An Overview Of Getting Dental Veneers After Your Braces Treatment
Today, people’s esthetic requirements and expectations have increased significantly. Cosmetic dentists and orthodontists are having increasing demands from patients looking for highly functional, durable, and natural-looking teeth restorations that are not very intrusive. But creating that straight, beautiful smile is rarely easy. It often takes a lot of experience and more than one technique to get it right.
If you have crooked, misaligned, or crowded teeth that are discolored, your dentist may recommend getting veneers after braces to recreate a healthy, natural look.
These two treatments can achieve great results, allowing you to flaunt your smile with confidence and pride. Here’s everything you need to know about the two procedures.
Can you get veneers after braces?
Absolutely! If you’re an adult looking for a perfect, natural-looking smile, you can get veneers after braces. Braces are an orthodontic treatment that focuses not just on the aesthetics but also the functionality of your teeth. On the other hand, veneers are a cosmetic solution that helps mask problems such as chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth.
Here’s the thing:
If you have crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth, your orthodontist will first recommend that you get braces to correct your teeth structure. Some of these structural problems with your teeth affect more than just your smile. They can cause pain and overcrowding, making it extremely difficult to really brush and floss your teeth.
As a result, your teeth may start wearing off due to calcification. This can also lead to cavities, gum disease, and other serious health problems. So, when can an orthodontist recommend braces?
- If you have difficulties biting or chewing
- If you experience stress or fatigue after chewing food
- If you have visibly crooked or crowded teeth
- If your teeth don’t close over each other when your mouth is at rest
- If you bite your cheeks or tongue often
- If you have imbalanced or asymmetrical facial features
- If you have difficulty speaking or you have a lisp
- If you have abnormal teeth that make it difficult to close your mouth or lips
In whichever case, your orthodontist needs to work with your regular dentist to determine if you’re a qualified candidate for braces. This way, you have an increased chance of getting excellent results.
Once you’re fitted with braces, you’ll continue to lead your normal lifestyle as you gradually wait for the teeth to move to the desired position. This may take anywhere between 1 and 30 months, depending on the extent of your teeth structure problem, type of brace used, and age.
Now, suppose you have a combination of dental misalignment/crowding and defects in the color and shape of your teeth. In that case, you may require an additional cosmetic procedure to attain a perfect smile that is both functional and beautiful. A well-thought-out procedure of veneers after braces is a good option.
When carefully done, orthodontic treatment combined with cosmetic dentistry leads to better results that you can be proud of. Let’s face it; the most beautiful smiles are the ones where the entire smile is in perfect harmony.
Veneers after braces treatment help correct any existing defects after your braces have been removed. This combined treatment gives you better-looking teeth with better stability. The truth is, while veneers may straighten your teeth and give them a natural look, the underlying structural problem such as a narrow jaw, underbite, or overbite cannot be simply fixed using veneers
So, how do dental veneers work?
Well, veneers are ceramic or porcelain facings that are placed on your teeth’ enamel to give them a perfect, all-natural appearance. Veneers are used to correct discrepancies in color and sizes while still correcting any minor teeth misalignment.
Fitting veneers involves etching the natural teeth and then bonding the veneer to them, making veneers a permanent procedure that cannot be reversed. Before installation, your cosmetic dentist must ensure that your teeth are healthy and your oral hygiene up to scratch. This way, they’ll give you decent service, with a lifespan of up to 10 years.
Do I need to straighten my teeth before getting veneers?
Yes! If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, it is important to have them first aligned using braces before getting veneers. Since straightening your teeth takes time, your orthodontist will first examine the health of your teeth before installing braces to align and adjust the positioning of your teeth.
If you get veneers installed over severely misaligned teeth, they may not last as long because your is off. Similarly, straightening your teeth with braces will not take away the discoloration or uneven teeth shape. So, ultimately, getting veneers after braces becomes necessary if you are looking for a truly stable, long-term, and cost-effective treatment that will give your better-looking results.
How much will both of these treatments cost me?
The average cost of braces is $5,000 to $6,000. However, in some cases, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to more than $10,000 depending on the type of braces needed, length of treatment, your age, the reputation of the dental office, and your insurance plan. Here’s an estimated cost breakdown of braces based on their type:
- Lingual braces: $5,000-$13,000
- Ceramic braces: $4,000-$8,500
- Invisalign: $3,000-$8,000
- Standard metal braces: $3,000-$7,000
Note: These costs may be lower if you’re paying through your insurance company.
After your braces treatment, you may need veneers to correct your teeth’ color, shape, and size. Since veneers are cosmetic treatments, they are not covered by most insurers.
According to Consumer Guide to Dentistry, the typical cost for traditional veneers is anywhere between $925 and $2,500 per tooth. These veneers have a lifespan of up to 15 years when properly installed and taken care of. Composite veneers cost approximately $250 to $2000 per tooth and may last between 5 and 7 years. But depending on your city and your dentist’s expertise and reputation, veneers could cost you up to $4,000 per tooth.
Some of the factors affecting the cost of veneers include:
- The condition of your natural teeth
- The material used
- The fees of the cosmetic dentist performing the procedure
- The location where the treatment is performed
- The artistic and technical skill of the ceramist molding the veneers
- The number of teeth being treated.
- The number of visits required
If your teeth require veneers after braces, your dentist may give you a discounted price and possibly offer a payment plan for the restorative and cosmetic procedures. You could also work with third-party financing companies such as CareCredit to develop a monthly payment plan that fits your budget. But this is dependent on your credit score, which means that if you have great credit, you’re likely to get a cheaper deal.
Ready to enjoy a beautiful smile?
If you are not confident with your smile, your dentist may recommend veneers after braces treatment to correct your teeth structure, color, and shape so you can get an all-natural, beautiful smile. This multi-treatment approach takes considerably longer but has more promising results that you can be proud of.
If you are considering straightening your teeth, we can help you know what options are best for you. Call us today or contact us online to arrange a consultation at a time that suits you.
