Cosmetic Clash: Teeth Whitening vs. Dental Veneers

All right, folks. It’s the battle you’ve been waiting for! In this corner, the undisputed king of cosmetic dentistry, dental veneers! In the other, the underdog, teeth whitening! If you’re searching for the right treatment to solve your aesthetic concerns, you’ll need to keep your eyes on the center ring!

You’ll learn more about each treatment and how they can help your smile. Continue reading to see how this showdown ends for you.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a go-to solution for many looking for a quick and effective way to brighten their smile. Dentists use highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that will penetrate the outer layer of your teeth (the enamel) and lift stubborn stains. This leaves your teeth bright and sparkling.

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers will also correct tooth discoloration, but take a different approach. Your dentist will first remove a bit of your tooth enamel to make sure the veneer lays flat. Then, they apply a ceramic shell to the front of the tooth. These custom-made facades cover up multiple dental imperfections and can restore function to broken teeth.

Which Treatment Is Right for Me?

While both treatments will solve any stains on your teeth, that is where the similarities end. Depending on your goals, one treatment or the other may prove more beneficial to you.

Choose Teeth Whitening If:

• You only have concerns with tooth discoloration
• You want a fast treatment
• You don’t have the budget for a more comprehensive treatment

Choose Dental Veneers If:

• You have multiple issues with your teeth including chips, cracks, or slight misalignment
• You have time to invest in a more involved treatment
• You need to restore function to your mouth, not just make it look better

Ultimately, the treatment you choose depends on your smile goals and how it fits into your treatment plan. The most important thing you can do is talk to your dentist. They will be able to figure out which treatment will produce the results you want and help you prepare for it. No matter which you choose, you’ll see a boost of confidence and a bright new smile.

About the Author

Dr. Corey Martinez is an energetic and skilled dentist who loves to get his patients smiling again. He earned his dental doctorate at the Indiana University School of Dentistry and quickly grew fond of the practice. He uses the latest dental technology and techniques, learning more about cosmetic treatments through professional organizations and personal study. Call (765) 724-7729 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at Martinez Dentistry, or visit the website to learn more.