Teeth Whitening or Veneers: Which One Is for Me
If you are looking at dental restoration options to improve the appearance of your smile, you are likely considering teeth whitening and/or dental veneers. Both are effective options that will positively alter the appearance of your teeth and smile. And, while we are sure you would be happy with either treatment, let’s take a closer look at both restoration options.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process that makes your natural teeth whiter and brighter. The products used for teeth whitening contain a type of bleach that is designed to break stains on the teeth into smaller pieces so your teeth are whiter.
There are numerous types of teeth whitening. You can purchase over-the-counter whitening products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash. In addition, you can purchase OTC whitening strips and gel. A dental professional can perform the teeth whitening procedure in their office. This is often the most effective and quickest way to whiten your teeth, as the dentist has access to whitening products of a higher concentration.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are tooth coverings that are made of composite resin or porcelain. From being custom-made in terms of size to being created to match your existing teeth or ideal shade, veneers are designed to fit perfectly over your teeth. It is bonded to the tooth, after a small amount of enamel is removed, in order to change its appearance and/or strengthen it.
Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening
Pro: Confidence Boost
When you have a whiter smile, you will feel more confident. You won’t have to worry about what others are thinking when you smile at them. In addition, statistics show that people tend to like and trust others who have a bright white smile more than those who do not.
Con: Sensitivity
There are some reported side effects of undergoing teeth whitening. One of the most common is tooth sensitivity. In addition, your mouth and gums may become irritated. By choosing to have your teeth at the dentist’s office, you reduce the risk of these side effects. However, it is important to understand that tooth sensitivity is only temporary with this treatment.
Pro: Convenient, Fast, and Economical
Teeth whitening is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to improve your smile. It is also more affordable than other forms of treatment that can be expensive.
Con: Only a Temporary Fix
While there are indeed many benefits to teeth whitening, one of the biggest disadvantages is the fact that the whitening treatment is only temporary. The process will need to be repeated every few months or so (depending on your habits) in order to maintain that sparkly smile.
Pros and Cons of Veneers
Pro: Cover Up Major Issues
When teeth whitening and other dental procedures are unable to fix your dental issues, veneers can help. For instance, if teeth whitening is ineffective at removing all of your stains or if you have an oddly shaped tooth, veneers can hide the problem.
Con: Permanent and Short Lifespan
While some people may prefer the permanency of veneers, others do not. For one, this is due to the fact that a thin layer of the enamel must be removed from the tooth in order to make room for the placement of the veneer. Once enamel is gone, it cannot come back. Further, while permanent, veneers don’t last forever. They often need to be replaced every 10 years or so, although they may last up to 30 years if properly cared for.
Pro: Stain Resistant
Unlike some forms of dental restorations, veneers are resistant to future staining. Therefore, when you drink tea, coffee, or soda, or indulge in tooth-staining foods, you never have to worry about your veneers becoming discolored.
Con: Expensive
When compared to other forms of dental treatment, veneers can be costly. However, based on your individual situation, the cost may be worth it if you’re able to swing it.
Pro: Instant, Natural Results
With dental veneers, you will benefit from instant results (one to two dental visits generally) and maintain a natural-looking smile. Some dental restorations require multiple visits over the course of weeks or even months, but veneers can be applied in approximately two office visits. Further, since the composite resin is molded to the shape of your teeth, you never have to be concerned with the appearance of fake teeth.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
The length of a teeth whitening treatment will vary from one individual to the next. However, on average, in-office results will last about a year. Some people may need to undergo treatment every few months, while others may be able to hold off on a subsequent whitening session for two or three years. OTC whitening treatment is likely to only last a couple of months. Of course, this timeframe will greatly depend on the foods and beverages you eat, how well you take care of your teeth, and the process used to whiten the teeth.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Overall, the lifespan of your veneers will greatly depend on the type of material used and how well you take care of them. The average lifespan of porcelain veneers is 10 years, but with good care, they may last 20 to 30 years. Composite resin veneers tend to last approximately four to eight years.
Which One Is Right for Me?
There is no clear-cut answer here. Teeth whitening will be the most suitable form of treatment for some, while others will need dental veneers to restore their smiles. Consider your budget, your dental issues, and your dental goals when determining whether to undergo teeth whitening or dental veneers.
Veneers tend to be chosen when there are gaps between the teeth, excessively stained/discolored teeth, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth, and unevenly shaped teeth. Tooth whitening is often the go-to procedure when your teeth are in overall decent shape and simply need to be restored to a more attractive color.
Book Your Appointment Today
We are happy to help you determine which procedure is best for you based on your individual situation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and to learn more about both procedures.
