Many adults are faced with the decision between getting veneers or braces to improve the appearance of their smile. Both options can yield excellent results in straightening teeth and creating a more aesthetically pleasing smile. However, there are some key differences between veneers and braces that lead people to choose one over the other.
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth. Getting veneers is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can:
- Correct crooked, unevenly spaced, or misshapen teeth
- Fill gaps between teeth
- Repair teeth that are worn down, broken, or have stains that cannot be removed through teeth whitening
- Change the color, shape, size, and length of teeth
The veneer shells are bonded to the front of the teeth to create a smooth, white smile with evenly spaced, straight-looking teeth. Unlike braces, veneers focus only on improving the appearance of the front visible teeth.
What are braces?
Braces are devices made of metal brackets affixed to teeth and wires that apply pressure to slowly shift the position of teeth over time. Braces work by placing gentle but constant pressure on the teeth to encourage them to move into proper alignment. Some key facts about braces:
- Can align crooked, crowded, or unevenly spaced teeth
- Can improve bite alignment by adjusting the positioning of the upper and lower jaws
- Require wearing the braces all day and night for 1-3 years on average
- Need to be adjusted by an orthodontist every 4-6 weeks
- Affect all teeth, not just the visible front teeth
Main Differences Between Veneers and Braces
Treatment Goals
The primary goal of veneers is to improve the cosmetic appearance of the smile, while braces aim to functionally align the teeth and jaws. Veneers only mask imperfections in visible front teeth, while braces correct imperfections on all teeth.
Treatment Time
Veneers can be done in as little as 2-3 dental visits over the span of a few weeks. Braces require 1-3 years of continuous wear to gradually shift teeth.
Impact on Lifestyle
Veneers have minimal impact on daily life, while braces require meticulous oral hygiene and restrict eating certain foods. Braces also have dietary restrictions and require adjustments by the orthodontist every 4-6 weeks.
Cost
Veneers tend to cost more upfront, with a single veneer costing $925-$2500 per tooth. Braces cost $3,000-$8,000 total for the multi-year treatment. However, veneers also require replacement every 5-10 years.
Tooth Alteration
Veneers require filing down the enamel of the original tooth, which permanently alters the tooth’s structure. Braces move teeth without removing enamel.
Results Achieved
While veneers can improve cosmetic appearance, they cannot produce the bite alignment and jaw position improvements possible with braces. Braces also benefit long-term dental health.
When are veneers the right choice over braces?
There are a few situations where veneers may be preferred:
- Only front teeth are a cosmetic concern – For minor alignment or appearance issues limited to the 6-8 visible front teeth, veneers allow improving just the visible smile.
- Fast treatment is a priority – The rapid treatment time of veneers of 2-3 weeks appeals to people who want cosmetic improvements fast, with minimal lifestyle impact.
- Adults who did not get braces as a child – Braces work best when the head and mouth are still growing in childhood. Veneers are preferable for adults with minor cosmetic issues.
- Discoloration cannot be corrected through teeth whitening – Teeth that are permanently stained due to medical conditions, medications, or habits may benefit from the whitening effect of porcelain veneers.
When are braces the better long-term solution?
- Teeth have severe misalignments – For serious bite problems like overcrowding, crossbites, or large gaps, braces have the greatest success in functionally correcting these issues.
- Both jaws and all teeth need adjustment – Braces move both jaws to achieve proper bite alignment and adjust all teeth for support.
- Preventing future dental problems is a priority – Braces can help prevent problems like tooth decay, gum disease, enamel wear, and jaw joint pain.
- The patient is a child or teenager – Braces work optimally when the head and mouth are still growing and teeth are easier to adjust.
Do braces make veneers unnecessary?
Not necessarily. While braces may eliminate the need for veneers for some people, others may require veneers after braces for these reasons:
- There are remaining cosmetic imperfections not fixed through braces alone. Minor spacing or discoloration may remain.
- Teeth have uneven edges or irregular shapes not fully corrected through braces.
- Enamel became worn down over the course of long-term braces treatment.
- Gaps between teeth resulted when teeth shifted positions.
Follow-up veneers can correct these minor residual imperfections after braces. However, the veneers may not last as long due to the compromised enamel and shifting teeth.
Can veneers be an alternative to braces?
Veneers on their own cannot produce the wide-ranging improvements in bite alignment and dental health that braces can. But veneers may be able to provide reasonably straight teeth without braces in select cases, like:
- Mildly crooked or spaced teeth where the bite alignment is not severely affected
- Teens or adults nearing the end of jaw growth when teeth are easier to reposition
- Protruding teeth that can be reshaped with veneers to better fit the mouth
- Slightly crooked teeth in later adulthood when braces are undesirable
However, veneers are not a wise permanent substitute for braces for growing children, severe misalignments, or functional bite issues. Veneers also require replacement every 5-10 years.
Can veneers be added to braces treatment?
Yes, veneers can complement braces in a couple scenarios:
- Pre-braces veneers – Veneers placed before braces provide a preview of the eventual straightened smile. This can improve patient motivation to complete braces treatment.
- Post-braces veneers – Minor spacing, discoloration, or irregularities left after braces can be corrected with veneers after braces are removed.
However, veneers placed before braces may need replacement once braces are complete due to shifting teeth. The ideal scenario is braces first, then veneers once teeth are properly aligned.
Conclusion
Veneers and braces can both improve the appearance of smiles, but are suited to different situations. For fast cosmetic improvements limited to front teeth, veneers may be preferred. But for comprehensive orthodontic correction of bite issues, braces are the best long-term solution, especially for children and teens. In some cases, a combination of braces followed by veneers can produce optimal results. The choice depends on the specific orthodontic needs of each patient and their cosmetic goals.