If you have crooked teeth, missing teeth or even discolored teeth, there are things you can do to give you a beautiful smile. A gorgeous, white smile that you aren't ashamed to show can be yours. You can have a smile that you're proud of and a smile that you can be confident with. If you aren't sure if cosmetic veneers or braces are right for you, read on for information about both to help you choose.
Veneers
Veneers can be either porcelain pieces of veneer that are glued to your existing teeth to give you a more beautiful smile, or they can be an actual mouthpiece that covers your existing teeth to give you a whiter, straighter smile. The mouthpieces fit in your mouth just like a mouth guard. You take them out as needed and put them in when you want. Porcelain veneers that are glued to your teeth take time to be fitted for your teeth. The teeth below are not the same and you can't go back to your regular teeth if you change your mind later.
Cosmetic veneers mouthpieces are temporary and your existing teeth are not touched at all. If you change your mind or don't want to wear the mouthpiece you don't have to. You always have your existing teeth to go back to. They can cover missing, misaligned or discolored teeth. They cannot fix gum disease or other oral health issues. They are purely for cosmetic purposes.
Braces
Braces either with brackets or Invisalign braces will help to repair your smile by moving your teeth into place. Your teeth will be straighter, but braces cannot repair discolored teeth, and cannot do anything for missing or damaged teeth. Braces take time to straighten your smile. You may need to wear them for up to 3 years for your teeth to shift into proper placement. You may need more than just braces. You may need to a pallet separator or may need rubber bands and other orthodontic care along with braces. The results of braces can be long-lasting if you continue to care for your teeth properly. Failing to take care of your teeth properly can result in your teeth shifting back out of place.
If you aren't sure if braces or cosmetic veneers are for you, talk to your dentist about your teeth and what you want in your smile, as well as how quickly you want your new smile.
