Invisalign Vs Crowns

asked 10 months ago by Cheekycat in Brisbane, 04
Latest answer by Wendy S. Spektor, DDS
Question viewed 930 times
Tags: age 45-54, comparison

I am 47 yrs old & I have healthy teeth but a big gap between the two front teeth. One dentist has suggested replacing the top front 6 teeth with 6 crowns, but this seems invasive - especially if I have healthy teeth. Can Invisalign close a gap this big, & if so, approx how long would it take. I would like a rough idea before I start paying for Invisalign consultations/xrays etc.

7 answers to Invisalign Vs Crowns

Invisalign

Depending what your expectations are, Invisalign can easily close the gaps. Looking at the pictures it may take close to a year. If further esthetic improvements are needed then cosmetic veneers may be used to reshape the contour of your smile. Detail smile and bite analysis is needed for optimal results. However, invisalign usually improves the outcome of any cosmetic case.

Ashkan Haeri, DMD
Mission Viejo Cosmetic Dentist

Invisalign is very effective in closing gaps between teeth

Your case looks like an ideal one for the use of Invisalign. You are wise to consider this. I believe as you do, that to crown a number of good teeth is too invasive and I personally doubt that the result will be as good. Invisalign is very effective in closing gaps between teeth as well as getting the correct alignment of the remaining teeth. However, in looking at your pictures, you may have a tooth size discrepancy which may require your Invisalign dentist to shave... more

Kent Lauson, DDS, MS
Denver Orthodontist

www.aotmj.com

Porcelain veneers are a good option

If cost is a major factor, then Invisalign is the best. If a restorative option is possible, I would suggest porcelain veneers instead of crowns, as they are more conservative. One advantage with veneers is the ability to avoid "ortho relapse", when teeth that were moved tend to move BACK. Retainers are worn to keep teeth straight, but many people stop wearing them after a short while and the teeth migrate. With veneers, the teeth tend to stay put, and there... more

Lance Timmerman, DMD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

Invisalign vs. Restorations

Judging from the photo you submitted, it appears that you definitely have a tooth-size, arch-width discrepancy, meaning that you will still have space left somewhere even if you close the gap completely between the front two teeth. I see patients with the same situation as yours quite frequently, and most of them still choose to orthodontically reposition the teeth (with ClearCorrect, Invisalign, or traditional orthodontics) and leave the space behind the canines ("eye"... more

Chad Colson, DMD
Myrtle Beach Cosmetic Dentist

Closing space with crowns

It does sound very invasive if they teeth are healthy. Once teeth are cut down they are damaged forever and the average lifespan of a crown in usually less than 20 years. Invisalign would be much less expensive and healthier!

Robert Waxler, DMD, MS
Saint Louis Orthodontist

Options for Closing Spaces

You have a great smile!!! You need a orthodontic evaluation to see if Invisalign will solve your space issues. You may have a tooth size discrepancy which means that even if you do braces or Invisalign, you may need veneers as well. You can whiten if the Invisalign or braces will solve your space issues and your end result is better without much treatment. I would never do crowns if you have virgin teeth and just want spaces closed. Another suggestion is to... more

Wendy S. Spektor, DDS
Bellevue Cosmetic Dentist