January 21, 2023

At Nuttall Smiles in Auburn, WA, we understand that everyone wants a beautiful, healthy smile. If you're considering improving the appearance of your teeth, you may be wondering what your options are. Two popular options are porcelain veneers and braces. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between these two treatments and help you determine which option is right for you.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic material that are custom-made to fit over the front surfaces of your teeth. They are often used to correct the appearance of crooked, chipped, discolored, or gapped teeth. They can also be used to fix minor bite issues. Veneers are made from high-quality dental porcelain, which is a strong and durable material that closely resembles the natural appearance of teeth.

One of the main advantages of porcelain veneers is that they can be completed in just a few visits to the dentist. The process begins with a consultation to determine if veneers are the right option for you. If they are, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory where the veneers will be custom-made. While you wait for your veneers to be ready, you may be given temporary veneers to wear.

Once your veneers are ready, you'll return to the dentist for a second visit. During this visit, the dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front surfaces of your teeth to make room for the veneers. This is a necessary step to ensure that the veneers fit properly and look natural. Next, the dentist will apply a bonding agent to your teeth and carefully place the veneers on top. The veneers are then hardened with a special light and any excess material is trimmed away.

Braces, on the other hand, are used to straighten and align teeth that are misaligned or have bite issues. They consist of brackets that are attached to the front of the teeth and connected with a wire. The brackets and wire work together to apply gentle pressure to the teeth, slowly moving them into the desired position. Braces can be made from metal, ceramic, or clear plastic.

The process of getting braces typically takes several months to a year, depending on the severity of the misalignment. After an initial consultation, the orthodontist will take impressions of your teeth and create a treatment plan. The braces will be attached to your teeth during a second visit. You'll need to visit the orthodontist every four to eight weeks to have the braces adjusted and the wire tightened. As your teeth start to move into the desired position, you'll begin to see visible results.

So, which option is right for you? Porcelain veneers are a good choice if you want to improve the appearance of your teeth quickly and with minimal discomfort. They can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic issues, such as crooked, chipped, or discolored teeth. However, they are not suitable for correcting bite issues or straightening misaligned teeth.

Braces, on the other hand, are a good choice if you have misaligned teeth or a bite issue that needs to be corrected. They can straighten and align teeth and improve the function of your bite. However, the treatment process can take several months to a year and may be less comfortable than veneers.

Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your specific dental needs and goals. If you're not sure which treatment is right for you, we recommend consulting with a dental professional.