If you have discolored teeth, you likely want to brighten them. Doing so, after all, would make your smile look clean and beautiful! Still, cosmetic dentistry has several ways to achieve this result. One obvious option is teeth whitening, but porcelain veneers can also do the job. That being said, you might not know which treatment is right for you. Thankfully, your local Covina dentist can help you decide. Here is a summary of whitening and veneers’ features and how to weigh them when choosing your procedure.
What Does Teeth Whitening Do?
As you might expect, teeth whitening directly whitens your enamel. With its special gel, it bleaches tooth surfaces and removes stains.
Most dental practices offer two forms of whitening: in-office treatment and take-home kits. Both can deliver stunning results, though they involve different timetables. More specifically, you can count on them to make your teeth six to eight shades whiter!
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain bonded to the fronts of teeth. In general, dentists use them to hide a wide variety of dental flaws — chips, cracks, stains, fractures, and more. Their ability thus lets them transform many aspects of your smile at once!
Veneers’ hiding ability stems from their flawless appearance. Each shell is color-matched to your natural enamel, allowing you to enjoy a natural look that lasts for years with proper care.
Which Option is Right for You?
While whitening and veneers can fix tooth stains, they take varying approaches. As such, consider their differences before you decide anything. Such factors include:
- Procedure Function – Whitening whitens enamel directly, so it’s ideal for treating extrinsic stains caused by foods and drinks. In contrast, veneers work better with intrinsic marks beneath tooth surfaces. The shells would also address other issues simultaneously — chips, gaps, misalignment, etc.
- Treatment Process – Teeth whitening’s effect comes quickly but doesn’t last long. A whitened smile only lasts six months to three years. On the other hand, veneers have a lifespan of 15 to even 30 years if given proper care.
- Lifespan of Results – Teeth whitening’s effect comes quickly, but it doesn’t last long. A whitened smile only lasts six months to three years. On the other hand, veneers have a lifespan of 15 to even 30 years if given proper care.
Last but not least, consult your Covina dentist before making a final choice. Their input will ensure you find the option that’s best for you.
About the Practice
Covina Family Dental is based in Covina, CA. Led by Dr. Danny Tran, our practice offers family-friendly dentistry for patients of all ages. To that end, we perform various preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, including dental emergency care. The office is even equipped to provide same-day dental crowns and top-tier dental implants! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (626)-331-0688.