I have wanted to improve my smile for years. I have one tooth that is a little crooked and my teeth are discolored. I was hoping to get porcelain veneers but my dentist said because of the crooked tooth, I would need to get braces first and then the porcelain veneers. I’m not too keen on the extra time and money that would require. If that is the case, is there a way to get my teeth white with Invisalign as well? I know that porcelain veneers can change the color but I’m guessing Invisalign just straightens them.
Tammy
Dear Tammy,
I am a bit concerned that your dentist is suggesting you would need braces before doing your porcelain veneers. Bear in mind as you read this that I have not examined you. However, if all you have is a slightly crooked tooth, then porcelain veneers can be placed and make the tooth look straight. It can also change the color, as you mentioned, but also the shape and size of the tooth. This is why they are used for complete smile makeovers.
If all that is wrong with your teeth is the crooked tooth and discoloration, then you could save yourself a lot of money by using Invisalign paired with teeth whitening. The Invisalign aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. All your dentist would need to provide you with is the professional strength teeth whitening gel. In most cases, Invisalign works in a fraction of the time it takes traditional braces to straighten your teeth. Unless there were other things about your teeth that you want to change, or you are in a super hurry, this is the route I would go.
On the other hand, if there are other things about your teeth that you want to change, then porcelain veneers will be the correct choice. That being said, I would not recommend you pressure your current dentist into doing them. The fact that he was pushing your toward braces tells me he is not very comfortable with his skill level using porcelain veneers. This means you will not get the beautiful result you are likely hoping for. You will need to find a different dentist with significant post-doctoral training creating porcelain veneers. Also, make sure he or she is willing to use a temporary try in paste and allow you to get a good look at the veneers in several different types of lighting. Only if you are absolutely in love with them, should the dentist do the permanent bonding. If you’re not thrilled, they should go back to the lab in order to make the changes needed.
This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.