I’m ready to fix my smile. I’ve been going back and forth between Invisalign and porcelain veneers. I’ve heard that the Invisalign fixes your teeth without anyone knowing and it’s much less expensive than the porcelain veneers. But the porcelain veneers should be faster. Is there a significant difference in their results? Are the porcelain veneers worth the extra cost?

Amaya

Dear Amaya,

Which procedure you get depends on two things. First, what your needs are for your smile. Second, the skill of the dentist you are working with. Let’s go over what each of them do.

Invisalign

Invisalign is specifically orthodontic related. If your teeth need to be straightened, this is the procedure to go with. It will straighten your teeth without anyone even knowing you are doing orthodontics.

It has an additional cosmetic benefit, too. The aligners used to straighten your teeth can also double as teeth whitening trays. This allows you to straighten and whiten your teeth simultaneously, thereby saving you both time and money.

Both of these procedures are fairly simple and will not require your dentist to have done extensive post-doctoral training in cosmetic work.

Porcelain Veneers

This is more for those going for a total smile makeover. Porcelain veneers use tiny wafers of porcelain to completely remake your smile. They can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth simultaneously. While they can’t straighten your teeth, a skilled cosmetic dentist can make them appear straight.

This is the go-to procedure for celebrities to get their Hollywood smile. However, this does require some expertise on the part of the dentist. Unfortunately, smile makeovers aren’t taught in dental school. A dentist has to invest their time after they graduate learning the procedures, as well as developing their artistry. Without that, I’m afraid you’ll be sorely disappointed in the results.

This blog is brought to you by East Cobb Dentist Dr. Cristi Cheek.