Should I Get Veneers or Have my Teeth Whitened?

If you have dull or discolored teeth, you may have to choose between teeth whitening or veneers to improve your smile’s appearance. Teeth discoloration may occur due to foods and drinks, aging, smoking or prescription drugs. In this article, you will learn about the two options to determine which is the best for your condition.

Overview of veneers

Veneers are hard shells that cover the front side of the tooth completely. Since veneers mostly serve cosmetic purposes, they are commonly used on the front teeth that are visible when smiling. Veneers are created from porcelain or composite filling material affixed directly over the tooth’s surface.

To make custom porcelain veneers, the dentist will take dental impressions of the patient. Composite veneers are applied directly over the teeth and are shaped or sculpted by the dentist. In both cases, the patient will get a natural-looking, custom-made restoration that fits over each tooth.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening can be completed in the dentist’s office using a strong bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide. The whitening agent removes the stains on the teeth and can increase the brightness by up to eight shades. The process can be completed in a single dental appointment and causes little or no discomfort. Although there are DIY whitening kits in the form of whitening strips, trays and toothpaste, the results are hardly like those achievable in the dental office.

Choosing between veneers and teeth whitening

Teeth whitening procedures serve a specific function: to whiten the teeth. They are often more effective for stains or discoloration resulting from food and beverages. Some gray or brown discolorations are more difficult to remove by regular bleaching solutions. For more severe stains, veneers might be a preferable option. Also, with veneers, a patient can select the precise type of white shade they want for their teeth.

However, whitening the teeth is just one of the applications of veneers. Patients who have issues like cracked or chipped teeth, unevenly spaced or crooked teeth can correct them in one go. They are practically tooth covers to mask or hide imperfections.

The duration of results

A patient might notice improvements immediately with teeth whitening. However, the result is not permanent. The dentist may provide at-home whitening trays to supplement the in-office treatment. Professionally whitened teeth can still get stained or discolored over time. In a few months or years (depending on the patient’s habits), another appointment for teeth whitening might be required.

Dental veneers, on the other hand, can last for up to 15 years. Despite their strength, they are thin and can get damaged. Bad habits like chewing on fingernails or hard items like ice can chip or break the veneer. Sometimes, repairing a fractured veneer might be possible, perhaps if it is from composite material. Potential patients need to keep in mind that since the process requires part of the tooth enamel to be filed away, the process cannot be reversed. If veneers break or come off, they have to be replaced.

In conclusion

Veneers may cost more than teeth whitening, but they can resolve multiple dental problems at once. If you are struggling to decide, talk to the dentist to get recommendations. Book an appointment to get started.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesonmichigan.com or call Smiles On Michigan at (312) 509-9492 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

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