As we get older, our teeth might start to show signs of wear and tear. Some of the symptoms are cracks, chips, and discolouration. If this is happening to you, then it might be time to have cosmetic dentistry.
It’s no secret that veneersare one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments for patients. Those who like to keep their teeth perfect can be a great way to achieve this. However, not everyone is a qualified candidate for this treatment, and there are other ways you can get a whiter smile without breaking the bank.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a few alternative treatment options that can give you the smile and confidence you’ve always wanted without having to commit to a permanent solution like a dental veneer.
Are Veneers the Right Option for Me?
Cosmetic dental treatments are not for everyone. Veneers are often seen as a substitute for braces, teeth-whitening treatments, and dental crowns. Though the cost of porcelain veneers are higher than those treatments, they do have many benefits which outweigh the disadvantage.
If you have discoloured teeth, have gaps between teeth, misshapen teeth, or have chips, veneers may be a type of dental treatment you find beneficial. Thus, you should consult your dental health practitioner if you are an ideal candidate for veneers.
Learn More: Why Do People Get Veneers?
The Most Popular Alternative to Veneers Treatment
Traditional veneers are a popular way of changing the appearance of your teeth. They’re usually used to improve aesthetic flaws and create a more perfect-looking smile, but the cost of veneers is relatively high, which hinders people from getting the cosmetic procedure. If you’re not sure about veneers or if you want an affordable alternative, consider these other suitable options for improving the look of your teeth:
Teeth Whitening
Patients who want to improve the colour of their teeth and don’t have any other aesthetic issues may prefer teeth whitening instead of veneers. Teeth bleaching done at the dental office is cheaper than porcelain veneers that can lighten teeth by up to eight shades.
Whiteners can only lighten the surface stains caused by extrinsic factors, like tobacco use, coffee, red wine and soda. In general, whitening treatments will not remove tooth colouration caused by trauma or silver dental fillings. For the experienced dentist to fix this kind of discolouration, it is necessary to undergo a dental procedure that will cover the affected area like veneers or tooth bonding.
Learn More: Different Types Of Veneers
Dental Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is an uncomplicated procedure that dentists can perform to correct dental flaws such as chips and cracks. The material used to fix the imperfection is similar to what dentists use in filling cavities.
The dental practitioner typically uses a resin that mimics the shade of your natural tooth for dental bonding. It can be filed down and shaped to fill in the spaces and smooth surfaces. Like veneers, it is a repair done to cracked teeth and prevents further damage from tooth decay.
Dental Crowns
Just as veneers cover the front surfaces of your teeth, dental crowns are used to cap a tooth that has been weakened or structurally compromised. They are attached to help teeth maintain their structure and give additional support. They can also be used to save a tooth from any further decay or fixing other dental problems.
Crowns will often require significant removal of natural teeth structure to take form. In other words, they can be potentially invasive alternatives and were initially designed for longevity rather than cosmetic enhancement. If looking for an aesthetic solution, you should consider dental porcelain veneers instead.
Learn More: What Dental Problems Do Veneers Fix?
Invisalign / Clear Aligner treatment
Invisalignis an advanced alignment care system that has been clinically proven and realign crooked teeth. It takes a series of professionally-made aligners or trays that are worn in sequence throughout the treatment. Depending on your needs, the treatment may take six months, while for others, it may take as long as 20 months.
A clear dental retainer is a removable device positioned on the teeth used as an alternative to braces. Clear retainers are less visible than traditional orthodontic treatment appliances, but they cannot treat all the same types of issues.
Though dental veneers can be an effective solution for some alignment problems, they cannot fix all of them.
Cosmetic Contouring
Contouring teeth can be necessary due to injury or genetic reasons. These services are less time-consuming and are an affordable solution for the patient. Aside from the aesthetic aspect, they also have the added benefit of improving oral health.
With reshaping, tartar and plaque are removed, which aids in preventing tooth decay. With veneers, shaping of the tooth enamel is performed as well and is permanent.
Learn More: How Long Do Veneers Lasts?
Why Are Veneers so Popular?
Lots of celebrities wear porcelain veneers, and they are not the only ones. Having a porcelain veneer is a common treatment among people from all walks of life who want to improve their smile with a beautiful, white smile. When you see someone who appears to have sparkling healthy teeth and a perfect smile, chances are it’s because they’ve had porcelain veneers.
Everyone has imperfections in their natural smile, and people are often self-conscious about how it looks. It is common to want your teeth to be white, straight, and even in size. Veneers are popular because they’ll offer you the perfect look without additional invasive cosmetic work needed by other methods.
Final Thoughts
The best way to make a first impression is with your smile. Cosmetic dentistry can help you get the perfect teeth for that winning grin. We have discussed in this blog the cosmetic treatments that are alternatives to porcelain and composite veneers. It’s worth exploring these treatments with your Australian dentist before making any permanent decisions about your oral health care, as many factors contribute to what might be best for you.
If you are looking for a cost-effective solution, we have a team of experts who can help you figure out the best choice for your situation and provide you with quality care that will keep your smile healthy. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, don’t hesitate to give us a call today or fill out our online form so we can get started on designing the perfect treatment plan just for you.
