Dental Veneers as an Alternative to Braces

This article discusses the use of dental veneers for mild alignment issues instead of wearing braces as an adult.

Although orthodontic issues are typically treated by the end of the teen years, for those who have minor misalignment issues, braces are often passed over due to expense or because slightly crooked teeth don’t necessarily cause problems with bite or long-term oral health.

Are you one of those people for whom braces were never seriously considered? Perhaps the gap between your front teeth is noticeable, but not severe. Perhaps your teeth are a little uneven across the bottom, but not enough to make orthodontic treatment a priority. Do you find yourself wishing you had worn braces as a kid just to tighten up those gaps between your teeth or to straighten that one tooth in the front that sits at a slight angle?

As an adult, if you still find yourself looking in the mirror with discontent, you ought to consider the application of dental veneers as an alternative to braces.

What can dental veneers do to straighten teeth?

A veneer is a thin ceramic covering that is bonded securely to the front of a tooth. It won’t change the actual alignment of your teeth, but makes it look as if you have. Veneers give you the option of creating a smooth attractive smile without the major investment of time and expense that braces would involve. If your front teeth are slightly crooked, for instance, veneers might be placed across the front four teeth to cover the gaps and slight misalignment. With veneers, you can create the even bottom line of front teeth that make a smile most attractive. You can also use veneers to cover teeth that are slightly misshapen.

Who is a candidate for veneers?

In general, veneers work well for people who have an overall history of good oral health. Veneers are not recommended for diseased teeth or teeth already weakened by accident or decay. A veneer will not strengthen a tooth, but will adhere strongly to a healthy tooth that simply leaves something to be desired as far as looks. Talk with your dentist about veneers if:

• You have slight gaps between your teeth,
• Your teeth are misshapen but structurally sound,
• Your teeth don’t line up across the bottom in a manner that creates a pleasing smile,
• Your teeth have small pits or grooves that you feel detract from your smile.

If you just aren’t happy with the way your smile looks, but your dental history is of a generally healthy nature, you may be a good candidate for ceramic veneer placement. An appointment with your dentist will help you decide if this treatment is a good option for you. Talk with your dentist about what it is exactly that you don’t like about your smile. Your dentist should be able to show you photos that will give you an idea of exactly the kind of transformation you can expect.

How do veneers compare to braces?

The largest benefit to veneers over braces is the amount of time it will take you to achieve the look you want. Veneers can usually be completed in two dental visits. The first visit will involve prepping the teeth for veneer placement and taking a mold of your mouth. The veneers can be made within one to two weeks and placed on your teeth permanently in a second visit. Braces, as you know, may require years of treatment as well as unsightly bands and wires. Most people can expect veneers to last from 10-15 years before needing replacement.

How much do veneers cost?

You can expect to pay from $500-$1200 per veneer placement, depending on your location. Cosmetic dentistry specialists will charge significantly more (up to $2500 per veneer placement). By contrast, an adult wearing braces can expect to pay multiple thousands of dollars ($3000-$5000 in many cases) not to mention the many, many hours of sitting in the dentist’s chair for adjustments that braces require.

Unfortunately, veneers are not typically covered by insurance companies as they are considered a strictly cosmetic procedure. For cosmetic purposes, however, braces will not be covered by most insurance policies either. Talk to your dentist about payment plan options.

There is no reason in this day and age to have a smile that is less than perfect. Having a smile you can be proud of is possible. Make an appointment with your dentist to see if veneers are a good option for you.