Teeth Whitening vs. Veneers—Which One Is Right for You?

Having a brighter smile provides numerous benefits—from improved dental health to a boost in your confidence! One of the most popular and convenient cosmetic dental treatments is teeth whitening. However, you can also improve your pearly whites with veneers. But which procedure fits your smile goals? Keep reading from your cosmetic dentist in Woodbridge about the two treatments and how you can benefit from each!

What is Teeth Whitening?

Do you have discolored teeth or stubborn stains that just won’t come out? If so, then you may be a good candidate for teeth whitening. Though you may be tempted to fix the issue with store-bought products, they won’t offer the medical-grade material as your dentist can. With an in-office treatment, your dentist will use a safe and powerful bleaching agent to blast away stains and brighten your smile in just a single visit! You may also opt for an at-home whitening kit to achieve your smile goals at your convenience.

While teeth whitening can quickly brighten your pearly whites, you may need to get touch-ups after a few months. This can depend on your diet as well as if you keep proper dental hygiene. They also won’t repair minor flaws or change the shape of your teeth.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are typically wafer-thin porcelain shells that cover the front of your smile. Not only can they conceal most mild imperfections—such as chipped, cracked, misshapen, or misaligned teeth—but they’ll provide a nearly permanent tooth whitening solution. This means you can work with your dentist to create your dream smile!

This procedure does require preparing your affected teeth by removing a tiny portion of enamel off the front of them, which won’t naturally grow back. However, you’ll be able to enjoy a brighter, straighter, and more beautiful smile that can last you around 20 years with proper care.

Which Treatment Is Best for You?

The right option for you will depend on your specific dental needs. If you simply want to brighten your smile, then teeth whitening is a convenient and affordable method to do so. But if you want the ultimate smile makeover with long-lasting results, then veneers might be your best bet. For this reason, it’s important to consult your dentist first to determine which options fit your goals.

Feel free to schedule an initial consultation with your cosmetic dentist. They’ll evaluate your dental situation and create a treatment plan to help you achieve your best smile!

About the Author

Dr. Alvin Aquino received his dental doctorate from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and remains on top of the latest advances in the field through continuing education. He’s also a proud member of several prestigious organizations such as the Academy of General Dentistry and the Spear Study Club. He provides multiple comprehensive and modern treatments, including teeth whitening and veneers. If you’d like to schedule a consultation for cosmetic dental work, visit his website or call 732-582-4224.