What are the alternatives to dental veneers?

Tips for finding the right treatment for your smile

Dental veneers have long been a popular choice for people looking to improve the appearance of their smile. And it’s not hard to see why.

Unlike dental crowns, which cover your entire tooth, dental veneers are a thin layer of porcelain or resin material which is bonded onto the front of your tooth’s surface. The bulk of your restored tooth is still your own natural material, with the dental veneer on its visible surface.

They’re ideal for improving the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, stained, worn down, have large fillings, or are chipped or even broken. If you have an uneven or gappy smile, dental veneers can help give you a more even, highly attractive look.

But what if you decide that dental veneers aren’t quite right for you? What other options are there for restoring a natural, beautiful appearance for your smile?

Let’s take a look at the alternatives to resin or porcelain dental veneers.

Orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign

Perfect for treating a gappy or uneven smile, Invisalign uses custom-made, amazingly transparent aligners, to straighten your teeth by gradually applying gentle pressure. The contrast with old-fashioned heavy metal braces couldn’t be greater.

This advanced new orthodontic treatment is practically invisible, which means it’s a discreet way to have your teeth straightened without anyone knowing you’re having treatment.

They can also be a more ‘user friendly’ teeth straightening option, since Invisalign’s sleek thermoplastic aligners are less likely to trap food debris next to your teeth. And because Invisalign is completely removable, it’s easy to brush and floss your teeth as normal, and enjoy food and drinks as you usually do.

Find out more about Invisalign here.

Brighten your smile with teeth whitening

The most conversative way to restore discoloured or stained teeth is with tooth whitening. You may wish to have your teeth whitened here in our CBD dental practice, or choose to take home whitening treatment to use when it suits your schedule.

If you choose to have teeth whitening treatment in our practice, we can help you achieve a beautifully white smile in about 90 minutes. That means it’s perfect if you have a special event like a wedding coming up soon.

Find out more about in-chair teeth whitening here.

Alternatively, you might like to whiten your teeth at home. If that’s the case, our dentists can supply you with custom-fitted whitening trays and gel that you can use for about 30 minutes at a time. With at-home whitening, you should notice the difference to your smile within about two weeks.

Find out more about at-home teeth whitening here.

Repairing your tooth with a dental crown

If you have teeth that are very badly broken down, a dental crown may be your ideal tooth restoration.

Dental crowns completely cover or “cap” your tooth to restore its shape, improve its appearance, or correct alignment problems. Custom made and securely bonded in place, dental crowns can give you a strong restoration that can last for years with proper maintenance.

And thanks to our in-house CEREC technology, having your tooth restored with a dental crown is now easier than ever. With CEREC we can custom-make your dental crown in our Wickham Terrace Dental laboratory in Brisbane’s CBD, all in one visit.

Find out more about dental crowns here.

Talk to us about your options for improving your smile

If you’d like to know more about dental veneers – or the alternatives – get in touch with the Wickham Terrace Dental team on 3831 3031 or contact us online now.