Veneers or Teeth Whitening: Which One Is Right for Me?
If you have stained teeth or general tooth discoloration, you might feel inclined to hide your smile from others. You don’t have to, though. There are many cosmetic dentistry procedures to treat discolored teeth. Two of the most popular treatments for dental stains are veneers and teeth whitening.
But which one might be right for you?
Here, we will compare veneers and teeth whitening so you get a better idea of what benefits each treatment has to offer. If you want to learn more, we encourage you to stop by our dental office in Huntington Beach, CA.
What You Should Know About Veneers
Veneers are a versatile cosmetic solution to many common dental problems. They are thin shells of tooth-colored material that are adhered to the surface of the front teeth. Think of them as a kind of aesthetic mask for a flawed tooth.
Veneers essentially cover up the stains and discoloration that affect smile aesthetics.
In addition to treating tooth discoloration and stains, veneers can also be used to treat the following aesthetic problems:
- Minor chips and cracks
- Small tooth gaps
- Uneven tooth sizes
What You Should Know About Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening bleaches the tooth enamel, making stains and discoloration less visible in the process. This is true whether you’re using an over-the-counter whitening product or undergoing professional whitening that is conducted and supervised by dental health professionals.
Professional teeth whitening is more effective than over-the-counter treatment since the bleaching agents used are typically stronger. This means more dramatic results in a shorter amount of time. In addition, dental care professionals can take additional precautions to avoid gum irritation and tooth sensitivity from whitening treatment.
When Are Veneers a Good Option?
Veneers are a good option for tooth discoloration when a person has very deep or pervasive tooth discoloration. This means major stains that will not respond to whitening or discoloration that originates within the tooth itself. In the latter case, this could be genetic or the result of physical trauma and the use of certain medications such as antibiotics.
When Is Teeth Whitening a Good Option?
Teeth whitening is a good option for people who have superficial discoloration and stains affecting the enamel. This kind of discoloration responds well to bleaching agents. Multiple whitening sessions may be required to treat the stain, but patients should notice improvements after the initial session.
Other Alternatives to Consider
In addition to whitening and veneers, our Huntington Beach dental office has other options to treat stained teeth. Dental bonding using color-matched resin to paint over tooth imperfections such as stains. It’s also possible for dental crowns to cap a discolored tooth when veneers and whitening are not sufficient.
The best way to find out which treatment is right for you is to stop by for a visit.
Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments
You have many options when it comes to improving the appearance of your smile. The best way to get fully tailored treatment is to set up a consultation. We can develop a full treatment plan just for you. To speak with a skilled dentist in Huntington Beach, CA, contact our dental office today.