Should I Get Teeth Whitening or Veneers?

There’s nothing like showing off a big, shining smile. People whose teeth have started to yellow might wish that they had that, and cosmetic dentistry can make that wish a reality. In fact, the only choice you’ll have to make is which cosmetic procedure to use.

Teeth whitening and veneers are two radically different treatments, but both of them can give you a beautiful smile. Here’s a guide to the differences between these two conditions, along with which one is right for you.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a simple procedure that can produce remarkable results. Your dentist will apply a bleaching solution to your teeth, usually one that contains hydrogen peroxide. Within a single appointment, you can have a smile up to eight shades whiter!

Many dentists also offer take-home whitening kits, which can produce equally potent results over the course of a few weeks.

What are Veneers?

When you think of the kind of smile you’d see on the red carpet, you’re probably thinking about veneers. Your dentist will remove a thin sliver of enamel and replace it with a shell designed to mimic a natural tooth. These are usually made of porcelain, and you’ll be able to choose the exact color and shape of them.

Teeth Whitening Vs Veneers: Which are Right for Me?

Both teeth whitening and veneers can produce incredible results, so which one you should choose depends on what you’re looking for. The best thing to do is to talk to a dentist, who will be able to give you advice tailored to your situation.

For people with mild discoloration, teeth whitening might be the best choice; it only requires a single appointment that can last less than an hour, while veneers will take at least two appointments to complete.

However, if you’re unhappy with multiple aspects of your smile, veneers are possibly the better option. In covering your teeth, you also cover up any cracks or chips that might be bothering you. Some smiles are also too dark to be properly treated with just teeth whitening, while veneers let you pick the exact color of your smile.

Whichever you choose, one thing is certain: you’re going to have teeth that you can be proud of!

About the Author

Dr. Karen Ho has been in dentistry for nearly twenty years, and even after all this time she loves being able to come to work and help people every day. She takes enormous pleasure in being able to get to know her patients personally, because that makes crafting their perfect smiles that much more satisfying. Dr. Ho received her doctorate at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry.

If you have any questions about teeth whitening or veneers, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (408) 558-9444.