped teeth or spaced teeth
• Teeth do not fit together properly
• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Functional issues: pain or difficulty chewing

The only way to know for sure what option is best is by scheduling a consultation with an experienced dental professional. 
 
If you are considering braces or veneers, the professionals at Great Smiles Family Dentistry can help you make the best decision for your unique situation. Call us today to book an appointment for veneers or braces, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 4646 Nantuckett Drive, Toledo, OH 43623. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Toledo OH, Oregon OH, Ottawa Hills OH, Perrysburg OH, Woodhurst OH, Sylvania OH, and Shoreland OH.