If you’re like most people, you probably wish that your smile could be a little bit brighter. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry has plenty of great ways to whiten your smile—so many that you may not even know how to choose.
If you want a brighter smile, both teeth whitening and veneers can offer that to you. Here are the merits of both treatments and how to pick which one is best for your situation.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is incredibly straightforward—your dentist will layer a bleaching solution onto your teeth, then used a specialized light to activate it. Within a single appointment, you can get a smile up to eight shades whiter. The procedure is simple and completely painless.
Many dentists also offer take-home whitening trays, which allow you to get results that are just as good from the comfort of your home. The procedure takes place over several weeks but the convenience can’t be beat!
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that can be layered over the teeth, covering up any flaws or discoloration that the teeth may have developed over the years. This will involve painlessly removing a sliver of your enamel, then covering them with a set of acrylic temporary veneers to protect your teeth while the veneers are being made in the lab.
Once the veneers arrive, your dentist will layer them onto the tooth, giving you the appearance of a beautiful smile.
Should You Get Veneers or Teeth Whitening?
Ultimately, both treatments can produce incredible results, so what you should choose is ultimately personal preference. Your dentist can help you to make an informed decision about what would be best for you.
However, there are a few things that you can consider in the meantime. Teeth whitening is one of the most convenient cosmetic treatments, where you can walk into the dentist looking one way, and walk out looking miles better. However, it’s limited in what it can achieve—there are some kinds of severe discoloration that even teeth whitening may not be able to deal with.
Veneers, on the other hand, can cover up any problems that you may have. It will take longer, but the results are impossible to argue with.
About the Author
Dr. Mike Asay’s greatest strength as a dentist is his ability to put his patients at ease with his calm, comforting demeanor. He works to form a solid relationship with his patients based on integrity and trust. Dr. Asay received his degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry. To ensure that he’s up to date on the latest in oral medicine, he is a member of both the Seattle Study Club and the American Dental Association.
If you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (512) 244-2796.