8001 N. Durango Dr. #140 | Las Vegas, NV 89131 (702) 456-0056

Veneers vs. Invisalign: Which Is Right for Me?

by | Jan 23, 2023 | Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry treatments are a fantastic way to enhance your oral health and elevate your appearance. So, if you’re one of the many people wanting to improve your smile in 2023, then you may be wondering: Should I get veneers or Invisalign®?

Let the team at Miracle Dental help you choose the best option for you and your smile. Simply schedule an appointment with our trusted dentists in Las Vegas, NV, online here or at (702) 456-0056 to get started.

Meanwhile, let’s explore the differences between veneers and Invisalign treatment to help you choose the best option for your smile and budget.

What are veneers?

Veneers are remarkably thin shells of dental-grade material. A skilled dentist permanently cements the shells to the front surface of the teeth, effectively hiding numerous smile flaws, such as:

  • Chips and craze lines
  • Worn tooth enamel
  • Stubborn discoloration 
  • Large diastemas (gaps between the teeth)
  • Irregularly shaped or short teeth
  • Minor crowding 

Dentists can use many materials to craft custom-made veneers, such as:

  • Porcelain 
  • Composite resin
  • Zirconia

Veneers are a long-lasting way to improve your smile and protect your teeth. On average, most patients can enjoy their veneers for roughly 10 years before requiring replacement. However, one study from 2012 found that patients with porcelain veneers enjoyed their veneers for more than 20 years before requiring replacement.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a unique tooth-alignment system that uses custom-made trays to slowly move teeth into optimal position. As such, it is an ideal treatment to address some smile issues, such as:

  • Mild to moderate dental misalignments
  • Overbites
  • Underbites
  • Crossbites
  • Open bites

Invisalign patients must wear their custom-made trays for at least 20 hours a day to get speedy results. If patients closely follow their treatment plans, then they may be able to straighten their teeth in as few as 6 months

Veneers vs. Invisalign

Choosing the best treatment for you depends on your oral health, smile goals, and budget. Let’s explore these factors now.

Oral Health

Patients with thin or worn tooth enamel may be better candidates for veneers. This is because veneers act as a substitute for tooth enamel. As a result, veneers can prevent extreme tooth sensitivity and dental decay

Unfortunately, patients who are prone to cavities may not be ideal candidates for Invisalign. This is because the aligners rest snugly against the teeth, which can keep cavity-causing bacteria on vulnerable teeth.

Smile Goals

Invisalign treatment focuses on permanently changing one’s dental alignment, whereas veneers do not. Instead, veneers merely hide smile imperfections without altering the way that teeth are oriented in the mouth.

So, if you only want to straighten your teeth, then Invisalign may be right for you. If you want to address more cosmetic issues aside from alignment, then veneers may be right for you.

Budget

Current data suggest that a single porcelain veneer may cost patients roughly $1,500 (without insurance). So, if a patient gets six veneers, that can add up to at least $9,000 in related costs.

Invisalign treatment can cost patients approximately $3,400 (with insurance). However, patients without insurance may pay closer to $5,000. 

Veneers and Invisalign in Las Vegas, NV

When it comes to veneers vs. Invisalign, why choose? Combine both treatments with our dentists in Las Vegas to totally transform your smile! Patients can schedule a consultation with our team here or by calling (702) 456-0056 now.