Veneers or porcelain veneers are pieces of ceramic bonded, shaped and glued, and molded to the teeth. They can be added to improve your smile and confidence level. The procedure is becoming increasingly popular among people who want whiter and straighter teeth.
However, some people may find the price tag on these treatments too high for their budget. So what are the affordable alternatives to veneers?
Below are some popular dental veneers alternatives.
- Teeth reshaping or contouring
- Dental Crowns
- Invisalign
- Teeth Whitening
- Dental Bonding
Dental Bonding
One common alternative to porcelain veneers is bonding. This procedure is usually suggested for patients who like to keep their existing tooth structure without any alteration.
During the procedure, the material often used is composite resin and the resin can either be shaped or polished, so it looks exactly like the natural enamel.
Dental bonding can also deliver the same results as dental porcelain veneers in certain areas like the concealment of dental cracks, discoloration, and tooth misalignment.
Although porcelain veneers are much more natural-looking and don’t get stained as much as the composite resin used in the dental bonding procedure, they are less expensive than veneers.
Dental Crowns
This option is one of the dental veneer alternatives that are quite similar to veneers. They are specially created to help complement a patient’s natural smile just like veneers.
However, the thing with dental crowns is that for them (crowns) to fit perfectly, a significant amount of the patient’s dental structure will be altered. This is because these crowns cover from the gumline to the tooth and they are recommended for patients who have sustained serious damage that has weakened the strength and structure of a single tooth.
They are not recommended for patients seeking cosmetic treatments or enhancement. Veneers are best suited for such purposes as they are more effective and less invasive.
Braces
Braces fall under the orthodontic treatment option. They are considered some of the most popular and affordable alternatives to veneers especially in cases of serious tooth misalignment or crooked teeth.
Veneers are best suited for mild teeth misalignment issues. With the evolution in the orthodontic treatment space, patients now have a variety of options apart from the traditional metal braces. Modern braces have been designed to be less obtrusive and depending on the level of straightening needed by a patient, your dentist will inform you of the kinds of braces you are eligible for.
Today, asides from metal braces, there are tooth-colored ceramic braces and white or clear brackets available for your teeth straightening needs.
It doesn’t matter what kind of braces you pick, they all work similarly. What these braces do is help shift your teeth or jaws into the position you want over time but require periodic adjustment by your dentist.
Although it takes a while to adjust to the feel of braces, in most cases, it takes only a few weeks.
Invisalign
This is another popular alternative to veneers and also falls under the “orthodontics” category. Not only will Invisalign help in straightening the teeth but also protect against tooth decay.
Invisalign helps to correct various misalignment issues like crossbites and overbites and they are non-invasive. A patient is often required to wear their aligner for a year to gain that straight perfect smile but sometimes they are required to wear it for longer to protect the teeth from misaligning again.
Apart from the above-listed alternatives to veneers, is there a cheaper alternative?
Yes, and that is teeth whitening.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is not only considered an excellent option for patients that want that beautiful smile but it is also a cheaper alternative to veneers. Whitening treatments can help you achieve a whiter smile and eliminate teeth stains all in one visit to the dentist’s office.
They are considered the cheapest option amongst other oral cosmetic procedures. However, the procedure is not without its disadvantages. One of the pitfalls of teeth whitening is that some stains or areas may be too stubborn to eliminate or lighten.
When it comes to smiles, Noho Family Dental is the destination for the best in teeth treatment. A team of smiles specialists is ready to deliver an unrivaled experience that awes you with its wide array of dental treatments and state-of-the-art facility
FAQ
What can you get instead of veneers?
In terms of veneer alternatives in dentistry, other options you can try out include; dental bonding, teeth whitening, dental crowns, Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign and braces.
How can I fix my teeth without getting veneers?
This depends on the teeth treatment issue you want to be fixed. If you want to fix the whiteness of your teeth, you can get a teeth whitening procedure done instead of getting veneers, they are much cheaper. If you want to straighten your teeth and also get a beautiful smile in the process, you can get an Invisalign procedure done and in a situation where you have a chipped, damaged or decayed tooth, tooth bonding treatment is a cheaper alternative to fix this. Another additional teeth treatment option you can try out that can serve as an alternative for veneers to fix your teeth, is the reshaping of the gum to help reveal teeth that are overshadowed by gum tissue
Can I get bonding instead of veneers?
Yes, you can, especially if your oral health is not that bad and all you require are small changes. However, if you require something long-term and more significant, veneers are recommended.
