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Veneers vs Invisalign and teeth whitening for a smile makeover: Teeth Whitening in Auckland:

Writer's picture: Marnie St GeorgeMarnie St George

Updated: Nov 13, 2024


beautiful woman smiling confidently
Confidence in a smile: Veneers or Invisalign/ Teeth Whitening


With the rise of social media and its influence on our perceptions of beauty, I’ve noticed a growing interest in veneers, particularly among younger people seeking that “Hollywood” smile.  It seems like there’s a growing trend among younger people to get that picture-perfect smile. I think it’s important to pause and ask: Have you considered  how  the ( crazy) shade of white you choose now might look in 10-20 years? Or the possibility of needing a replacement down the road? Are you aware of the long-term costs ? Have you considered that you could be giving away some of what makes you unique? Or perhaps it’s more about impatience and less about long-term sustainability ?


So you are considering Veneers vs Invisalign and teeth whitening for a smile makeover. . Before rushing into a decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of veneers, as well as explore alternative options. Polish and White offer free consultation in Auckland regarding all things teeth whitening.


Veneers: The Good and the Bad


Veneers can be life-changing, especially for those struggling with low confidence due to enamel defects or those who want an instant smile transformation. Before opting for this procedure, it’s essential to understand that nothing in dentistry is permanent.


Cold hard facts:


Porcelain veneers generally last between 10 and 15 years with appropriate oral hygiene and regular dental visits. A systematic review found a 10-year cumulative survival rate for porcelain veneers at approximately 95.5%, highlighting their durability when factors like fracture, debonding, or secondary caries are managed effectively (Alenezi et al., 2021). Composite veneers, on the other hand, are typically less durable, lasting about 5 to 7 years due to their susceptibility to discoloration and chipping, particularly under conditions of teeth grinding or frequent consumption of staining foods (Monaraks & Leevailoj, 2018)


Simply put:


If you get veneers at 25, you’ll likely need to replace them by the time you’re 35-40, and then again around 65, and possibly even 80-85. This is just an estimate, and in many cases, they might not last that long.


Pros of Veneers

• Aesthetic improvement: Veneers can instantly fix color, shape, enamel defects and alignment issues, giving you a bright, uniform smile.

• Stain resistance: Porcelain veneers resist staining from coffee, tea, or smoking, meaning colour is long-lasting.

• Durability: With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years (Alenezi et al., 2021).

• Minimally invasive: Veneers require less tooth reduction compared to crowns.


Cons of Veneers:

• Permanent alteration: Applying veneers involves shaving enamel off, making the procedure irreversible.

• Cost: Veneers need to be replaced over time, which can become costly.

• Sensitivity: Some patients can experience increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures after placement.

• Damage risk: Veneers can chip or crack, especially if you grind your teeth or bite hard objects (Monaraks & Leevailoj, 2018) and even sometimes flick off.  Not great if you are out in public.


Invisalign Aligners: The clear alternative choice combined with Teeth Whitening


Invisalign aligners offer a less invasive, more discreet way to straighten teeth. When combined with teeth whitening, this option can give you a perfect smile without the need for permanent alterations but there are also drawbacks to consider.


Pros of Invisalign:

• Aesthetic appeal: The aligners are nearly invisible, which is great for adults or anyone who wants to avoid the noticeable look of traditional braces.

• Comfort: Invisalign aligners are smooth and comfortable, unlike the wires and brackets of traditional braces.

• Removability: You can easily remove the aligners to eat, brush, and floss, which makes maintaining good oral hygiene much easier.

• Shorter treatment times: Invisalign can often work faster than traditional braces for mild to moderate cases.


Cons of Invisalign:

• Compliance: To be effective, aligners need to be worn 20-22 hours a day, which can be difficult for some people to manage.

• Limited use cases: Invisalign may not be suitable for complex orthodontic cases.

• Cost: It can be more expensive than traditional braces, especially for extensive treatment.

• Attachment visibility: Some cases require small tooth-colored attachments, which may be visible and detract from the “invisible” appeal.

• Gingival recession risk: Some studies suggest that Invisalign can increase the risk of gingival recession, particularly on lower front teeth (Renkema et al., 2015; Alasiri et al., 2024).


Can Veneers or Invisalign result in a root canals?


Veneers generally have a low risk of requiring root canal therapy when conservatively placed, but excessive enamel removal can increase this risk due to pulp inflammation (Alenezi et al., 2021).  When poorly bonded this can increase the risk of decay leading to a root canal.

For Invisalign, root canals are not typically related to aligner use, with the need arising more commonly due to preexisting conditions such as decay or trauma before treatment (Alasiri et al., 2024).


The Big Picture: What Should You Choose?


Before making any decision, it’s essential to ask yourself: Are you fully informed about your options? Veneers may be the right choice for some people, but they aren’t suitable for everyone. For those who are looking for a less invasive option, a combination of Invisalign and professional teeth whitening could be a more affordable and sustainable choice.


Remember, some choices in dentistry are permanent but most materials don’t last a lifetime. The decision you make today will affect your smile for years to come. If you’re considering veneers or Invisalign, be sure to do your research and seek clinically researched advice from dental professionals.  Find a professional you relate to and feel comfortable with.


At the end of the day, your smile is personal, and you should feel confident in the decision you make. Don’t rush into anything irreversible without weighing all your options.


If you are wanting to know more about teeth whitening pop into see me at my  spa like studio  Polish and White, located in Orakei Bay village, Auckland,  for a free consult. I have practised hygiene for 11 years and have a BHSc in ( OH) with a registered scope in hygiene (OHT).

Marnie


References:


Alasiri, M. M., et al. (2024). Association between gingival phenotype and periodontal disease severity among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy and Invisalign treatment. Healthcare, 12(6), 656.


Alenezi, A., Alsweed, M., Alsidrani, S., & Chrcanovic, B. R. (2021). Long-term survival and complication rates of porcelain laminate veneers in clinical studies: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(5), 1074. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10051074


Monaraks, R., & Leevailoj, C. (2018). Clinical performance of porcelain veneers: A retrospective study in a group of patients with esthetic demands. Journal of the Dental Association of Thailand, 68(3), 292-293.


Renkema, A. M., et al. (2015). Development of gingival recession in adolescents with proclined mandibular incisors after orthodontic treatment. European Journal of Orthodontics, 37(5), 508–513

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