Stained or discolored teeth can destroy one's confidence and self-esteem. Whether your teeth are stained from consuming highly pigmented foods, smoking, taking certain medications, or neglecting oral hygiene, you can whiten them and restore your smile. Veneers and teeth whitening products are two popular treatments you can use to achieve whiter teeth. However, these treatments have varying procedures and results. Read on to find out the key factors you should consider when choosing the right treatment.
Severity of the Staining
Both veneers and teeth whiteners are used to whiten stained teeth. Teeth whitening treatments involve using a bleaching agent to eliminate stains and discoloration. While they are effective, teeth whiteners may fail to resolve severe discoloration and staining. For example, if your teeth have excess plaque, the whitening agents won't provide the desired results. In this case, veneer treatment is an excellent choice.
Veneers are thin porcelain or composite resin shells placed on the tooth enamel. Once placed on the teeth, veneers mask any staining or discoloration on the enamel. Veneers come in various colors, including different shades of white to suit your preference. Since the shells are placed on individual teeth, you can treat only the stained teeth, unlike whitening treatments that whiten all the teeth.
Existing Dental Conditions
Do you have any underlying dental conditions other than stained or discolored teeth? If so, you should choose a treatment that can address multiple issues at once. Whitening products only whiten teeth; they do not treat other dental issues. On the other hand, veneers aren't just used to achieve whiter teeth. They can conceal crooked, chipped, and worn teeth. Veneers can also fix minor gaps between the teeth and restore your smile. Therefore, if you want to treat other dental imperfections, you should opt for dental veneers.
Treatment Expectations
In-office teeth whitening can provide long-term results. However, you need to observe proper dental care. The whitening agents don't protect the enamel from future staining. Habits like consuming pigmented foods, smoking, and failing to maintain oral hygiene can cause your teeth to discolor again. Consequently, you will need to whiten your teeth again to eliminate the stains.
Conversely, veneers provide a long-term approach to teeth whitening. Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant, and they can maintain their white color for years. Although they aren't permanent, veneers can last longer than a decade when maintained correctly. Thus, you can enjoy your favorite wine, fruits, and caffeinated drinks without undergoing multiple teeth whitening procedures.
Have you chosen the best procedure to achieve whiter teeth? Contact a cosmetic dentist for further consultation and treatment.
Share13 January 2022
Do you remember the last time you looked at your smile and really loved what you saw? A few years ago I started spending more time analyzing my appearance, and I noticed that my teeth were seriously lacking. I knew that I had to do something to improve the situation, so I began focusing on loving my smile by getting some work done. I started talking with a dentist about how he could help, and it was really incredible to see the simple difference that he was able to make. Within a few years, my smile looked and felt completely different, and I was really pleased with the results. Check out this blog for great information on making your smile more beautiful.
