Thanks to the many advancements in dentistry, it’s typical for dental problems to have many solutions to choose from. For example, both orthodontics and porcelain veneers in Sewell can easily solve the problem of gaps and misalignments in your smile. With this in mind, it’s important that you understand the pros and cons each treatment provides as well as what expectation you should have going into both.
Regardless of the option you choose, you can expect to have a smile that you’re proud to show off!
What to Expect From Orthodontics
Traditional braces are ideal for treating severe misalignments or poor bites in your smile, as well as multiple gaps throughout the mouth. This includes the molars, which are typically only treatable with traditional braces. They often require between 18 and 24 months to complete, sometimes longer depending on the complexity of your case.
Additionally, patients will need to manage their diet and make adjustments to their oral care routine to keep teeth clean without damaging their hardware. They also require regular appointments so the hardware can be tightened and effectively shift your teeth. This adjustment can cause mild discomfort as patients get used to the tighter feel.
Keep in mind that braces can make a significant change in your appearance, but dentists often use tooth-colored elastics to help them blend in more effectively with your smile. Either way, it’s important to consider since they will not be removed until your treatment is complete.
What to Expect From Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin sheaths of ceramic customized to fit over your existing teeth. These covers are blended exactly to match the same color of your smile, allowing them to look natural. Even light reflects through them naturally thanks to ceramic’s organic properties. They can also be placed in typically two appointments; one for taking impressions and fabricating the veneers and another for placing them a couple weeks later. For many patients, this quick transformation is enough to have them choose veneers over braces.
With that being said, veneers require enamel to be buffed down so that they sit flush and don’t look too large once adhered to your natural enamel. They also aren’t guaranteed to last forever, even when you take proper care of them. The average lifespan of a porcelain veneer is about 10 to 15 years when you brush and floss regularly as well as visit your dentist every six months.
Which Treatment Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for the fastest way to make your smile look as beautiful as possible in the shortest amount of time, there’s no option that comes close to porcelain veneers. Instead of waiting years at a time and making dramatic changes to your daily habits and appearance, you can get the smile you’ve always wanted crafted by cosmetic professionals!
For these reasons, dentists often recommend porcelain veneers to fix crooked teeth, especially when it’s mainly for cosmetic purposes.
The course of every patient is different, which is why you should always schedule an appointment with your dentist in Sewell before making a final decision! Make one today to learn more about each process!
About the Author
Dr. Christopher J. Connolly earned his DMD degree from the Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry. Thanks to advanced training at the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies, he’s able to provide patients the best-looking porcelain veneers available today. To learn more about his practice, contact him through his website.