If you have severe tooth stains, you might consider cosmetic dentistry. After all, the field could change your yellow smile into a white and shiny one! That said, you may be struggling with whether to get teeth whitening or porcelain veneers. Even if both procedures can fix discoloration, which would be best for you? Luckily, your Springfield cosmetic dentist can help you make the right choice. Read on to learn the strengths and weaknesses of teeth whitening and veneers.
Teeth Whitening
As you might know, teeth whitening bleaches enamel white with a special gel. When done by dentists, it’s usually offered in-office or through at-home kits.
Many patients consider whitening both affordable and effective. The in-office version only takes a one-hour visit and leads to a six to eight shades whiter smile. An at-home kit, meanwhile, delivers similar results over two weeks. In either case, though, the cost is relatively low and makes for a good investment.
Still, whitening does have some weaknesses. For one, it isn’t great at handling stubborn stains beyond mild yellowing. Grey or brown discoloration, for example, is hard for bleaching solutions to remove. The treatment also doesn’t have a long lifespan, often only lasting six months before fading.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin porcelain layers that dentists apply to the front of teeth. Their main use is to hide smile flaws, including chips, cracks, fractures, misalignments, and more.
Compared to whitening, veneers are more customized and longer lasting. Dentists can change their shape, color, and size to ensure they blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. Plus, they can hide even the most stubborn of stains! Best of all, they can work for fifteen to twenty years with proper care.
The downside to veneers, however, is that they’re expensive and invasive. The porcelain they use is high-quality, meaning patients need to pay more. Dentists also remove some enamel to apply them, meaning the procedure is permanent.
So, Which Should You Get?
Given the above features, your ideal treatment will account for your situation.
Take veneers, for instance. They could work for you if you need enduring and permanent results. In exchange, though, you’ll have to give up more money and enamel.
Meanwhile, whitening might be better if you want something quick and cheap. It may not last long, but it’s low-cost and low-risk.
Ultimately, it’s best to talk to a dentist before committing to either. They’ll give you suggestions based on your genuine dental needs.
About the Practice
Skyline Dental is based in Springfield, New Jersey. As led by Dr. Aliana Henkin, our practice provides everything needed for healthy, gorgeous smiles! For starters, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including dental emergency care. Plus, you can count on us for gum disease therapy. Our office is even a certified provider of Invisalign and ClearCorrect clear aligners! For more information or to book an appointment, reach us on our website or call us at (973)-949-0925.