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Stranger Than Fiction: Straightening Teeth with Dental Veneers

December 2, 2024

Woman smiling and touching her lips

If you straighten your teeth with metal braces, you could be undergoing treatment for one or two years. What’s better than that, generally speaking, is completing your treatment in 12 to 18 months with Invisalign. But what if you could have a straighter, brighter smile in as little as two weeks? Well, who wouldn’t choose that option, right?

This isn’t a random, fantastical scenario – you could in fact straighten your teeth in two weeks with porcelain veneers! If you want to know whether you’d be a good candidate for this “orthodontic” option, keep reading.

How Do Veneers Straighten Teeth?

Dental veneers are essentially a thin, shell-like façade, usually made from porcelain, that is adhered to the front-facing portion of your teeth. The shells are custom-made for each patient, meaning everything from the size, shape, and color can be tweaked to meet your aesthetic preferences. Dental veneers don’t physically move your teeth like braces or clear aligners; instead, they make your teeth appear straighter through skilled artistry.

Because of this, dental veneers may not be the best way to even out your dental lineup if you have severe crookedness or misalignment. They can, however, save you time and money if your concerns are minor!

Why Does Veneer Straightening Only Take Two Weeks?

The treatment process for dental veneers goes something like this:

  • First, you’ll have a consultation with your dentist to have your mouth examined and confirm your preferences.
  • Second, you’ll arrive at your first appointment, where your dentist will remove a little bit of enamel to make room for the veneers and provide you with a temporary set.
  • Third – sit sight while a dental lab crafts your custom veneers!
  • Fourth and finally, you’ll go to your second appointment so your dentist can place your permanent veneers.

It generally takes a dental lab one to two weeks to finish fabricating a set of veneers, hence the two-week timeline for your straightening journey.

Conclusion

If you have minor gaps or crooked angles in your dental line up, veneers can be the perfect way to cosmetically correct your teeth. You’ll enjoy a much shorter treatment time, a minimally invasive process, and artfully crafted pearly whites – all without needing to wear metal braces or clear aligner trays. If this scenario sounds too good to be true, give your dentist a call! They’ll be happy to discuss this straightening option with you in more detail.

About the Authors

Husband-and-wife team Dr. Philip Batson and Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” Abe love their patients in Columbia and the surrounding area! That’s why they both actively pursue continuing education courses and keep their office updated with the latest dental technology. These resources enable them to provide the best dental care possible, particularly for dental cosmetics. If you’re interested in porcelain veneers as a smile-straightening solution, Dr. Batson and Dr. Abe will gladly meet with you for a consultation. To contact their office, call 573-875-7071.