When it comes to enhancing your smile, teeth whitening, and veneers are two popular options that routinely get the job done! Both can dramatically improve your appearance in one or two simple treatments, but which one is right for you? Continue reading to learn how teeth whitening and veneers work and the differences between them so you can make an informed decision.
What Teeth Whitening Offers
Teeth whitening is a quick, non-invasive way to brighten your natural teeth. Using a professional-grade whitening agent—usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide—this treatment can lighten stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, or aging!
Once the whitening gel is applied, a special light is used to activate the effect. Soon, it penetrates deep into your tooth enamel, breaking down and removing even deep-set discoloration.
The Advantages of Teeth Whitening
Whitening treatments have several advantages over veneers, including:
- Affordable: Whitening is generally less expensive than veneers.
- Fast Results: Professional whitening treatments often take under an hour.
- Tooth Preservation: No need to remove enamel for the treatment to work.
Considerations for Teeth Whitening
Whitening works best on surface stains and may not lighten discoloration caused by medications, genetics, or physical alterations like cracks or other trauma. Your results are also temporary and may need touch-ups over time. However, this drawback can be lessened with excellent oral hygiene!
What About Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells placed over the front of your teeth. Though they require extra investment in time and money, they offer a more comprehensive solution for your smile. Not only do they brighten treated teeth, but they also cover chips, gaps, or uneven surfaces!
The Advantages of Veneers
Teeth whitening can quickly brighten your smile, but veneers offer several advantages that whitening can’t match. For example:
- Dramatic Transformation: Veneers can completely reshape your smile, repairing and brightening your teeth in one treatment.
- Long-Lasting: With proper care, veneers can last 10-15 years or more!
- Customizable: Veneers are tailored to your desired size, shape, and color, offering you the opportunity to build your dream smile.
Considerations for Veneers
While veneers can allow you an incredible amount of freedom in shaping your grin, they come at a higher cost. You’ll also need to have a small amount of your tooth enamel removed to accommodate the shells. This is a permanent alteration, meaning it can’t be reversed. However, once you’ve made room for veneers, you can have them replaced whenever you desire!
So, which option is the best for you? It depends! If you have a decent budget or financing plan and need more dramatic work, veneers are fantastic. However, if you just need a fast fix, teeth whitening can provide excellent results. The best thing to do is call your dentist and schedule a consultation. Together you can choose the best option that fits your needs!
About the Practice
At D&G Dental of West Orange, our team knows the true value of a beautiful smile. At our office, we create highly aesthetic and healthy results with fully customized treatment plans. So, whether you need a dramatic transformation or a faster fix, we have the technology and the skills to help you meet your goals. Call (973) 731-2200 to schedule a cosmetic consultation with us or visit our website to explore other services.