Dental veneers have become a lot more popular lately! If you’re on Tiktok, Instagram, or getting your regular dose of reality tv, you’ve probably seen some of your favorite ‘influencers’ sporting new veneer smiles.
Are you considering veneers for yourself? Are porcelain veneers a good alternative to orthodontics (clear aligners or braces treatment)?
Your friends at First Impression Orthodontics (in Alexandria) are here to help you understand the realities of dental veneers, so you can make an educated decision on the best treatment route to help you achieve a stunning smile and become your best self in 2025.
Let’s dive into clear aligners vs. braces vs. veneers!
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are the most common treatment in cosmetic dentistry. Veneers are typically made out of a tooth-colored porcelain or resin material, and they’re designed to look identical to a healthy natural tooth.
Now more than ever, people are using dental veneers to conceal cosmetic imperfections, like discoloration, chips and cracks in teeth.
Braces Vs. Veneers: Are veneers considered orthodontics?
The main difference between clear aligners, braces and veneers (in terms of how these treatments improve the smile) is: dental veneers are cosmetic-focused, whereas clear aligners/braces are orthodontic treatments that alter the foundation or structure of your smile.
- Dental veneers will improve blemishes and textural issues, covering your natural teeth, to improve the appearance of the smile.
- Clear aligners and braces change the structure of your natural smile – from the jaw bones to the crowns of the teeth – which, in turn, improves the appearance of the smile.
For this reason, veneers and orthodontic treatments have two very different jobs. Conditions that are purely cosmetic and don’t require any changes in the positions of the teeth or jaw bones can be covered with a dental veneer.
Conditions that originate in the jaw position, bite, or dental alignment should be taken care of by our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Lu.
Should I get veneers instead of braces or clear aligners?
The best treatment option for you will depend on your specific concerns about your current smile and your goals with treatment. There are pros and cons to all treatment options (like most things in life), so it’s important that you know the facts before you make a decision.
Dental veneers, braces and clear aligners are all highly effective treatment options to help people regain confidence in their smile. However, there are situations or conditions that are best treated with veneers – and conditions that require a personalized orthodontic treatment plan from First Impression Orthodontics.
Situations where a dental veneer may be the best solution:
- You have a chipped or cracked tooth or teeth
- Your teeth are discolored
- You have irregularly shaped teeth: some teeth are smaller or have an abnormal shape
Situations where clear aligners or braces may be the best solution:
- You have crooked or crowded teeth
- You have a bite misalignment: overbite, underbite, open bite, cross bite
- You have gapped teeth or spacing between teeth
- Your top and bottom teeth don’t meet in the front or back properly
- You have functional issues: pain or difficulty chewing or biting
- You’re self conscious of your smile
How long do veneers last?
On average, dental veneers made with composite material will last for about 5 years before they need to be replaced. Porcelain veneers can last about 10 years. If your veneer wears down early on, or you chip or crack the veneer, you may require a replacement sooner.
Veneers are porcelain and can shatter from excessive pressure, so it’s important to be cautious when chewing and biting into food with veneers.
Veneers are not permanent, but they are also not reversible. In order to attach veneers to your teeth, your dentist will have to shave down a portion of your enamel to allow enough space for the veneer material to fit.
Unfortunately, enamel does not regenerate on its own. Once it’s destroyed, it’s gone for good! Because the enamel is the protective barrier for the teeth, when the enamel is destroyed, it leaves the teeth vulnerable to damage and tooth decay.
How long do orthodontic results last?
Your new smile made from braces or clear aigner treatment is intended to last the rest of your life! As long as you wear your clear retainers as instructed after active treatment, you shouldn’t have to undergo another ortho treatment in the future.
Orthodontic treatment is basically a one-and-done investment situation that leaves you with your natural smile, whereas dental veneers will need care for a lifetime. A dental veneer smile is also not always as natural-looking as a smile perfected through orthodontics.
Cost of Orthodontics vs. Cost of Veneers
Orthodontic treatment can also be a heck of a lot cheaper than a full smile of veneers! Dental veneers can cost anywhere from $500 to a whopping $2,500 per tooth, depending on the material.
A full set of veneers can range anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000!
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment, on the other hand, averages around $5,000 before insurance coverage. Many insurance plans will cover about 50% of your costs too! Please know that your out-of-pocket orthodontics cost may be more or less than the average; it depends on your unique needs as well as your insurance coverage.
At First Impression Orthodontics, it’s important to us that you have access to high-quality orthodontic care at a price that works for you. We offer flexible in-house financing with 0% interest, and offer a number of treatment discounts: pay-in-full discount, family member discount, and military discount.
We also accept all PPO insurances, including United Concordia! On your first visit, we’ll work out a custom financing plan that allows you to start smiling now, and pay over time.
Still have questions about veneers vs braces or clear aligners?
Basically, if your healthy teeth are crooked, it is best to invest the time and straighten them with orthodontics instead of cutting them down for veneers!
If you still aren’t sure whether braces or veneers are best for your case, we encourage you to book a complimentary consultation with us. We offer you a free consultation with a comprehensive orthodontic exam from our 5-star orthodontist near you, because we want you to make the best decision for your smile!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. You can text or call us at 703-822-0010!
Request your complimentary consultation and become your best self at our orthodontic office in Alexandria, VA!
