Clear teeth aligners are an excellent option for anyone wanting to straighten their teeth in a subtle but effective way. However, they are not the only option to improve the appearance of your teeth, as veneers are another choice that acts as a method to cover gaps or crooked teeth. But which of the two is best for you?
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin sheets, typically made of porcelain, adhered to the front of your teeth to help improve their appearance. They do this by covering cracks, chips, and discolouration.
Because the veneers take up space at the front of your teeth, you first need to have them filed down to make space for the veneer. This is done through a visit to a professional dentist. After which, an impression of the treated teeth is made using a mold or 3D imaging to create the bespoke veneers. You will be given a temporary cover to wear while you wait for your permanent ones to be made.
Why would you choose Clear Aligners over Veneers
While they can achieve many of the same goals, each can be used in different instances.
For example, veneers are a great option if you want to whiten your teeth, cover a crack, and are after more cosmetic treatment. In contrast, Clear Teeth Aligners are commonly used to correct dental misalignments, including crowded teeth, an overbite or underbite.
There is some overlap between these as both clear teeth aligners and veneers can help with gaps in teeth, just in slightly different ways – one will help close the gap while the other conceals the space.
Who is a suitable candidate for each method?
The ideal candidate for veneers is someone who is not happy with the appearance of their teeth, but they are generally healthy.
Because the veneer adheres to the front of the tooth, it is essential that your teeth are fully sized before going ahead with this procedure. This means it is not suitable for children as their adult teeth may not have come through or are fully grown yet.
Clear teeth aligners are appropriate for people of all ages, including children and teens. With custom-fit designed to gradually expand in line with the child’s growing jawline. They work to correct existing issues whilst also circumventing any future dental problems.
What is the price difference between the two?
Clear teeth aligners costs start from just £1800 for a 12-month treatment plan on all of your teeth, with flexible finance options making it as little as £5 per day. Whereas with veneers, there is a much wider range of £500-£1000 per tooth depending on the material used.
These may be a cost-effective option if you’re looking to get just one or two teeth corrected using a veneer. However, the price can increase quickly if you need more than one or two.
How long is the treatment for Veneers vs Clear Teeth Aligners
Veneers will only require two dentist appointments after your initial consultation. These visits will prepare your teeth for the procedure with impressions and tooth filing. On the second, the dentist will remove your temporary veneers and adhere your permanent set, making you ready to enjoy a new smile right away.
Clear teeth aligners are a much longer time investment as after the initial impressions are taken, and a treatment plan is put together, it will take 12-18 months on average. This is with multiple orthodontic appointments during this time to assess your progress before the procedure is complete.
Find out which option is best for you
Only a professional consultant with an expert can determine how long your treatment is likely to be. Get in touch today to get a consultation and see whether clear teeth aligners would be a suitable option for your needs and budget.
While both options can help improve your self-esteem and allow you to smile confidently, hopefully, this has given you the information to make a choice when deciding between the two. For more details on how clear teeth aligners work, check out our frequently asked questions or give us a call on 023 8044 2626.
