Cosmetic dentistry has become one of the top ways to improve the appearance, with more and more people choosing to get treatments like braces and veneers. Some people wonder whether or not veneers are a better option that having orthodontic treatment. The thin moulds that are placed onto the teeth have become a popular choice with many celebrities; and this makes people consider them as a means of looking better themselves. 

What are veneers? 

Veneers are wafer thin moulds that the cosmetic dentist fits to the front of the teeth. Made of porcelain, they cover up visible flaws in the teeth to give them a more uniform appearance. 

Pros of veneers 

Dental veneers can ameliorate the appearance of the teeth in three different ways: they can correct positioning and improve their shape and colour. This treatment is a popular choice over getting braces because it can be completed relatively quickly. Orthodontic treatment can last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years; whereas veneers can be applied in just a few trips to the dentist. Because veneers are made from porcelain, they stay looking good for longer than natural teeth. They don’t get yellow or darken in colour with age, and veneers are also very difficult to stain. This means that the patient can expect good results in the long term with this treatment. 

Cons of veneers 

Some patients need to have a little of their tooth enamel taken away in order for veneers to fit properly. This is an irreversible process and means that once veneer treatment has been completed, the patient must continue to wear them for life. For patients who have very crowded teeth, it can be necessary for veneers to be thicker than usual to create a good finished look. This can be a bit annoying in the initial stages; although many patients are so pleased with the end result that they feel any irritation is worth it. Dental veneers don’t last for an indefinite period of time, so they do need to be replaced. This is usually around every ten years or so. However, the fact that the treatment is so long lasting, and that during that time the patient doesn’t have to worry about staining or discolouration; it is debatable as to whether or not this is a true disadvantage. 

For people who want a relatively quick and convenient means of repairing broken, stained or crowded teeth – dental veneers are a good choice. However, it’s worth considering the condition of the teeth before deciding on treatment. If they are healthy and reasonably white, but protruding or badly aligned – orthodontic treatment may well be the better option. The best way to decide on this is to talk to the dentist about the teeth and explore what is available to help improve the smile. Having a white, even smile usually does wonders for people’s confidence, and it can help them to look younger too; so it’s no surprise that more and more people are visiting a cosmetic dentist.