If you’re an adult considering a complete smile makeover, you might be thinking about cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of straighter teeth, or perhaps you’re looking to repair worn enamel, whiten your teeth, or fix chips. Whatever the case, orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry can work together to give you beautiful results.
At Fresh Orthodontics in Park Slope, Dr. Ankush Khanna regularly collaborates with general and cosmetic dentists to help patients get aligned, radiant, and harmonious smiles.
In this post, we’ll break down the difference between cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics, discuss the ways combining procedures can have a big impact, and go over how to time your treatments for the best outcome.
What’s the Difference Between Cosmetic Dentistry and Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on aligning your teeth and jaws for optimal function and health. Treatments like braces or Spark™ clear aligners move your teeth gradually into their ideal positions, which improves your bite and smile aesthetics.
Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is a facet of general dentistry. It focuses on enhancing the appearance of your teeth. Common procedures include veneers, dental bonding, crowns, and teeth whitening. These treatments address things like discoloration, chips, and worn enamel, but they don’t actually move your teeth or improve bite alignment.
In short:
- Orthodontics = aligning the teeth and jaw
- Cosmetic dentistry = modifying or restoring the appearance of teeth
Why Combine Orthodontics and Cosmetic Dentistry?
When used together, cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics can deliver a complete smile makeover that improves both form and function. Straightening the teeth first can:
- Create space for restorations like crowns or veneers
- Ensure a balanced, symmetrical smile
- Allow cosmetic work to last longer due to a stable bite
- Make future dental work easier and more predictable
At Fresh Orthodontics, Dr. Khanna often recommends starting with orthodontics — even if just a short round of Spark aligner treatment — to lay the foundation for cosmetic work. Once teeth are in the right place, your cosmetic dentist can fine-tune the shape, color, or structure.
Common Questions About Combining Treatments
Do You Need Braces Before Veneers?
In many cases, yes. If your teeth are crooked, spaced out, or your bite is off, straightening them first ensures the veneers will sit properly and look natural. Trying to “mask” alignment issues with veneers alone may lead to uneven results and more aggressive reshaping of the teeth.
Veneers vs. Braces: Which One Do I Need?
It depends on your goals.
- Braces or aligners are ideal if your main concern is spacing, crowding, or bite issues.
- Veneers are great if you’re concerned with the shape, size, or color of your teeth. While veneers can hide mild misalignment or very tiny gaps, they don’t move teeth.
Sometimes, patients benefit from both veneers and braces or aligners. By aligning the teeth with orthodontics first, veneers can then be placed to perfect the look.
Can I Whiten My Teeth With Braces or Spark Aligners?
Whitening your teeth with braces can lead to spotty results because the brackets are covering parts of your teeth. You can whiten your teeth with Spark Aligners, though, as long as you don’t have attachments bonded to your enamel.
That said, you may want to consider waiting until after you finish braces or aligner treatment to invest in professional teeth whitening. Once your teeth are straight and any brackets or attachments are gone, the whitening solution will be able to better coat all of your tooth surfaces for cohesive, dramatic brightening.
Is it Okay to Have Veneers and Crowns With Clear Aligners?
Absolutely. Combining existing veneers and crowns with clear aligners will still produce excellent results. In fact, clear aligners like Spark™ are especially gentle on dental work. Dr. Khanna customizes your treatment to ensure the aligners fit properly and protect your restorations.
Can I Wear Braces With Dental Crowns?
Yes. If you have crowns, traditional braces or aligners are still an option. Dr. Khanna just takes extra care to avoid putting pressure on those teeth in ways that could damage the restorations. For a more in-depth look at the process, check out our blog post: “Can Adults Get Braces or Aligners if They’ve Had Restorative Dental Work Done?”
Should I Get a Dental Implant Before or After Braces?
After. Dental implants don’t move once they’re placed because they fuse with the jawbone. If your teeth are misaligned, you’ll want to straighten them first, then add the implant in the correct position. Otherwise, you could limit your treatment options or end up with a less-than-ideal result.
Additionally, if you waited a while to replace a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth may have drifted into the empty space. In these cases, your oral surgeon, cosmetic dentist, or prosthodontist will ask you to complete orthodontic treatment first to create space for the dental implant.
A Smile Makeover That’s Uniquely You
Whether you’re prepping for your wedding, a big life change, or simply want to feel more confident about your smile, combining cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics can be life-changing. And the best part? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Dr. Khanna works closely with your dentist (or he can refer you to trusted cosmetic dentists in Brooklyn) to create a personalized plan.
Thinking About a Complete Smile Makeover?
Start with a complimentary consultation at Fresh Orthodontics in Park Slope. Dr. Khanna will evaluate your bite, chat with you about your smile goals, and let you know if orthodontics should come first. He’ll help you lay the groundwork for a confident, healthy, and photo-ready smile.
Book your free consultation today!
