Orthodontic Treatment vs. Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures: Pros and Cons

Not many are born with a picture-perfect Hollywood smile. But all of us want one, don’t we?

With advanced aesthetic solutions at our disposal, the majority decide to turn to dental professionals to correct our minor or greater imperfections. While lying in a dental chair, we are offered a variety of options to correct these “deformities”.

A dentist is there to provide expert advice on the best approach for a specific case, but still leave it to the patient to make the final decision.

Recently we have discussed the primary differences between dental veneers and crowns, the details of the procedures, the recovery time and their respective pros and cons. But what to do when a third choice is on the table?

Without a doubt, both orthodontic treatment and cosmetic dentistry procedures deliver results, but at what pace, and how successfully? Let’s dissect both options:

Orthodontic Treatment

Generally speaking, orthodontic treatment is usually prescribed for children and teenagers, however, it is not so uncommon for an adult to opt for braces as well.

Pro’s

• Cosmetic improvement

The Orthodontic treatment produces great results for patients who are diagnosed with some type of malocclusion, including underbite, overbite or crossbite. Braces are also effective for people who have minor dental misalignment, but overall healthy teeth – they get to keep the teeth intact and simply line them up correctly.

• Health benefits

Although orthodontics can be considered a cosmetic dental treatment, it comes with a number of other benefits. It affects the long-term health of the teeth, as well as a person’s jaw joints and gums. Namely, by properly adjusting the teeth, braces spread the biting pressure over all our teeth. As a result, a person no longer puts the strain on the muscles of the jaw which occurred due to misalignment.   

Con’s

• Lengthy treatment

Unfortunately, it can take time for the results of an orthodontic treatment to be apparent. The length of the treatment differs from one person to another and can take up to several years. Furthermore, patients who opt for fixed braces are required to visit their orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks for readjustments.

• Discomfort

At the beginning of the treatment, the patient will feel discomfort before getting used to having braces in their mouth. Furthermore, people who get fixed braces and are required to go to regular adjustments are likely to feel sore afterward due to additional pressure that is being put on the teeth.

• Quality of the final result

The success of the orthodontic treatment depends not just on the dental professionals skills, but also involvement on the patient’s side. Braces come with a long list of instructions (what to eat, how to clean your teeth and clean the braces, etc.), and if they are not followed, the results are likely not going to be desirable.

• Temporary results

It is quite natural for minor tooth movements to occur throughout a lifetime. Considering, it is quite possible that people who had undergone an orthodontic treatment during their childhood still get some teeth impairments later in life as well.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures

While adult braces are gaining in popularity, cosmetic dentistry procedures still maintain top choice. There are several types of cosmetic dentistry procedures, but for the purpose of this article, we are going to focus on dental crowns and veneers solely.

Depending on the severity of the imperfection, a patient usually decides between dental veneers and dental crowns, and can as a result get a complete teeth reconstruction. Both procedures can change the size, shape, and colour of the teeth, all while keeping the smile completely natural.

• Fast results

Dental veneers and dental crow

ns deliver the fastest results. And it takes no more than several visits to the dentist: the first visit is reserved for trimming of the tooth and moulding, and on the second (or third in some instances) the patient can already receive the permanent solution. The entire process doesn’t have to take more than 2 or 3 weeks.

• Natural results

Thanks to advancements in digital dentistry, a dentist can utilise state-of-the-art technology to produce more precise results. At Oceanic Dental Lab, we understand that traditional stone models are not as reliable as virtual impressions. We are able to deliver more accurate and better fitting restorations, which not only benefit the quality of the final outcome but also bring the amount of time required to finish the entire cosmetic procedure down to a minimum.

• Minimal discomfort

Mild soreness is possible after the anaesthetic wears off, however, it is expected to fade away in no more than 24 hours. After that, the patient can continue with his normal routine and keep up their eating habits without any restrictions.

• Minimal aftercare

As opposed to braces, veneers and crowns don’t require any special aftercare beyond good oral hygiene practices.

Con’s

• Healthy teeth damage

When misalignment is minimal, trimming might not be a better option as it requires removal of a smaller or larger chunk of a healthy tooth. In such cases, the dentist usually recommends braces as they keep the teeth intact.  

Bottom line

Upon reviewing the above-listed pros and cons, a general conclusion that can be drawn is that both orthodontic treatment and dental crowns/veneers can produce great results, but the former one requires a lot more time. Although there are patients who prefer to fix their imperfections as soon as possible, others who are blessed with healthy teeth chose to wait in order to keep their teeth intact. Ultimately, it is up to the patient to decide based on their wishes and preferences.