Traditional wire braces are an excellent choice for correcting crooked teeth or a severe overbite, and for closing gaps between teeth. Cosmetic dental work is also an option for improving the appearance of crooked and misaligned teeth.

While cosmetic dentistry does offer some advantages over wire braces, you might note why traditional braces are still recommended for many dental patients. You can then discuss all your options for improving your smile with your dental professional.

Pros and Cons of Cosmetic Dental Work

One advantage of cosmetic dental work is that your results are typically quite fast; a cosmetic dentist might apply veneers or use a type of bonding agent to create the look of straight teeth in just one or two visits! Cosmetic dental work is also typically less uncomfortable than wearing braces, and many cosmetic procedures are virtually pain-free.

Cosmetic procedures are also an excellent option for correcting minor dental issues. For instance, you might not need a mouthful of traditional braces to pull just one crooked or misaligned tooth into place. Placing a simple veneer over that individual tooth can make it look aligned and improve your smile instantly.

The downside to cosmetic dentistry is that these procedures can't correct all dental issues. For example, a cosmetic dentist can't necessarily close an overly large gap between teeth or drill down teeth enough to fix an overbite. Cosmetic dentistry also might not be recommended for a full mouth of extremely crooked teeth or if you have overly small or damaged teeth that can't support veneers and other cosmetic applications.

The Pros and Cons of Orthodontic Braces

Note that cosmetic dentistry improves the look of your teeth, but it won't actually correct or realign crooked teeth, overbites and recessed teeth. If your teeth are severely crooked or you have a full mouth of crooked and jagged teeth, applying veneers or bonding won't typically stop them from grinding against each other or pushing against the inside of the mouth and lips.

While orthodontic braces require far more time to correct the appearance of your teeth, and they might be somewhat uncomfortable to wear, they will actually correct misalignments and straighten crooked teeth. Properly aligned teeth won't grind or push against the mouth, reducing the risk of damage to tooth enamel as well as muscle aches along the jaw and neck. Choosing traditional braces is also a permanent solution to crooked teeth, so you won't need to worry about veneers yellowing with age, cracking or otherwise needing replacement.

To learn more, contact your local orthodontics office today!

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