Teeth Whitening or Veneers: Which is Right for You?

If you have a dull or discolored smile, then you may be thinking of brightening it with cosmetic dentistry. Teeth whitening is often the first option that jumps to mind when it comes to brightening the grin, but veneers can also be used for this purpose. So which of these treatments is right for you? Here is what you need to know when comparing these two cosmetic dental procedures.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a treatment that might be recommended if you specifically want to improve the color of your teeth. The process involves a bleaching agent that can penetrate the enamel in order to remove dental stains. With an in-office whitening treatment, you can significantly brighten your grin with just one appointment.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells that can be used to improve various aspects of your smile’s appearance, including the color. Placing a veneer over a tooth effectively hides all kinds of imperfections from view. With the right number of veneers, you can either correct a few specific teeth or transform your entire grin.

How Do Teeth Whitening and Veneers Compare?

Teeth whitening tends to be less costly than veneers. It’s also not as invasive; there’s no need for your dentist to remove any enamel from your teeth (which is often required to create room for veneer placement). And if you choose to have in-office whitening performed, you can often get the results you want in just one visit. In contrast, getting veneers typically takes at least two appointments.

On the other hand, veneers are much more versatile than teeth whitening, being able to address many aesthetic flaws at once. They also tend to last longer. Teeth whitening often has to be redone after a few years while veneers can potentially last 15 years or longer with the right care.

Which Cosmetic Dental Treatment is the Best Choice for Your Smile?

It should be noted that some types of dental discoloration don’t respond to professional whitening. As such, if you are dealing with particularly stubborn stains on your teeth, veneers could be the best way to make the brighter smile that you’ve always wanted a reality.

Beyond that, determining the right type of cosmetic dentistry requires careful consideration of your needs. If you want a relatively conservative way to improve the color of your smile, teeth whitening could be your best choice. But if dental stains are just one of several aesthetic issues that are bothering you, veneers may be worth considering.

Are you trying to decide whether to pursue teeth whitening or veneers? Now is a great time to schedule a consultation with your dentist; after considering your situation and what you’re trying to achieve, they can help you figure out the best way to achieve a better smile.

About the Author

Dr. Travis A. Markle studied dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, and he completed his General Practice Residency at the Houston VA Hospital. He can help his patients in Tyler boost their confidence by enhancing their smiles with veneers, teeth whitening, and other treatments. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Markle at Southern Oaks Dental, visit his website or call (903) 597-7902.