Can You Get Braces With Veneers?

Most people might think you can’t get braces if you have veneers, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Ideally, you would have orthodontic treatments first on your natural teeth before having veneers, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t have your teeth straightened if you have dental restorations like dental crowns or veneers.

In some cases, you may have had previous dental work or veneers fitted when your teeth were relatively straight, but over time and with age, your teeth have moved.

There are some caveats and things to consider when contemplating getting braces with veneers. The type of veneers you have and the extent of the orthodontic treatment needed will be factors in the effectiveness of your treatment.

Orthodontic Treatment with Veneers

Veneers themselves can be effective at treating minor imperfections and misalignment but for moderate or severely crooked teeth, more comprehensive orthodontic treatments will be needed.

Braces work by applying continuous pressure to teeth over time, guiding them into their desired positions. Since veneers are merely thin shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth, it’s possible to straighten your teeth that have veneers, however, the type of brace you choose is important.

Types of Braces Compatible with Veneers

Each case is unique, and you’ll need an assessment with your dentist to understand the options available. But typically, traditional metal braces are not a great option for teeth with veneers. This is because the brackets and wires required with metal braces may damage crowns or veneers.

Clear aligners like Invisalign can be more suitable since they don’t require any harsh fittings on the teeth and use gentler force. They’re also custom-fitted for comfort and to avoid friction.

Dental Implants and Veneers

Another common question is whether it’s possible to have braces with a dental implant. It is possible to have teeth straightening treatment if you have dental implants, however, braces won’t be able to move the implant. Instead, the surrounding teeth can be straightened.

Your orthodontist should be able to create a treatment plan to accommodate your dental crowns, dental implants or veneers.

Natural Teeth vs. Veneers: Which Should Be Straightened First?

Given a choice, we would always recommend straightening your natural teeth before getting veneers. This makes the process easier and poses fewer risks to your veneers which can be expensive to replace if damaged.

A thorough evaluation with a qualified orthodontist will provide you with all your options and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry.

Bear in mind that getting braces before veneers can reduce the need for drilling and preserve natural tooth structure.

Risks and Considerations

If you decide to go ahead with braces on your veneers, there are a few things worth considering. Traditional braces can pose more risk since they require fitting brackets with glue to the front surface of the teeth. You may need to have a different adhesive that can mitigate the risk of damage to your veneers.

Your dentist will also need to make sure that any dental crowns or veneers are securely fitted before beginning your teeth straightening treatment. This is to prevent your veneers or a restorative prosthesis from coming loose as your teeth are moved into their desired position.

Benefits of Veneers with Braces

There are some benefits to having veneers if you are considering braces. One significant advantage is the potential for a more aligned and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Braces can correct issues such as overcrowding or misalignment, which may enhance the overall appearance of existing veneers.

Properly aligned teeth can improve bite functionality and distribute pressure evenly when chewing, potentially prolonging the lifespan of both natural teeth and veneers.

Another benefit is that orthodontic treatment might lead to better oral hygiene practices. With straighter teeth, maintaining cleanliness becomes easier, reducing the risk of plaque build-up around veneer edges where decay could occur. This in turn reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

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