Hi there,

I want a whiter and brighter smile. I was interested in porcelain veneers, but my dentist suggested getting Invisalign first. My teeth aren’t that crooked, so I didn’t think I needed braces. I asked about Lumineers, but he doesn’t do them because they look too bulky. Invisalign would delay me getting porcelain veneers by about a year, and would increase the cost. What should I do?

Thank you,

Ada, from Wisconsin

 

Hi Ada,

Cosmetic dentists usually suggest porcelain veneers or Invisalign, but suggesting both is uncommon. If you have bite problems or crowding in your mouth, that could be one reason for getting both.

One thing you can do is get a completely blind second opinion from another cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the ADA, but are a segment of dentists that have pursued additional training in aesthetics and restoration. If they agree, then you can choose which dentist you prefer to do your work. If you dislike the size or shape of your teeth, covering them with porcelain veneers is a good treatment. You also won’t have to wait until your teeth are straight to start, either.

Invisalign bracers are faster than traditional metal braces, and will make sure your teeth are straight and aligned. If you want to brighten your smile, you can get an in-office teeth whitening treatment, or a take-home whitening kit. Your Invisalign bracers can even be used as custom bleaching trays. If you don’t want to rush into treatment, Invisalign is a good option for you.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge Invisalign provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher.