Your local cosmetic dentist would do an effective job at treating your stained teeth. Even a yellowy-brown smile can look white and shiny again with the correct procedure. However, you might not know which treatment would help you the most. For instance, which would better fix discoloration — teeth whitening or porcelain veneers?
To help you answer that question, here’s a comparison of the two services’ traits. Read it over to find out which is the right choice for you!
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is when a dentist applies a whitener directly to your teeth. In doing so, ingredients like hydrogen peroxide will bleach your enamel white over a short period.
This in-office treatment can eliminate even the most stubborn tooth stains. It uses a unique, highly concentrated bleaching gel and UV light to provide high-quality results. Your smile can turn up to eight shades brighter in as little as one appointment! This outcome will last longer if you avoid foods well-known for staining and practice good oral hygiene.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin layers of porcelain that bond to the front surface of teeth. By covering up stained enamel with a white shell, they conceal your smile imperfections from view.
For the procedure, your dentist will make impressions of your tooth so technicians can customize the veneers to your desired size, shape, and color. Once ready, your dentist will bond the latter using a special cement to hold the porcelain in place. You can expect excellent results that will last up to twenty years with proper oral care.
Which One is Right for Me?
Overall, both options have their respective pros and cons.
Teeth whitening is great for patients looking for a quick and inexpensive response to food and drink stains. It’s particularly good at addressing yellow colors. Unfortunately, some grey or brown discoloration is harder for bleaching solutions to eliminate.
Meanwhile, porcelain veneers can cover practically any kind of tooth stain. In exchange, though, they tend to be more expensive and involve an invasive placement process. That said, veneers are best for those looking to address very stubborn staining with a personally customized shade of white.
Before making any final commitments, talk to your dentist about which one is best for you. They’ll have a good idea of what your teeth need and can work with you on an affordable treatment plan.
About the Author
Dr. Robert McVety is a practicing dentist in Falmouth, ME, having earned his doctorate from the University of Connecticut’s School of Dental Medicine. He is currently a member of the Maine Dental Association, as well as the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His dental work uses a personalized, modern approach that ensures patients receive high-quality results. Dr. McVety currently practices at Casco Bay Smiles and can be reached at his website or by phone at (207)-517-7008.