Invisalign vs Veneers: Which is Best for Crowded Teeth?

Invisalign Vs Veneers: Which is best for crowded teeth?

Those who struggle with crowded teeth know all too well how frustrating – and even embarrassing – they can truly be. When it comes to treating crowded teeth, there are two viable options: Invisalign and dental veneers. Which is known for producing the best possible results? We’re breaking it all down for you today; continue reading to learn more.

What is Dental Crowding?

Dental crowding is a very common dental condition that is typically classified as a malocclusion, or bite issue.

Crowding occurs when the teeth do not have a sufficient amount of space to properly grow into the mouth. Instead of properly erupting to create a uniform and even bite, the teeth will erupt in unnatural and crowded positions, competing for space and typically overlapping with each other.

Common causes of dental crowding include:

• Improve chewing capabilities
• Improve speech capabilities
• Improve self-esteem and confidence
• Correct the overall bite
• Improve ability to thoroughly brush and floss
• Reduce the risk of cavities and decay
• Reduce the risk of broken teeth
• Reduce the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease)
• Relive pain or discomfort caused by crowding

Above all, it is important to keep in mind that even if you are currently experiencing mild crowding that does not bother you, it is highly possible that the alignment and crowding of the teeth may worsen over time. Correcting the issue before it becomes serious can help you save valuable time and money spent on interceptive treatment, and can protect you from experiencing serious discomfort or other side effects that typically accompany serious teeth crowding.

Just as every mouth is different, everyone may benefit differently from crowded teeth treatment. After a thorough consultation, your orthodontist or dentist will be able to provide you with a solid understanding of how you can personally benefit from correcting your crowded teeth.

What is Invisalign?

So, what exactly is Invisalign?

Odds are that you have probably at least heard of Invisalign; since its introduction in 1999, this revolutionary orthodontic treatment method has gained a significant amount of public attention and changed the lives of millions of people who struggle with the alignment of their teeth.

Traditionally, the only way to successfully straighten or align teeth was to use orthodontic braces, which consist of metal brackets and wires.

The metal brackets are attached directly to the surface of the teeth and are connected to each other with the wire, which is gradually tightened over the course of treatment. Over time, the pressure caused by the tightening of the wire moves the teeth into their ideal positions. After treatment is complete, the beautiful new smile is maintained with the help of a dental retainer.

Metal braces are efficient, but they can be a bit uncomfortable or cumbersome for some patients. Because they rest on the surface of the teeth and alter the overall look of the smile, they can also pose a threat to an individual’s confidence during their treatment.

Unfortunately, many people avoid pursuing the orthodontic treatment they need due to embarrassment or general apprehension about the appearance of traditional braces. Thankfully, Invisalign provides a fantastic solution for those who are seeking a more discreet and simple form of orthodontic treatment.

The Invisalign system consists of a series of clear and removable aligner trays. The trays are designed to be as comfortable as possible and can easily be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. Rather than relying on metal brackets and wires, the Invisalign trays apply gradual pressure to the teeth to shift them into place.

Invisalign treatment typically takes somewhere between 12-18 months, though treatment time varies depending on the amount of correction that is rendered.

Invisalign for Crowded Teeth Treatment

Invisalign is an exceptionally effective orthodontic treatment method that is typically used to successfully correct the alignment of the teeth to reveal a beautiful, straight, and healthy smile. This treatment method can be extremely beneficial for the treatment of crowded teeth.

Below are some of the most notable benefits of pursuing Invisalign for crowded teeth:

• Improved confidence during treatment
• Discreet appearance (thanks to clear trays)
• Easy to care for teeth and gums during treatment (since trays are removable)
• Optimal comfort during treatment
• Bruxism (teeth grinding) prevention
• Treat the issue at its core (not a “quick fix”)

The best way to determine how you can personally benefit from using Invisalign for crowded teeth is to consult your trusted orthodontist.

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain or composite that are cemented directly to the surface of the teeth.

In most cases, dental veneers are used as a cosmetic dental treatment to completely customize the look of the teeth. Patients have the ability to customize the shape, size, length, and color of the teeth to create the smile of their dreams – a large part of why dental veneers are so incredibly popular.

