Modern dentistry offers several treatments that have the potential to enhance your smile’s appearance. Teeth whitening and veneers are two of the most popular options. Both services have a reputation for being safe, effective, and absolutely beautiful. But which one is best for you? This blog post might help you decide.
How Do They Work?
Teeth whitening uses a powerful formula, usually in the form of a gel, which gets applied to the teeth. Very often, hydrogen peroxide is a key ingredient in the whitening solution. As the whitening agents penetrate the tooth enamel, they break up unwanted pigment molecules. The treatment may take anywhere from one hour to two weeks (depending on whether you receive an in-office treatment or use a take-home kit).
Veneers are small, custom-made pieces of porcelain that get attached to the outward-facing surfaces of the teeth. Their purpose is to disguise aesthetic imperfections, including discoloration, chips, cracks, small gaps between the teeth, and more. Usually, treatment takes place across two or more appointments.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening?
Some top advantages of teeth whiteninginclude:
- It is one of the most affordable cosmetic treatments.
- The results are fast.
- Professional teeth whitening is more powerful than over-the-counter options.
Some potential disadvantages of teeth whitening include:
- The results may last for anywhere from a few months to a few years.
- Teeth whitening can address most dental stains, but it may not be able to reverse certain types of discoloration.
- Whitening causes a temporary increase in dental sensitivity for some people.
- Whitening can only get rid of stains. It cannot fix other aesthetic imperfections.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Veneers?
Some of the best features of veneers include:
- The treatment is totally customizable.
- Veneers can fix multiple flaws at the same time.
- A set of veneers can last for 15 – 20 years or longer.
Some possible drawbacks of veneers include:
- In many cases, the treatment process is irreversible. (You can replace old veneers with new ones, but your teeth should always have veneers or crowns to protect them because part of the treatment process involves removing a bit of tooth enamel.)
- Veneers can cost thousands of dollars.
- The treatment process can cause temporary dental sensitivity.
Which Is Best for You?
Veneers and whitening are both excellent treatments, but they are designed for different situations. If you are unsure of which one you should get, ask your cosmetic dentist for their professional opinion.
Also, keep in mind that it is very possible to undergo both treatments. Many patients get their teeth whitened before getting veneers so the veneers can be shade-matched to their brighter smile.
Should you get veneers or teeth whitening? There is no wrong answer! Your dentist can help you determine which treatment is a better fit for your goals, preferences, and budget.
Meet the Practice
The talented, detail-oriented cosmetic dentists at Meriden Dental Group are proud to provide teeth whitening services and veneers to patients who want to enhance their smiles. If you have questions about the aesthetic treatments available in our practice, we would love to welcome you in for a consultation. Contact our team at 203-404-6800.