When it comes to cosmetic dental treatments, there are a variety of options. Two of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures, however, are teeth whitening and veneers. While both treatments are effective at improving the look of your smile, they accomplish this in different ways. This ultimately means that there are certain cases where one treatment may offer more benefits than the other. In order to determine whether teeth whitening or veneers is the best cosmetic dental treatment for you, let’s take a closer look at each:
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure because it is easy, fast, and affordable. Although there are a variety of over the counter whitening treatments, only teeth whitening performed by a dental professional uses a high enough concentration of whitener to obtain dramatic results. Once the whitener has been applied to the surface of the teeth, it remains in place for about 30-60 minutes. During this time, the whitener is absorbed into the enamel and dentin layers, where it begins to dissolve stains. Even after the whitener is rinsed, it will actively continue to remove stains for up to 24 hours after it was applied. The results of professional teeth whitening often yield teeth that are 5-10 shades whiter than before. These results generally last about a year, however the exact lifespan of these results will depend upon your dietary and oral hygiene habits.
Porcelain Veneers
A close second to teeth whitening, are the highly-versatile porcelain veneers. These are thin shells that are custom made from porcelain in a dental laboratory and then adhered to the front side of visible teeth. Two dental appointments are needed to apply veneers since the teeth will need to be properly prepared before sending the necessary information to a dental laboratory. During the first appointment, the teeth will be prepared by removing a thin layer of enamel to ensure a proper fit of the veneers. Next, an oral scan or dental impression will be taken and sent to the dental laboratory. Finally, the first appointment will conclude with having temporary veneers placed to protect the teeth. At the second appointment, the permanent veneers will be checked for fit and then cemented in place. Once placed, porcelain veneers last about 10-15 years.
Which is Best?
After reading through the descriptions of each treatment, you may still find yourself unsure of what treatment to choose. Luckily, there are a few ways that you can make this decision easier on yourself. For starters, you will want to consider a few key factors like your cosmetic goals, budget, and how long you are willing to devote to treatment. For those who want to improve the look of their smile quickly and affordably, then teeth whitening may be ideal. However, for those who want a longer-lasting solution, even if it takes longer to place, then veneers may be the better option.
When deciding on a treatment it is also important to think about the main differences between these two treatments. For starters, teeth whitening is highly effective, however it only improves the color of your teeth and cannot remove all types of stains. Veneers on the other hand can correct the size, shape, color, alignment, and spacing of your teeth, however at the cost of making permanent enamel modifications. Veneers are also more expensive than teeth whitening procedures, however their results last longer and may save you money in the long run. Making an appointment with your local dentist is one of the best ways to explore your options in detail, as well as how they can affect you individually.
FAQs
For those who want to improve the look of their smile quickly and affordably, then teeth whitening may be ideal. However, for those who want a longer-lasting solution, even if it takes longer to place, then veneers may be the better option.
Why not to get porcelain veneers? ›
Potential Risks and Complications
Some common side effects include tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and allergic reactions to the materials used. In rare cases, veneers may become loose or fall off, requiring additional treatment. Teeth can even die and root canals and crowns need to be done.
Is there anything better than porcelain veneers? ›
Is there anything better than porcelain veneers? Yes, other options may be better than porcelain veneers depending on your smile goals and needs. Cosmetic dentistry treatments that may be better than porcelain veneers for you include dental crowns, dental bonding, and professional teeth whitening.
What is the best age to get porcelain veneers? ›
Most dentists recommend waiting until girls are between the ages of 14 to 16 and boys are around age 18, as this is the typical age range when the size and shape of the jaw has stopped growing and changing. Placing veneers before jaw growth is complete can result in shifting teeth and crooked veneers.
Do teeth get yellow under veneers? ›
Your real teeth aren't protected entirely from tooth decay, so consuming large amounts of soda and fizzy drinks can cause your teeth to turn yellow, which may become visible through your veneers.
Do you still get plaque with veneers? ›
While they're durable, veneers collect plaque and tartar buildup the same way your natural teeth do, so it's vital to continue a consistent dental hygiene routine. While veneers themselves are not susceptible to decay, your natural teeth that reside underneath them are still vulnerable to cavities.
Who is not a good candidate for porcelain veneers? ›
While porcelain veneers are made to improve the aesthetic appearance of stained, chipped, or misaligned teeth, they are not a solution for unhealthy teeth. Issues such as untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or severe misalignment may need to be addressed before people can become candidates for porcelain veneers.
Do you regret getting veneers? ›
Most people do not have any regrets about moving forward with veneers. If anything, they regret having waited so long to correct their smile. Veneers can erase years and years of insecurities and confidence issues.
Do most celebrities have porcelain veneers? ›
Porcelain veneers are the most popular choice among celebrities for achieving a perfect smile, widely regarded for their natural appearance and durability.
What are the disadvantages of porcelain veneers? ›
Cons
- High Cost. The price of veneers will vary based on your location. ...
- Increased Sensitivity. Some people experience an increase in tooth sensitivity after getting veneers. ...
- It's Irreversible. Your dentist will need to change the structure of your natural teeth to place them properly.
Crown pros
All of the tooth is covered, so your tooth is more protected from decay. Porcelain crowns look and feel just like your natural teeth.
What can you do instead of getting veneers? ›
Four Alternatives to Veneers
- Crowns. Made of either metal, porcelain, or ceramic, crowns are strong, long-lasting, and can be made to match the color of your teeth. ...
- Bonding. A quick fix for discolored or chipped teeth, bonding covers the tooth with a layer of composite resin material. ...
- Teeth Whitening. ...
- Braces/Invisalign.
If you're interested in improving your smile with more than just whitening, veneers might be for you. This dental restoration can fix a wide variety of minor cosmetic dental issues in patients of all ages, including seniors.
Is 70 too old to get veneers? ›
There is no best age to get veneers, but anywhere between 20-70 years old is a perfectly reasonable age for porcelain veneers.
When should you not get veneers? ›
Your dentist can evaluate your teeth to see if you're a good candidate for them. If you have tooth or gum problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay, you might not be a good candidate for veneers. Your dentist can let you know what other options you have if you're not a good candidate, such as bonding or crowns.
Are veneers a good option for bad teeth? ›
Dental problems' severity: Veneers are frequently used to treat minor cosmetic issues such as tiny chipping, discolouration, or slight misalignments. However, veneers might not be the ideal choice if the teeth are severely damaged, severely decayed, or significantly out of alignment.
Can you get white teeth without veneers? ›
There are also other alternatives for veneers, like dental bonding and in-office teeth whitening.
Will veneers make my teeth look better? ›
Veneers not only improve the look of your teeth but also provide additional strength and resilience. If you have cracks or chips in your teeth, veneers provide an extra layer of protection that might help prevent further damage.
How long do veneers stay white? ›
Porcelain veneers can last up to 10–15 years. They are created and customized in a dental laboratory. Porcelain naturally has a translucent quality that's similar to tooth enamel. Porcelain is more durable and resistant to stains.