In order to place a dental veneer, a very small amount of tooth enamel will be carefully and expertly removed from the surface of the tooth – about 1mm. Impressions are taken, and a temporary veneer is made and placed inside the mouth. The impressions are sent to the lab, where the permanent veneers will be made. The fabrication process typically takes one to two weeks; the patient will wear the temporary veneer during this time and will return to the office once it is finished.

When the permanent veneer is complete, the temporary veneer will be removed and the permanent veneer is then cemented into place. The patient is then free to leave with their beautiful new smile.

Dental Veneers for Crowded Teeth Treatment

Veneers are not technically an orthodontic treatment, so they can not be used to reverse crowding in the teeth. They can, however, be used to create the appearance of straight and aligned teeth.

Commonly referred to as “instant orthodontics”, dental veneers can be used to instantly correct the look of the teeth, rather than waiting for orthodontic treatment to be complete.

Below are some of the most notable benefits of using dental veneers for crowded teeth treatment:

• • Quickly achieve desired results
  • Customize the shape, size, and color of the teeth
  • Successfully treat minor cases of teeth crowding

Veneers are suitable for correcting minor to moderate crowding. In most cases, they are ideal for patients who have simple aesthetic corrections to make. Veneers make it possible to correct the look of the teeth in just 1-2 in-office visits over the course of a few weeks rather than waiting months for orthodontic treatment.

For more extensive cases of crowding that actually pose a risk to the health of the teeth and gums, orthodontists will typically recommend pursuing Invisalign or traditional braces to treat the issue at its source.

It is also important to keep in mind that if the teeth happen to shift or become more crowded over time, it is possible that your dental veneers will face the possibility of failure. This essentially renders the time and money that you spent on treatment completely useless, and you will need to pursue additional treatment to correct the issue.

The best way to avoid this is to confirm that the teeth crowding you are experiencing is minor and is not expected to worsen over time. Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to give you a professional prognosis and recommendation.

To determine if you can benefit from the use of dental veneers for crowded teeth, be sure to consult your trusted orthodontist.

Which is Best?

So, which is best for treating crowded teeth: Invisalign or dental veneers?

The truth is that it truly comes down to your personal wants and needs. If you are looking for a “quick fix” and have mild to moderate crowding, you may find that dental veneers are the best option for you.

If you do choose to pursue dental veneers for crowded teeth, it is very important to keep in mind that veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment, not an orthodontic treatment. Veneers create the illusion of properly aligned teeth, but they do not correct and treat the issue at hand. This is why dental veneers are typically recommended for patients who have mild cases of crowding.

Alternatively, if you have a more serious case of crowding, want to fix the problem at hand at its source, and you do not mind waiting for the best possible results, Invisalign may be the better option for you.

Rather than creating the illusion of straight and aligned teeth, Invisalign actually works to shift the teeth into the correct positions. This is typically ideal for patients who have extensive crowding and need to correct the alignment of their teeth in order to avoid serious issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

The health of the teeth and gums is always top priority; if your orthodontist feels that it is in your best interest to pursue orthodontic treatment rather than making simple cosmetic corrections with dental veneers, you will be consulted.

Here at FY Smile, we strive to provide our patients with the highest level of care. If you are having trouble deciding which treatment you can best benefit from, have no worries. During your consultation in our Double Bay dental office, we will break down each treatment method to help you determine which treatment method will work best for you.

FY Smile: Best Dentist in Sydney

Crowded teeth can be detrimental to both your confidence and oral health as a whole. Thankfully, you have options for correcting the issue and achieving a beautiful and aligned smile.

With the information we have covered here today, you should have a more solid understanding of the comparison between Invisalign and dental veneers for the treatment of crowded teeth.

Here at FY Smile Double Bay, we strive to provide our patients with an unparalleled level of dental care; that is why we are proud to offer both Invisalign and dental veneer treatment in beautiful Sydney. During your initial consultation, we will conduct a thorough examination and help you find the treatment that works best for you. Our team of experts is here to provide the treatment you need to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile.

Your journey towards optimal dental health begins here. In addition to offering Invisalign and dental veneers in Sydney, FY Smile is proud to offer a wide range of dental services. From basic tooth fillings to dental implants to deep cleanings and more, we’ve got you covered.

For more information about all-on-four treatment in Sydney or to get scheduled in our Double Bay dental clinic, feel free to give us a call anytime at 02 8319 5557.

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