Never had braces? Regretting it later in life
There is a large group of people who never had braces at a young age but later come to regret it. Misaligned teeth can have various consequences:
• Functional problems such as wear or difficulty chewing.
• Difficult oral hygiene, as crooked teeth are harder to keep clean → greater risk of cavities and gum problems.
• Aesthetic concerns: not daring to smile because the teeth are not straight.
• Speech and breathing problems, as jaw alignment affects lip closure and breathing.
At VLIJT Tandartsen in Eindhoven, we regularly see patients who recognise themselves in this.
The case: an aesthetic concern
A patient had been unhappy with her smile for years, particularly her upper front teeth. Various dentists had previously recommended orthodontic treatment – even in combination with possible jaw surgery.
Because this would be a very lengthy and invasive process, she had always postponed it. Yet she remained conscious of her smile every day and often felt self-conscious about it.
A tailored plan
During the intake, we extensively discussed her wishes and concerns. As dentists, we always look for a balance between the patient’s wishes and the durability of the solution.
The first treatment option was an orthodontic trajectory combined with restorative work: moving teeth to improve both function and aesthetics.
As this was not feasible for the patient, we discussed an alternative treatment plan:
👉 Placing 7 crowns/veneers to optically mask the tooth position, improve shape and colour, and create a confident smile again.
The treatment step by step
1. Design (mock-up)
In collaboration with a dental laboratory, we first created a design. This was tried in the mouth so the patient could see what the final result would look like in advance.
2. Preparing the teeth
After approval of the design, the relevant teeth were prepared as minimally as possible. How much depends on each case and individual treatment plan.
3. Temporary veneers/crowns
The patient received temporary veneers and crowns that already had the shape of the final design.
4. Placing the definitive veneers/crowns
Two weeks later, the dental laboratory delivered the definitive crowns and veneers. These were placed with a durable cement.
The result
For the patient, this meant a major change. After more than 20 years of insecurity, she dared to smile fully again.
• Her teeth now appear to stand beautifully in an arch.
• Her smile looks broader and more natural.
• Distracting discolourations along the gumline have disappeared.
The molars still don’t close perfectly – but this was a conscious choice. For the patient, a beautiful smile without invasive braces or surgery far outweighed this.
Frequently asked questions about veneers and crowns
Can veneers or crowns replace braces?
Veneers and crowns can in some cases optically replace braces, but not functionally. They create a more beautiful smile but don’t fully correct the bite.
What is the difference between veneers and crowns?
A veneer is a thin shell placed on the front of the tooth. A crown encases the entire tooth and is used when more damage or correction is needed.
How long do veneers or crowns last?
With good oral hygiene, porcelain veneers and crowns can last 10–15 years or longer.
Is this suitable for everyone?
No, the choice between braces, veneers or crowns depends on the situation. During an intake, we always discuss the options and risks.
Ready for a confident smile?
Are you considering veneers or crowns as an alternative to braces? At VLIJT Tandartsen in Eindhoven, we help you with modern solutions such as veneers, crowns and teeth whitening.
👉 Schedule a free consultation and discover what’s possible for your smile.
