What Are Braces?
Braces are metal appliances anchored in place on your teeth by an orthodontist. They are designed to correct misalignment of your teeth or jaw. Once braces are placed, they are regularly adjusted, then removed after one to three years. Common reasons for braces include
- overcrowded or overlapping teeth,
- large gaps between teeth, and
- uneven bite (overbite or underbite).
These issues can contribute to jaw problems as well as cause damage to otherwise healthy teeth.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin porcelain or composite resin covers permanently fitted over your teeth. They are commonly sought out to address teeth that are
- broken or chipped,
- discolored,
- smaller than average, or
- oddly shaped or worn down.
Placement of traditional veneers requires removing part of the tooth enamel. After the teeth are prepped, the veneers are glued on with composite resin cement.
How Are They Different?
Placement of braces is temporary. After they have done their work and your teeth are properly aligned, the orthodontist will remove the wiring and scrape the bonding material from your teeth. You will need to take steps, such as regularly wearing a retainer, to maintain the positioning of your teeth.
In contrast, veneers are designed to alter the teeth themselves, rather than how they are positioned in your mouth. Traditional veneers are long-lasting and may never need replacement, though some are less durable and last five to ten years.
How to Know What Will Work for You?
Both braces and veneers require healthy teeth first. If you have issues with the positioning of your teeth and would like to have them moved or rotated, you are most likely to have the best results with braces. However, if you want your teeth reshaped or made over, veneers are a good option for you.