Why braces can help avoid the need for crowns or veneers

Maybe you missed out on getting braces as a child, or perhaps that gap-toothed smile that looked good in university isn’t sitting right with you anymore.  Crowns and veneers are both dental restoration methods that can improve the look and function of your teeth. Veneers cover the front of the tooth whilst a crown covers the entire tooth.  However, both of these treatments can damage our natural teeth and are, unfortunately, irreversible.

So how can a brace prevent the need for crowns or veneers?

Dental crowns – how do they work?

Dental crowns can be made from metals, porcelain, resin or ceramics and are caps placed on top of damaged teeth used to protect, cover and restore the shape of your natural teeth when fillings don’t solve the problem.

To fit a crown, the natural tooth will need to be filed or shaved down so it becomes a small ‘peg’ that the crown is fixed onto, making this type of treatment irreversible.

A dental crown may be needed to restore a broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down (from decay, for instance) or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.

Veneers – why might you need them?

Porcelain veneers are a quick and effective solution to stained, chipped or crooked teeth and do not ruin your natural teeth.  Veneers are designed to fit over your teeth and enhance their appearance as they mimic the size, shape and colour creating a very natural look.

Similar to a crown, veneers are irreversible as a dentist must remove a thin layer of enamel before fitting the veneers over each tooth.  Removing a layer of enamel makes teeth much thinner and far more sensitive to hot and cold substances.

Too often there are failures with the way they are bonded. This can cause a number if issues, including: gaps between the veneers and the underlying tooth allowing bacteria and decay to flourish, overhanging veneers causing problems with the bite or they fall off altogether.

Crowns, veneers or braces?

Unlike dental crowns and veneers, corrective orthodontic treatment (such as braces) enhance your natural teeth with temporary treatment and long-term results.

Having a crown or veneers fitted is considered to be a cosmetic procedure and, while they can mask minor imperfections quickly, the cost of each treatment is far greater than braces and your natural teeth will remain crooked underneath.

Braces are used to re-position teeth for a straighter smile, improving both the aesthetics of your smile and the functionality of your teeth.  This will allow you to care for your teeth properly, fighting against plaque build-up, gum disease and preventing the need for a crown or veneers later on in life.

Braces aren’t forever…

Braces are a short-term solution with long term benefits. Thanks to advancements in the field of orthodontics, there’s now a variety of brace options available. Lingual braces for example are increasing in popularity as they’re mounted on the back of your teeth, ideal for adults who worry about their appearance with braces.

If you’re considering having any orthodontic work done, why not speak to our friendly team in a virtual consultation? It’s free of charge and you can find our exactly what your own orthodontic journey may look like!

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