You’ve finally decided that you want straight teeth. Perhaps you have already investigated the array of cosmetic and orthodontic treatments available in your area. In most cases, people typically arrive at two main options: Invisalign vs veneers. But how do you know which option is best for you?
Both Invisalign and veneers effectively correct or disguise certain dental flaws. Invisalign has been around since 1998, while veneers have been in use since the late 1920s. Both have had a good track record of success across many patients globally.
However, these are two very different treatments. Each has unique applications, uses, and types of dental anomalies they treat.
Invisalign vs Veneers: Main Differences
To understand the key differences between Invisalign and veneers, it would be prudent to know what they are all about.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a type of clear aligners fitted over your teeth to change their appearance. They apply gentle pressure to move the teeth to the desired position gradually. They are virtually invisible, and only a keen eye will notice that you’re wearing Invisalign.
Invisalign has various benefits over traditional braces, one of them being that you can easily take them off as long as you have them on for at least 22 hours a day. You can remove them during certain instances, such as brushing your teeth, eating, making a speech, etc.
The Invisalign aligners are changed after approximately two weeks, with each new tray tighter than the previous one to continue movement. In most cases, treatment time is about 6 – 24 months, depending on various factors, such as the severity of the condition. Most Invisalign reviews show that the product is quite effective in achieving its goals.
What are veneers?
On the other hand, veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth without changing their actual position. These are thin sheets of porcelain or composite resin that adhere to the front of the teeth.
So, how do veneers work?
They boost one’s dental appearance by either changing the color of the teeth, covering up cracks or chips, correcting misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth, etc.
Veneers are also helpful when you want to close gaps between teeth.
For you to receive veneers, you will have to make a few trips to the dentist’s office. The dentist will consider your teeth that need treatment, and filing them might be necessary to make room for the veneers. It should be noted that, in most cases, this procedure is irreversible. The next step would be to take impressions of your prepared teeth using either traditional mold or 3D imaging.
The impressions are taken to a lab to create custom veneers. Once ready, they are fitted by the dentist, and you’ll have your new perfect smile.
Understanding the key differences: Veneers vs Invisalign
Veneers vs Invisalign cost
In the United States, the average price of veneers per tooth ranges from $925-2,500. The Invisalign price starts at around $2800. While it may appear like Invisalign is more expensive, it actually might be the cheaper option.
When going for veneers, you might need more than one tooth worked on. This means that for every extra tooth, that means more amount to be paid, which can eventually be more than the total cost of Invisalign.
| Invisalign | Veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $2,800+ | $925 - 2,500 per tooth |
Treatment length
The treatment period is yet another primary consideration when looking to choose between Invisalign and veneers.
Invisalign may require more commitment until the treatment period is over, which usually lasts between 6 and 12 months. Once you’ve been fitted with the aligners, you will have to visit your dentist regularly after every 1 – 2 weeks to have them changed by your dentist.
On the other hand, once you have had your veneers fitted, you’ll only need to go back to the dentist for routine checkups, usually occurring at least every six months.
Treatment goal
What would you like to achieve from your treatment? Your primary goal determines the type of treatment you will go between Invisalign and veneers.
Invisalign is ideal for those that have mild to moderate misalignment. It can also be used to correct a bite. Patients with overbites, underbites, crossbites, and gapping can benefit from Invisalign.
On the other hand, veneers do not change the positioning of teeth but rather improve their appearance only. This means it is ideal for patients with cracks or chips, gaps, or need to whiten their teeth.
Invisalign vs Veneers: Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of Invisalign vs veneers to help you understand which is the better option for you:
- Treatment is nearly invisible.
- You can remove the trays at any time.
- No food restrictions like the case for traditional braces.
- Safe materials used.
- Faster treatment period.
- It is less effective for complex issues as they are only ideal for mild to moderate bite concerns.
- Requires compliance and lots of commitments, as you are supposed to have them on for at least 22 hours a day.
- There can be a period of adjustment before you are fully used to the aligners.
- They can solve a variety of cosmetic dental flaws, such as chips or cracks, gaps, whitening, etc.
- They are long-lasting. Some of the best veneers in the US can take up to 25 years before you’ll need to change your veneers.
- Veneers can protect eroded teeth.
- Help improve your confidence.
- They are only used for cosmetic treatments and do not cater to any underlying problems.
- The color difference is noticeable between the teeth with veneers and those without.
- Veneers can also chip or crack, but your dentist will guide you on the correct lifestyle to avoid this.
- The process of getting veneers is irreversible.
Invisalign or Veneers: Which is the best for you?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to go for Invisalign or veneers will depend on a few factors, including your overall goals and the condition of your teeth.
Invisalign is a great teeth straightening option for those with an underlying issue, such as overbites and underbites. This can also be the choice for you if you can comply with the treatment guidelines of having them on for at least 22 hours per day and following the oral hygiene recommendations.
Veneers are a fantastic choice for those that wish to improve their overall appearance. They address specific issues, such as gaps, discoloration, chips, or cracks. They can also provide you with a faster solution for fixing such dental issues.
With this information, you are now better positioned to pick your ideal cosmetic treatment.
FAQ
It depends on your treatment goal, as Invisalign and veneers have specific uses. For Invisalign, one may consider the other popular clear aligner brands, such as Byte and Candid. Veneers are usually said to be different treatments put in one. Depending on your ultimate goal, you can either do teeth whitening or use aligners (or braces) based on your needs.
Yes. As long as the teeth are healthy and the veneers are properly bonded with your teeth, there’s no reason to prevent you from using Invisalign simultaneously.
Yes. However, if you have many missing teeth, especially the front teeth, your dentist may use their discretion to recommend other types of treatment first, such as implants.
While the cost of one veneer is generally lower than Invisalign, most patients may require several veneers fitted, ultimately taking the total cost even higher.
