I’m trying to decide whether to get porcelain veneers for my crooked teeth or Invisalign. I just got engaged last weekend. I wasn’t expecting it so soon, but I am incredibly happy. I am regretting that I didn’t get Invisalign before now. I have several crooked front teeth, and now I am in a rush to get them straightened out before October 2024. I want a beautiful smile for my wedding pictures. We were thinking about engagement pictures, but I don’t want to send photos of me smiling with crooked teeth. Maybe I just won’t smile for the engagement pictures, but that would seem strange. Is a year enough time for Invisalign, or should I get porcelain veneers? Thanks. Raleigh

Raleigh,

Congratulations on your engagement! You need to receive an examination to determine how long it would take to straighten your teeth with Invisalign. Of course, porcelain veneers are faster, but a cosmetic dentist can help you compare your options.

Porcelain Veneers for Crooked Teeth or Invisalign?

Porcelain veneers can straighten mild cases of crooked teeth, but so can Invisalign. A consultation will help you compare which treatment options are available to you based on several factors:

• Teeth condition – Your teeth and gums must be healthy before cosmetic dentistry with porcelain veneers or Invisalign.
• Teeth position – Porcelain veneers can correct mildly crooked teeth. However, orthodontic treatment corrects complex cases.
• Your preferences – A cosmetic dentist must prepare your teeth for porcelain veneers by removing tiny amounts of enamel from the fronts of your teeth. Also, porcelain veneers only correct the teeth that show when you smile. If you want all your teeth aligned, you may prefer Invisalign.
• Your timeline – Porcelain veneers straighten crooked teeth faster than Invisalign. However, Invisalign aligners are virtually Invisible and may not be noticeable in your pictures. Also, you can remove the aligners for your wedding day. Your dentist or an orthodontist can project how well your teeth will be aligned by your wedding date.
• Your budget –Porcelain veneers can cost $1,500 to $3,000 per tooth, depending on the dentist’s fees and where you live in the US. Invisalign is less expensive.

Schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Read why Dr. Delaune’s patients consider him one of the best dentists in town.