Crowded and crooked teeth not only look unattractive, they can also be difficult to clean. Ineffective cleaning can, in turn, lead to gum problems and decay. Porcelain veneers and crowns can in many circumstances be used as an alternative to orthodontics to correct crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and those which have otherwise poor alignment. The teeth can therefore be cosmetically enhanced in a much shorter time frame than if braces were used.