Veneers Vs. Whitening: Which Is Right for You?

For those dreaming of a bright smile, numerous cosmetic options are available. Certain dental treatments can make them look better in photos with their white teeth, and this can be achieved through whitening procedures. However, some veneers can be an option, especially if you have the budget.

Both are going to improve how the teeth look dramatically, and selecting between the two can depend on the individual. They work in different ways, and the best procedure will often depend on the current condition of your teeth. Knowing what sets these two apart is going to help you make wiser decisions on whether you want to reshape the entire structure of your teeth or you just want to wash away the yellowish tinge. 

Some people may notice teeth discoloration when they look in the mirror, and it’s not surprising that they’re turning to the dentist for solutions. They want to boost their confidence because an uneven smile can affect their face’s symmetry. 

Cosmetic dentistry can help because it’s going to offer you a complete makeover or a subtle one, depending on your chosen treatments. Fortunately, the professionals from Billings MT Family Dentist can help you make the right decision. They’re going to examine your teeth and discuss options that are a more likely fit for you. Find more about their location below:

Understanding Teeth Whitening

This method may often use ultraviolet light therapy as well as a wide range of other products that are available in the dentist’s office. Sometimes, the stains can appear inside the enamel itself, and this can be the result of antibiotic use. Extrinsic stains may be caused by food colorings, and a yellowish hue can also be caused by smoking. 

Others may decide to purchase whitening products from over-the-counter drugstores. They can contain baking soda as one of the ingredients and they can sometimes scrub some of the stains away. However, these are known to be abrasives, and they can do damage to the enamel if you use them long enough. 

In the meantime, the dentists are going to rinse the teeth with a hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent that can last for 30 minutes. They’ll use laser therapy, and this can help you achieve visible results faster. See more about whitening on this website here.

Know More about Dental Veneers

High-quality materials that are often crafted in laboratories are often used in veneers. They are going to use tooth-colored porcelain to create them, and they’ll cover the front surfaces of the teeth. If you have chipped smiles with discoloration, then this is going to be the best treatment that will improve the alignment of your teeth for a more flawless look. 

The dentist will often examine your gums and check if you’re eligible for veneers. They’re going to remove a portion of the enamel and use an impression to make custom-sized teeth. This is going to take a few weeks, and the shells are going to be bonded with the teeth through a dental cement. They will then check your bite to see if they need to adjust anything, and afterwards, you’re good to go. Find info about veneer success in this resource: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6311473/. 

What is the Comparison Between the Two

The first one is non-invasive since there will be no changes to the structure of the tooth, and the professionals will only use bleaching agents to change your enamel. It doesn’t alter the alignment in any way, but if you have major defects, know that they’re going to look the same afterwards. Whitening is perfect for people who don’t have cavities, and their teeth are already aligned, but they want them to appear brighter.

On the other hand, if you want to cover deeper stains that haven’t responded well to whitening products or you have gaps that you need fixing, then veneers are going to be a good option. Just know that it’s more expensive and you need to maintain it with touch-ups after you have them. Think of the veneers as treatments that can help you undergo a complete transformation, while the whitening process is just a refresher. 

Choosing the Right Option for You

Depending on your goals, you can always choose the whitening first and go from there. Your budget will also be a huge factor in your decisions, and if you generally have healthy teeth, then a non-invasive fix will do. However, if everything is badly misaligned and there are obvious uneven shapes, then a permanent solution like veneers can give you lots of benefits.

Consult the best dentists in your area for a more thorough assessment. They will create a tailored approach for you so you can achieve the best results. They may even recommend both treatments for some patients, where healthy teeth can get whitened while veneers are applied to those who are already too chipped to be left alone.

Maintaining Your Smile

Fortunately, regardless of the procedure that you’re going to choose, you can maintain your new smile with proper care. Just by regularly brushing and showing up to your dental appointments, you can do some touch-ups if necessary. For veneers, practicing great oral hygiene will contribute to the longevity of your perfect smile. 

These options can become a confidence booster so you can be your best self. Be more confident when talking to others because you have a radiant smile. It just takes a professional to guide you and do the proper treatments for more success.

People often notice your smile first, and when you’re being proactive in enhancing it, it’s going to make a world of difference. The two treatments mentioned can offer remarkable results, but they cater to the needs of various people. Whitening can brighten the natural teeth that you’re born with, while veneers are going to perfect your overall appearance. Listen to the recommendations of your local dentist and see which one is going to provide you with the lasting brilliance that you really deserve.