mayda Ferguson, DDS
Something has always felt a little off about your smile. A few of your front top teeth are crooked. You wish they would just be normal and straight, but you don’t want to go through the ordeal of wearing clunky awkward braces. Fortunately, there’s a solution. Actually, there are two – ClearCorrect and porcelain veneers in Metairie. Let’s take a look at both of them so you can figure out which one is right for you.
All About ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect uses clear aligner trays made of plastic to subtly shift your teeth back into a straighter position. These aligners are completely removable, meaning you can eat and drink whatever you like without the dietary restrictions that come with braces. They also considerably shorten the amount of time treatment will take, and they are significantly more comfortable than braces, with no brackets or wires to poke you. Simply wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day, and you should have a straighter smile in about 18 months.
A Closer Look at Porcelain Veneers
Veneers have been exploding in popularity lately, and with good reason. Instead of shifting all of your teeth, like ClearCorrect, veneers only affect individual teeth. These ultra-thin shells of dental porcelain are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to not only mask crooked teeth, but other imperfections in your smile, such as chips, cracks, or stains. Although some tooth enamel is required to be removed to make room for the veneers, it will be worth it to be a perfectly straight white smile staring back at you.
Which Is Better?
Ultimately, only your cosmetic dentist in Metairie can make this decision for you. You’ll have to schedule a consultation with them to look at your unique case and make the right choice together. You’ll want to look at a few variables, like cost, treatment time, and how many teeth need to be treated.
In general, veneers cost more than ClearCorrect, especially if you’re getting them placed on several teeth. However, if you only have one or two teeth that look a little wonky, then your dentist might suggest them. Veneers can be placed in just two quick appointments, but ClearCorrect might take up to two years of treatment. However, veneers typically need to be replaced after a decade or two, and if you wear your retainer, your ClearCorrect results can last a lifetime.
If you still find yourself unsure, schedule a consultation with your dentist today. They can help settle the debate for you.
About the Author
Dr. Mayda Ferguson completed her doctorate in dentistry in 2000. Since then, she has been in private practice in Metairie, LA. She has also earned herself a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in the summer of 2013. Her practice, Second Line Family Dentistry, offers both porcelain veneers and ClearCorrect. To learn which one is right for you, contact Dr. Ferguson by calling (504) 833-2220.
