Teeth Whitening vs. Porcelain Veneers
Do you want to improve your smile but are not sure how to do it? Many people consider both of these very popular cosmetic dentistry options. It is important to understand two very substantial differences in order to decide which will be best for you.
Cost
There is no question that teeth whitening is far less expensive than porcelain veneers. The most expensive professional teeth whitening you can choose is probably less expensive than a single porcelain veneer (and you will want to do at least the front six teeth). Now, you must remember that with that lower price tag comes a greater time investment on your part. You have to put forth the effort to use the professional teeth whitening products on a consistent basis to maintain your white smile.
If you are unsure about making cosmetic changes in your smile, teeth whitening is the place to start. It is a relatively insignificant investment in order to brighten your smile.
Desired Outcome
Teeth whitening changes the color of your natural teeth. With the right material, technique and frequency of use, professional teeth whitening can make drastic improvements in the appearance of your smile. The important thing to note is that it does not affect the size, shape or position of your teeth. If the color is the only thing you dislike about your smile, teeth whitening is a great option for you.
If, however, you dislike something about the alignment, shape or size of your teeth, you should consider porcelain veneers. Because veneers cover the visible portion of the tooth, we can realign, reshape and resize various teeth within reasonable limits. Porcelain veneers are a wonderful treatment option to fill in small gaps between the teeth or cover up some minor crowding. The shape of the veneers can give a more masculine or feminine or youthful appearance to the smile. We specifically prescribe the shape based on your desired smile design.
Longevity
Porcelain veneers consist of highly glazed ceramic, which is like glass. This means that stains from coffee, red wine, and tobacco are less likely to buildup on their glossy surface. While teeth whitening requires consistent maintenance (unless you give up all of the above “habits”), porcelain veneers will maintain their color for decades.
More Cosmetic Dentistry Questions?
Call Designer Smiles today to set up a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Ann and Dr. Lauren. Our wonderful dentists can answer all of your questions and help you choose which cosmetic option is best for you!