I have extremely crooked teeth. Should I use veneers or Invisalign to straighten them? (Photo)

Question

My teeth are all pretty straight except three front ones - 2 on the top which reach backwards and 1 on the bottom which is slightly crooked. I am very insecure about my teeth. Having looked into my options, if I get braces or invisalign it will take me years to complete my treatment. I'm considering veneers as it seems like a quicker, easier option and maybe will cost less too. Please help!

Patrick Broome, DMD · Answer

In general patients with severe crowding or "crooked teeth" are best served with orthodontic treatment first. This allows the teeth to be positioned correctly as well as optimization of the bite (how your teeth fit together and function).  Based on what I see in your photo I would strongly encourage you to consider Invisalign or traditional braces over veneers as a first step.  Problematic bite issues will dramatically increase the risk of veneer breakage. Make sure you understand the "pros and cons" of each option and select the course of treatment that fits you best. We understand that our role is to present options, explain any compromises associated with those options and let our patients decide. Many patients that would rather spend a year or two in braces and save as much tooth structure as possible while other patients have no objection to mild, moderate or aggressive tooth reduction as long as they can have the smile they want as quickly as possible.  We wish you the very best of luck with whatever treatment option you select!

John F. Calvert, DDS · Answer

There are situations where porcelain veneers can be the best solution, however, I don't think yours is one. It is understandable that many people do not want to have metal braces to straighten their teeth, that is why Invisalign was designed. As far as I can see in the one photo. I think you would be a very good candidate for Invisalign and it should only take months not years. This way, you will end up with your own natural teeth that are straight with a beautiful smile. seek out a good orthodontist or general dentist that has years of experience with Invisalign. Good luck.

Clark L. Jones, DDS, MSD · Answer

My opinion is that veneers to fix a problem like this would be an absolutely terrible idea.  As an orthodontist I have had to go in and try to fix messes like that afterward when it doesn't work well and doesn't really look good,   We had to take off all the veneers, try to find out where the roots were located,  then reposition the roots where they were supposed to be in the first place.  To do that we had to put temporaries on, put on braces to straighten out the teeth so that a good restorative dentist could put decent crowns or veneers back on to replace all of the enamel that should have never been cut off of the teeth in the first place.  My opinion is don't waste your time with aligners with this one.  Get some braces on, straighten the teeth out and get it over with.   I could have those front teeth looking a LOT better in 3 to 4 months. This should not take "years" to do this even with excellent orthodontic refinement after the initial 3 to 4 months of initial alignment.   Sorry if I sound a bit judgmental but I really hate to see patients go through all this when we could have just straightened the teeth very easily and had a perfect undamaged set of teeth with no crowns or veneers at all.  In addition they probably spent several times what it would cost to just do it right to begin with.

I have extremely crooked teeth. Should I use veneers or Invisalign to straighten them? (Photo)

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I have extremely crooked teeth. Should I use veneers or Invisalign to straighten them? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.