Lumineers Vs. Braces: How to Know Which One Is Right for You

Try randomly asking people about how they feel about their smile and you’ll probably get plenty of similar answers. More often than not, people feel insecure due to flaws – minor or significant – in their teeth and smile. When given the opportunity, a person would most likely opt to fix those flaws so he can have a more attractive and healthier-looking smile.

Regardless of its extent, any dental flaw can lower people’s confidence. Fortunately, modern advancements have paved the way for the development of more dental solutions that can help deal with the issues that concern people most.

Two of these solutions are dental braces and Lumineers. Both serve as a solution for the gapped or uneven spacing of teeth. However, there are instances when one is more ideal than the other.

To help you decide which one is right for your situation, this article explores helpful information about orthodontic braces and Lumineers from Fort Lauderdale dental experts. Contact orthodontist Franklin TN and let the best pediatric and orthodontic specialists help you.

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Lumineers vs. Braces: 3 Key Differences

Lumineers are a kind of veneer that covers natural teeth with super-thin shells which bear a very close resemblance to the color of teeth. They serve as a solution to several orofacial flaws, including severely stained, cracked, chipped, abnormally shaped teeth.

Braces, on the other hand, are orthodontic devices that correct the alignment of the teeth and jaw. They are also used to deal with dental flaws such as crooked and crowded teeth as well as malocclusions like overbites, underbites, and cross-bites.

Although Lumineers and braces both offer a solution to orofacial issues, they differ in length of treatment, the “feel” post-treatment, and appearance.

1. Length of Treatment

Depending on how severe the issue is, an orthodontic treatment using braces can be a lengthy process. Sometimes, it can be uncomfortable or even painful. On rare occasions, orthodontic treatment may also require multiple sessions and several procedures to maintain its effects.

Lumineers, on the other hand, can be accomplished in as few as two visits. They also entail very little discomfort or pain.

But while braces take longer to correct the teeth and may be a bit painful, they may be the only option available for you, depending on your situation. This is why it is important to consult an orthodontist first to see which is more ideal for your specific dental issue before finalizing your decision.

2. The “Feel” After Treatment

Aside from the length and number of visits required to complete the procedure, you should also consider how you would feel after the treatment.

Ideally, the feel of your teeth should be just the same before and after the procedure. With braces, you are left with your original teeth, though you might feel a bit of a change due to the configuration they will bring forth. But that only means that they’re working.

With Lumineers, you almost won’t feel a thing after they are attached to your teeth because of their super-thin build. However, what you will experience during the actual procedures is a bit of a different story.

3. Appearance

Another thing that differentiates braces and Lumineers is the appearance of your smile after the procedure. The fewer noticeable changes, the better.

With Lumineers, the change in appearance will be obvious depending on the severity of the problem before the procedure. Of course, the improvement of your smile is a welcome change, no matter how significant it may be.

For braces, the appearance will depend on the type of device you picked out. Keep in mind that it is to be expected because traditional metal-and-bracket braces will make you undergo quite an obvious change in appearance. Fortunately, there are other options available that cause very little alteration to the way you look.

More Information on Braces

Orthodontists typically recommend the use of braces for the correction of malocclusions. In most cases, they conduct a clinical exam, take digital scans of your teeth, and ask questions regarding your overall health. This will allow them to gather as much information as possible to determine what type of orthodontic treatment is best for you.

There are several types of dental braces you can get in Fort Lauderdale:

  • Traditional metal-and-bracket braces
  • Invisalign: Clear aligner trays replaced periodically to adjust teeth alignment
  • Lingual braces: Braces placed at the back of the teeth
  • Ceramic braces: Similar to traditional braces but made with a more teeth-colored material

What You Can Expect with Lumineers

Traditional veneers require the removal of a small portion of the tooth’s enamel and are a bit bulky when attached. The procedure also requires more steps to accomplish, ranging from getting an impression of the tooth to drilling and etching on its surface to make sure that the veneers fit.

Lumineers are different. They have been made to overcome the disadvantages traditional veneers have.

To know whether Lumineers are what you need, ask yourself whether:

  • You don’t like an intensive process
  • You wish to fix crooked teeth or close a gap more quickly
  • You have a cracked or chipped tooth
  • You want instantly whiter teeth

There are also cases when Lumineers are not recommended. These include:

  • The presence of decayed teeth or root canal infection
  • Bruxism or the grinding of teeth
  • Severe crookedness or discoloration

Make an Informed Choice

Making an informed choice between corrective procedures to improve your smile depends on the extent of your knowledge about them. To ensure that you have all the information you need about Lumineers and braces, use this article as a guide and consult with a licensed practitioner. If you need a recommendation, you can book a consultation with the Dentist in Rockefeller center.