One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your grin, but if your teeth are gapped or overcrowded, you might not make a positive impression. These aesthetic issues can detract from your appearance and make you self-conscious enough to avoid spending time with others.
Although an orthodontist could adjust your alignment with braces, many patients prefer to avoid the hassle of having metal brackets bonded to their teeth. Thankfully, your dentist can provide porcelain veneers to enhance your looks, but can they straighten your smile, too? Continue reading to find out!
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
These are thin shells made of resilient ceramic cemented to the front surfaces of your teeth to mask flaws. They’re customized to match or improve the shade, shape, and size of your natural grin for seamless results. However, a thin amount of enamel must be removed for them to fit correctly. It doesn’t regenerate, making this an irreversible alteration to the structure of your enamel that leaves it slightly more vulnerable to damage and decay. Fortunately, veneers serve as an additional shield and can last 15+ years with the proper care.
These restorations are a versatile way to address imperfections, like chips, cracks, stubborn stains, and sometimes even crooked teeth.
Can Porcelain Veneers Straighten Teeth?
This treatment is sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontics”, leading many patients to believe they can potentially reposition their pearly whites. However, the term is somewhat misleading. Unlike actual orthodontic services, this procedure doesn’t involve oral appliances that exert enough pressure on your teeth to shift them.
That said, they can be arranged to hide minor misalignments that detract from your appearance and self-esteem. Before proceeding, you must consult your dentist to determine the best option for you. Depending on your circumstances, they might recommend other options to straighten your smile instead. For instance, if you have overlapped teeth that have begun to develop disease or decay, correcting their positions makes them easier to clean and improves your dental wellbeing.
How Can I Straighten My Smile?
If your dental condition puts your oral health at risk, veneers aren’t sufficient to fix the underlying misalignments. In that case, your dentist might suggest Invisalign, a clear alternative to traditional braces. Instead of using metal brackets and wires, this service uses transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your arches to shift them. This is considered more discreet and comfortable than traditional orthodontics and can often be completed in as few as 12 to 18 months.
If you’re unsure of the best way to enhance your grin, the next best step is to contact your dentist to schedule a consultation!
About the Practice
At Harrisonburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, you and your loved ones benefit from a team of talented dentists passionate about helping you build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. They work collaboratively to offer a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof, including porcelain veneers and Invisalign. They take the time to get to know you, then tailor treatment plans to enhance your comfort while delivering accurate results meant to last. If you want to improve your appearance, you can request a consultation on the website or call (540) 432-6616.