Teeth Whitening vs. Dental Veneers: The Best Option?

Discoloration of the teeth can happen for several reasons, including the beverage and food you eat, prescription drugs taken, smoking, and even aging.

The good thing, though, is that you can whiten your teeth and brighten your smile.

There two teeth whitening options avialble; the use of dental veneers and teeth whitening. But which is better, and how do they compare?

Read on to find out:

Teeth Whiteners

Teeth whitening whitens and brightens the teeth by bleaching stains from the teeth.

You can either choose to whiten your teeth yourself with products bought from local stores or visit a dentist to get it done.

Some over-the-counter do-it-yourself options often used include rinses, toothpaste, and whitening trays or strips.

The result of the process usually varies and may not work for everyone.

For a more noticeable result, many go to the dentist. The dentist uses a strong bleaching product like carbamide or hydrogen peroxide to whiten the teeth and remove stains.

This treatment method is quick, produces an immediate result, and causes little or no discomfort.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a hard coating that covers the front of the teeth. A dental veneer is purely cosmetic.

Hence, its often used to cover only the visible part of the teeth (front teeth) rather than the molars, which are hidden.

Dental veneers comprises of composite filling or porcelain fused directly to one’s tooth surface.

Porcelain veneers are custom-made for each tooth, and the dentist makes an impression on the teeth.

Composite veneers, on the other hand, are applied and shaped by the dentist. Both options produce a natural-looking teeth that looks white, bright, and beautiful.

Teeth Whitening Vs. Dental Veneers: Procedure

İn-office teeth whitening procedure is straightforward. The dentist first examines and cleans the teeth and addresses cavities or tooth decay issues before commencing the whitening process.

After cleaning the teeth, a bleaching agent is applied to them and left to sit for a while, after which it is cleaned off and reapplied.

The process takes about an hour, but you may need to revisit the dentist repeatedly to get the desired result.

Dental veneers involve a more invasive procedure. The dentist first removes some enamel from the teeth surface.

The dental veneer is then fused directly to the tooth’s surface.

In porcelain veneers, impressions are made after removing the enamel, and these impressions are then taken to the laboratory where the veneers are produced.

Teeth Whitening Vs. Dental Veneers: Durability

White whitening produces an immediate result, albeit a short one; the dentist may recommend whitening trays to complement the office procedure.

Even given this, the result doesn’t last a long time. Whitened teeth can become stained again, necessitating a visit to the dentist.

But with veneers, you get white, bright teeth that can last as much as 15 years.

But while veneers are sturdy, they are fragile and damage easily.

Veneers can become loose or chip away when you grind or chew on hard things such as fingernails, ice, and sweets.

Luckily, these veneers are easily replaceable when damaged or loose, but since it involves the removal of the enamel, veneers are pretty irreversible.

This is because removing the enamel permanently alters the teeth.

Teeth Whitening Vs. Dental Veneers: Cost

Comparing teeth whitening to dental veneers is like comparing oranges with apples.

Although both procedures can brighten and whiten the teeth and remove stains, that’s where it ends.

Dental veneers do more than whitening the teeth; besides, it offers a long-lasting, custom-made solution for each person.

Considering these factors, it’s not surprising that dental veneers are more expensive than teeth whitening.

Teeth Whitening Vs. Dental Veneers: Comparison Table

Teeth Whitening Vs. Dental Veneers: Which Is Best for You?

Teeth whitening and veneers helps you achieve white, bright, and natural-looking teeth, thus enhancing your smile and boosting your confidence.

While teeth whitening is less invasive, cheap, and produces immediate results, veneers are more durable and can be customized to suit your needs and resolve other dental issues.