Does orthodontic treatment (braces) offer a viable alternative to porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers can create a result that mimics the appearance of the patient having had orthodontic treatment (braces). This is true for minor, and in some cases even moderate, tooth malpositioning. There are, however, tradeoffs associated with both of these treatment alternatives, porcelain veneers vs. braces. Here are some of them:

» Placing porcelain veneers provides a quicker solution.

When trying to make a decision between orthodontic treatment and porcelain veneers, many patients may be swayed by the relative immediacy with which veneers can be placed and a new appearance enjoyed. Orthodontic treatment, on the other hand, typically takes at least several months, if not a few years, to achieve the same type of cosmetic change.

» Having braces may not appeal to the patient.

A dental patient may be hesitant to choose orthodontic treatment over porcelain veneers because of the appearance or inconvenience factor associated with it. From a standpoint of appearance, a number of different, more cosmetically pleasing, types of dental braces have been developed and are available. As another option, and one that addresses both the cosmetic and functional inconveniences associated with wearing traditional braces, a person's orthodontic treatment can sometimes be accomplished via the use of clear, removable orthodontic aligners (Invisalign).

» Orthodontic treatment requires the continued use of a retainer.

Once the realignment of the patient's teeth has been completed and their braces have been removed, a patient will enter the retention phase of their treatment. The only way to insure that the orthodontic change made will not relapse is for the patient to wear some type of dental retainer, and to do so throughout the remainder of their life.

The specifics associated with any one patient's retention phase will vary. The type of retainer that is utilized might be one that they can remove and insert, or else one permanently fixed to their teeth. In the case of a removable retainer, the patient may get by with just wearing it periodically. In other cases it may need to be worn nightly.

» Orthodontic treatment can provide a more permanent fix.

An advantage of orthodontic treatment is that it can provide a solution that can lasts lifetime. In comparison, using an expected life span of ten to (a somewhat unrealistic) twenty years, it's easy enough to calculate how many times during a person's lifetime they can expect to need to replace their porcelain veneers.

» Other advantages of orthodontic treatment.

Other advantages of braces over porcelain veneers include that placing veneers is often an invasive procedure, in the sense that some of the tooth's structure is sacrificed. Additionally, veneers place the patient at risk for unexpected maintenance and repair.

Those porcelain veneers that are placed so they do mimic orthodontic changes are often very thick and oversized. Veneers such as these can be difficult to adapt to, can be more prone to coming off, and can make it hard for the dental patient to maintain proper oral home care.