Are you embarrassed by tooth stains? You have multiple options to treat discoloration. Besides traditional teeth whitening, you may also be a candidate for porcelain veneers. They can create a picture-perfect smile that can last for a decade; however, if discoloration is your only concern, it’s an invasive method. On the other hand, a whitening treatment can get your pearly whites dramatically brighter without altering your teeth, but it won’t fix other issues, like chips or gaps. Improving your smile is a big decision. Here’s what you need to know to choose between teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Teeth come in various shades and tones naturally, but they also change color over time. Age, drinking coffee, smoking, and other factors can cause yellow or brown stains. If you’ve tried a few OTC whitening products, you probably weren’t satisfied with the results. They don’t contain professional-strength whitening ingredients.
A take-home kit from your cosmetic dentist will allow you to achieve in-office results while enjoying the convenience of an OTC product. Your dentist will give you trays and a highly concentrated whitening gel to use daily for 2 weeks. Your teeth will get whiter gradually. At the end of your treatment, your teeth can be up to 8 shades whiter, with results that can last for many months or years.
Disadvantages of Teeth Whitening
Although teeth whitening is effective, it doesn’t work on all types of staining, like those caused by medications or structural abnormalities. Teeth whitening will not correct other imperfections, so you might require additional procedures to fix cracks or chips.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because they can address multiple issues using a minimally invasive procedure. A veneer is a thin restoration that’s bonded to the front side of your tooth, instantly improving its color, size, and shape.
Bonding veneers to the teeth visible when smiling can fix stains, chips, cracks, and gaps after just two appointments. You can improve discoloration that won’t respond to traditional whitening treatments. You’ll save time and money because you won’t require several or lengthy procedures. Your results can last for 10 years or longer.
Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers
Your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel to bond veneers to your teeth. Although this doesn’t harm them, your enamel won’t grow back if they are taken off.
Both treatments offer exceptional benefits. Your cosmetic dentist will examine your mouth and learn more about your goals to determine which procedure will create the smile of your dreams.
About Dr. Ryan Shaffer
Dr. Shaffer earned his dental degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and has regularly continued his education in advanced dental care, like dental implants and cosmetic dentistry. He is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call (402) 480-6199.