Why Did My Dentist Suggest Veneers Over Invisalign?

I went in for a consultation on braces, but my dentist said I’m not a candidate for Invisalign. I was devastated, because that’s what I really wanted done. He said the best solution for me is to get veneers. I don’t want to have serious work done on my teeth. I just want them straight. Is there any valid reason why I would need veneers over Invisalign or is he just trying to get more money? Something doesn’t feel right about the whole thing.

Thanks,

Alanna

Dear Alanna,

You’re right. Something does sound odd about that conversation, but without having heard both sides of it, it’s tough to discern what went awry.

It’s true that Invisalign isn’t an option for everyone. They do best on cases where the teeth only need to move side-to-side. If your bite needs to be adjusted or if your teeth require vertical alignment changes, they may not have been the optimal solution for you.

With that said, jumping into veneers seems a bit premature. If you expressed an interest in having straight teeth very quickly or an extreme disapproval for conventional braces, the jump might make more sense. However, even if you really aren’t a candidate for Invisalign, the next natural step would be traditional metal braces. Veneers will work to correct the appearance of most teeth and deliver results rapidly, but as you pointed out, they are considered major work. Additionally, they generally require the removal of tooth structure, which means they’re not usually one of the first options during a consultation for braces.

If your dentist believed that your priority was speed, it’s possible that your treatment plan was the result of a misunderstanding. It’s best to check back in with him with to clarify why he suggested veneers. If it wasn’t the result of information you provided, or he doesn’t offer a revised plan, it’s time to get a second opinion.

This blog is sponsored by Elgin Invisalign Specialist, Dr. Steve Sirin