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a woman who knows the five alternatives to dental veneers

5 Alternatives to Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can revolutionize your teeth and give you the smile you’ve always been looking for, but did you know that they might not be your only option? There are some equally effective alternatives to veneers that are less invasive and may save you a bit of money—so before you make a final decision, take a look and see if one of them is right for you.

  1. Teeth Whitening Treatments

    If you’re thinking about veneers because your teeth have unsightly stains, you might want to consider a teeth whitening treatment first. There are a number of strips, toothpastes, and other whitening products on the market today, and even the most expensive ones will be considerably cheaper than a set of veneers. Professional whitening is also an option, and most dentists are qualified to perform it.

  2. Orthodontics

    Orthodontic treatments like braces may be a good alternative if you’re looking for veneers to correct gaps in your teeth or general misalignments. While specific prices will vary, orthodontic treatments are typically about the same price as a set of veneers, and they provide you with a less permanent option that leaves your smile all-natural.

  3. Dental Bonding

    Dental bonding is a good alternative to veneers if you’re looking for a quick repair to a chipped or misshapen tooth. During the process, a resin-like paste is applied to your tooth and shaped to look and feel natural. Bonding is less expensive than having veneers applied, but it doesn’t hold up as long—bonding resin typically needs to be replaced every three to five years.

  4. Microabrasion

    During the microabrasion process, the enamel on your teeth is gently eroded away using a chemical compound to remove blemishes. It’s cheaper than getting veneers, but often times your results will be unpredictable, because there’s no way to determine how deep a stain goes beforehand.

  5. Dental Recontouring

    If you’re thinking about veneers because you don’t like the shape of your teeth, choosing to have them recontoured may be a better option. This can be performed without anesthesia, and only inessential areas of your teeth will be removed. Of all the alternatives to veneers, recontouring is by far the most inexpensive.

Last Updated: July 29, 2014