Veneers vs Invisible Braces: What’s The Difference

14 June 2024

Half photo of veneers and half photo of invisible braces

A confident smile can significantly impact both your personal and professional life. Dental aesthetics play a crucial role in boosting self-esteem and ensuring you put your best face forward.

If you’re looking to improve the way your smile looks, you may have come across a few methods that dentists use to help you smile more beautifully. In this blog, we’ll explore two popular choices – veneers and invisible braces – and how they work to improve your smile. Let’s dive in! 

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your treating dentist for medical advice specific to your condition. Zenyum does not provide medical advice and our systems are doctor-directed treatments.

What are veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells of materials that are designed to look like natural teeth. They are bonded to the surface of your teeth to address a variety of dental concerns such as discolouration, misalignment, chips and gaps.

Types of veneers

There are 2 main types of veneers – composite and porcelain. Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are custom-made in laboratories to suit the shape and colour of your natural teeth.

On the other hand, composite veneers can be made with either resin or plastic that are sculpted and attached to your teeth in a single dental visit.

How do veneers work

The process of getting veneers typically involves three stages: consultation, preparation, and bonding. During the initial consultation, your dentist will discuss your aesthetic goals and determine if veneers are the right solution for you. 

Next, a small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth surface to make room for the veneer. Finally, the custom-made veneer is bonded to your tooth using a special adhesive.

For composite veneers, they can be applied to the teeth in a single appointment whereas for porcelain veneers, they will require at least 2 dental appointments to complete the procedure. This is not a permanent solution and even with proper care, porcelain veneers will need to be replaced every 10-20 years, while composite ones last 5-7 years.

Advantages and disadvantages of veneers

Here are some pros and cons of choosing dental veneers as a teeth straightening solution.

Pros

Cons

  • Quick solution for straightening teeth as compared to braces or aligners
  • Improves overall appearance 
  • Enamel removal is irreversible
  • Only suitable for minor teeth misalignments
  • Only provides cosmetic fix and does not address underlying alignment issues
  • Needs to be replaced every 5-20 years

What are invisible braces

Invisible braces, also known as clear aligners, are another popular option that people go for if they want to straighten their smile without the need for traditional metal braces. These are clear plastic trays that are removable and almost invisible.

How do invisible braces work

You’ll wear a number of aligners over a few months and switch aligner sets every few days as prescribed and advised by your dentist.

Each aligner is slightly different and applies gentle and controlled pressure to your teeth, to gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions.

Advantages and disadvantages of invisible braces

Here are some pros and cons of choosing invisible braces as a teeth straightening solution.

Pros

Cons

  • Gradual adjustment of teeth overtime
  • Addresses underlying alignment issues for long-term oral health benefits
  • Less noticeable and more comfortable than traditional metal braces
  • Duration can take months or years, depending on case complexity
  • Requires discipline to maintain consistent daily wear for effective treatment
  • Regular cleaning of aligners is necessary

Zenyum Invisible Braces

2 Zenyum aligner kits with Invisible Braces case

Zenyum provides clear aligners that are custom-created with advanced 3D printing technology to fit snugly on your teeth, and designed to be comfortable, convenient and discreet.

Our partner dentists will be with you throughout your Smile Journey including:

  • First consultation: Examining your smile and taking 3D scans and X-rays
  • Approving your treatment plan
  • Fitting appointment: Guiding you on how to wear, remove and care for your aligners
  • Providing mid-treatment advice 
  • Post-treatment: Reviewing your treatment outcome and advising on next steps

If you’re not sure whether Zenyum Invisible Braces are suitable for you, we can check your smile for free! Just answer a couple of questions and send us four teeth photos so we can take a closer look at your smile. It’s as simple as that!

Which should I choose: Veneers or Invisible Braces

Although veneers and invisible braces can be used to improve your smile, they’re actually very different in the way they work and what they’re used for. Veneers are ideal for those looking to cover imperfections such as chips, stains, or minor misalignments. On the other hand, invisible braces are designed to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth over time. 

Ultimately, going for veneers or invisible braces depends on your unique teeth condition, and what your dentist feels is right for your smile. No matter what your goal is, you should always consult a dentist who can prescribe the most suitable solution for your smile.

Breaking the misconception

It’s important to understand that veneers and invisible braces are not interchangeable treatments. Veneers provide a quick cosmetic fix, while invisible braces offer a more gradual solution for achieving a straighter smile.

Making the right choice for you

The right treatment for you depends on your specific dental goals. If you are primarily concerned with the appearance of your teeth due to imperfections, veneers might be the best option. However, if your goal is to correct misalignment and achieve a straighter smile, invisible braces could be the way to go.

If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, consulting with a dentist can provide clarity. To see if invisible braces are suitable for your teeth condition, Zenyum can check your smile for free. Simply submit four teeth photos below, and we can gain a better understanding of what’s required to transform your smile.

Are invisible braces suitable for your smile?

Find out if you’re eligible by letting Zenyum check your smile for free today!

Girl in pink shirt holding Zenyum invisible braces and case

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Disclaimer

This device or software is not intended to be used for any medical purpose (such as the detection, diagnosis, monitoring, management or treatment of any medical condition or disease). Any health-related information provided by this device or software should not be treated as medical advice. Please consult a physician for any medical advice required.

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