We all want a brighter smile, but sometimes our teeth don’t cooperate. From the foods and drinks we enjoy, to habits like smoking or even just getting older, our teeth can lose their sparkle. If you’re thinking about refreshing your smile, two popular options are teeth whitening and veneers. Here’s a quick rundown to help you figure out which one might be your best bet.
Teeth Whitening:
Teeth whitening is a simple, non-invasive way to lift the shade of your natural teeth. It’s great for removing those lifestyle stains caused by coffee, wine, or just time. The best results come from seeing a professional hygienist or dentist who uses a specialised gel, like hydrogen peroxide, to brighten your smile. This gel works by targeting stains on the surface (extrinsic stains) and beneath the enamel (intrinsic stains) to give you a whiter smile.
Here’s the scoop: certain foods and drinks are full of colorful molecules called chromogens that latch onto your enamel and dull your teeth. A good whitening session will break down those bonds and leave your teeth looking fresh and bright. And while aging can cause your enamel to thin out, making your teeth look more yellow, professional whitening can most often reach those deeper layers and help brighten things up.
You’ll need about one to two hours for a professional teeth whitening treatment. A whitening gel is applied to your teeth and activated with a special light, which speeds up the process. You’ll walk out of the office with a noticeably brighter smile.
But, whitening isn’t a cure-all. If you’ve got deeper discoloration or more serious dental issues, veneers might be the way to go.
Dental Veneers:
Veneers are like a makeover for your teeth. They’re ultra-thin, tooth-colored shells made of porcelain or composite resin, and they’re bonded to the front of your teeth. Veneers can fix a variety of issues, from gaps, length of teeth, crooked teeth to chips and severe discoloration. Think of them as a facade for your smile, giving you a flawless finish.
Opting for veneers involves a permanent change to your teeth and does carry some risks, as it requires removing a wafer- thin layer of your natural enamel to reshape your teeth. This reduces bulkiness when the veneers are applied and provides the most natural-looking outcome. In rare cases, the tooth can experience trauma during the veneer preparation process, especially if too much enamel is removed or if there is pre-existing damage to the tooth. This could lead to irritation or damage to the tooth's pulp, potentially causing the tooth to "die" and require a root canal. To note veneers have a life span of approx 10-15 years until they need to be replaced. So it’s important to choose a very skilled dentist who clearly outlines the pros and cons. This is a more involved and long-term solution compared to whitening.
Why Whitening Before Veneers?
If you’re considering veneers, it’s usually best to whiten your natural teeth first, allowing two weeks before. This ensures a perfect color match and ensures the veneer’s adhesive bonds better. Plus, once veneers are on, their color won’t change, so getting the shade right from the start is key.
Types of Veneers:
There are two main types of veneers: porcelain and composite. Porcelain veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and mimic the natural look of teeth.
As a more affordable alternative to porcelain veneers, composite veneers are composed of a durable composite resin rather than dental porcelain. This restoration offers relatively less longevity, but still offers beautiful and natural-looking results. When you have a very artistic dentist they can be a work of art and made to match your natural teeth by even adding minor imperfections to mimic your natural teeth. Do your research and look for a skilled dentist or cosmetic dentist. Remember, neither type can be whitened once they’re in place.
The veneer process typically takes three visits. First, your dentist will check your oral health to make sure veneers are a good option for you. If you’re not happy with the color of your teeth, whitening needs to happen before the veneers are applied. Depending on your dentist’s setup, your veneers might be made in an external lab or on-site, and you could get temporary veneers in the meantime. Always make sure colour choice is made in good natural light conditions. On the final visit, your permanent veneers are bonded to your teeth. With good oral health care, like regular hygiene visits and avoiding abrasive toothpaste, your veneers can last 10 to 15 years or more.
Are You a Candidate?
Teeth whitening is a great, minimally invasive option for most people, but it’s not for everyone. If you have severe gum disease, tooth decay, or cracked teeth, you’ll need to take care of those issues first. If your teeth and gums are healthy but you’ve got some cosmetic imperfections, veneers might be the better choice.
In Summary:
Teeth whitening is a quick, affordable way to brighten your smile, but the results usually last about a year before you might need a touch-up. Veneers are more of an investment but can address a range of dental imperfections, giving you a more comprehensive smile makeover.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on what you’re looking to achieve with your smile. Talk to your dentist, check out their portfolio of work, and make sure you feel comfortable with their approach. And if you want to chat about your teeth whitening options, I’m here to help! Pop into Polish and White Auckland. Just remember, it’s often best to whiten before veneers are placed to get the perfect color match
Comments