Do you have stains on your front teeth that make you feel self-conscious? Looking for a quick way to get rid of them? Since this problem is fairly common, dentists have developed multiple cosmetic treatments to revamp your smile and correct those pesky stains. These options include professional teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Both of these services can give you a dazzlingly bright smile fit for the silver screen. But which one is right for you? Let’s discuss some of the differences between veneers in Tyler and teeth whitening.
Brighten Your Grin with Professional Teeth Whitening
While many over-the-counter teeth whitening products cause sensitivity and barely work, professional whitening is guaranteed to deliver results you can’t wait to show off. Your smile can look several shades brighter after just one appointment.
Your dentist can apply a powerful bleaching gel to your teeth and activate it with a special light. The gel permeates your enamel to remove years’ worth of deep-set stains. This appointment usually takes an hour or less.
Professional teeth whitening is a fast and affordable way to resolve tooth discoloration. However, it’s worth noting that your results will probably last a year at most without regular touch-ups.
Give Your Smile a Makeover with Veneers
Due to their versatility, veneers are incredibly popular. These ultra-thin shells made of dental porcelain are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth to correct not only stains, but chips, cracks, worn-down or misshapen teeth, and even minor gaps between teeth.
Each veneer is custom-made to mimic the color, size, and shape of your natural pearly whites. Onlookers shouldn’t even be able to notice that you got dental work done! In addition, veneers can last much longer than teeth whitening, with an average lifespan of 15 years. Another benefit of veneers is that they’re significantly more resistant to staining than tooth enamel. You should be able to enjoy your favorite foods and drinks to your heart’s content.
However, placing veneers requires that your teeth be permanently altered by removing a sliver of enamel, which can’t grow back. Your teeth will always need some sort of protection going forward, whether with more veneers or dental crowns.
Which One Is Best for You?
When making this decision, there are multiple factors to consider, such as cost, your smile goals, and how long you want your results to last. Ultimately, the best way to know for sure which option is better for you is to schedule a cosmetic consultation with your dentist. They can examine your mouth and determine which one would best give you a uniquely beautiful smile you can be proud of.
About the Author
Dr. Javier Perez practiced dentistry in Cuba for several years before moving to the United States and graduating from the UCLA dental school. He currently practices at Times Square Family Dental in Tyler, TX, where he never gets tired of seeing smiles transform as a result of his work. He offers both veneers and teeth whitening and can help you decide between them. To learn more, visit Dr. Perez’s website or call (903) 534-8110.