Porcelain veneers are often called instant orthodontics because they can make mildly crooked teeth look straight in weeks, not months. At Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury, PA, Dr. Steven W. Haywood can help you decide whether veneers, Invisalign or a mix of both is the best path to the smile you want.
What is instant orthodontics?
If you have looked into teeth straightening in recent years, you probably know about clear aligners like Invisalign. They have been welcomed by many people, especially adults who do not want metal braces. But there is another option for some smiles: instant orthodontics.
Instant orthodontics does not actually move your teeth. Instead, thin porcelain veneers are bonded to the fronts of your teeth. Each veneer is shaped so that, together, your teeth look straight, even and evenly spaced. The teeth underneath stay where they are, but the smile people see is aligned.
What veneers can fix
- Mildly crooked or overlapping front teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are uneven in length or shape
- Stains that whitening cannot lift
- Chipped, worn or rough edges
That is why veneers are so popular for smile makeovers. One treatment can improve alignment, color and shape at the same time.
How porcelain veneers work
A porcelain veneer is a thin, custom-made shell that covers the front of a tooth. Porcelain reflects light much like natural enamel, so well-made veneers look natural. It is also strong and resists staining from coffee and tea better than natural teeth.
Traditional vs. prepless veneers
Traditional veneers usually require some of the enamel to be shaped away so the veneer fits without looking bulky. Prepless veneers, also called no-prep or minimal-prep veneers, need little or no drilling. That means more of your natural tooth is kept, and often no numbing is needed.
Not every smile is a good fit for prepless veneers. Teeth that are heavily crowded or have a lot of old, failing dental work may need the traditional approach. Dr. Haywood will tell you which type suits your teeth. Learn more on our porcelain veneers and prepless veneers pages.
How many veneers will I need?
It depends on how wide your smile is and what you want to change. Many people get veneers on the teeth that show when they smile, which is often the front six to ten upper teeth. Some need only one or two to fix a single chipped or crooked tooth. Your plan is built around what shows in your natural smile, so the result looks balanced. Our article How Many Veneers Do I Need? explains more.
The steps
- Consultation. You talk about your goals, and your teeth, gums and bite are examined.
- Preview. Cosmetic imaging and digital scans with the iTero Element 3D scanner help plan the shape, size and shade.
- Preparation. Teeth are lightly shaped if needed, or left as they are for prepless veneers.
- Fabrication. Your veneers are custom made to match your plan.
- Bonding. Each veneer is checked for fit and color, then bonded in place and polished.
Veneers or Invisalign?
Both can give you a straighter-looking smile, but they work very differently. The right choice depends on your teeth and your goals.
When Invisalign may be better
Invisalign clear aligners actually move teeth into a better position. That makes them the better choice when your bite needs correcting, when crowding is more than mild or when your teeth are healthy and you would like to keep them untouched. Invisalign Teen is available for younger patients, and Invisalign Express can suit some smaller corrections. Dr. Haywood is an Elite Invisalign Provider.
When veneers may be better
Veneers may be the better fit when your bite is healthy but your teeth have more than one cosmetic concern, such as mild crowding plus stains or chips. They are also an option when you want a result in weeks rather than months.
When to combine them
Sometimes the best result comes from both. A short course of Invisalign can move teeth into a better position first. Then fewer veneers may be needed, and they can often be thinner. Our article Veneers or Invisalign? goes deeper into this choice.
Is instant orthodontics right for you?
Veneers can be a great option, but they are not for everyone. Good candidates usually have:
- Healthy teeth and gums, or problems treated first
- A bite that is mostly healthy
- Mild crowding, gaps or uneven teeth
- Realistic goals and a wish for a natural look
If you grind your teeth heavily, a night guard will be needed to protect your veneers. If you have gum disease or decay, that is treated before any cosmetic work. And because traditional veneers involve shaping enamel, the decision is a long-term one. A careful consultation helps make sure it is right for you.
If veneers are not the right fit, there are other paths to a better smile. Cosmetic bonding can fix small chips and gaps in a single visit, and whitening can brighten teeth that are already straight.
Caring for your veneers
Porcelain veneers can last many years with good care:
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush and floss daily.
- Keep up with your cleanings and checkups.
- Do not bite pens, ice or fingernails, or use your teeth to open packages.
- Wear a night guard if you grind or clench.
- Wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
Veneers do not change color with whitening, so if you want brighter teeth overall, whiten first and match your veneers to the new shade.
Why patients choose Dr. Haywood
Dr. Steven W. Haywood earned a DDS cum laude from the University of Detroit in 1987 and completed the NYU Aesthetic Continuum cosmetic training. With 35+ years in practice, and work seen on ABC's Extreme Makeover, Dr. Haywood plans each smile to suit the face it belongs to. You can see real results in our smile gallery and learn more on the meet the doctor page.
Southern York Smile Care is out of network with every insurer. You pay at the visit, and the office files any claim for reimbursement. Payment plans through CareCredit and Cherry are available, and Invisalign can be paid monthly after a down payment. Kelley Fisher, our Patient Care and Treatment Coordinator, can explain your options. See our financing page.
Book a smile consultation in Shrewsbury
Whether you are curious about instant orthodontics, Invisalign or both, a consultation is the best way to find out what will work for you. Call Southern York Smile Care at (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment. We are at 4 S. Main St in Shrewsbury, PA, and welcome patients from York, southern York County and northern Baltimore County, MD.
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
Meet Dr. Haywood →
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