If you’re self-conscious about your smile, you aren’t alone! Many people these days are unhappy with their teeth and desire a set of pearly whites like the ones they see on television. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry offers many treatment options that can do just that; among those are teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. These two solutions are popular for their effective results; but how do you know which one is right for your smile? Here’s what you need to know about each treatment and their respective benefits.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can brighten the color of your teeth by several shades, making it an excellent option for those with stained teeth, regardless of the cause. Your dentist has access to special tools and equipment that are much stronger and more effective than anything you can buy at the store. They’ll use these professional-grade bleaching agents to polish the surfaces of your teeth, effectively removing any visible stains in a matter of minutes. These results are fully visible within two weeks and can last anywhere from six months to three years, assuming you take good care of your teeth!
They can also send you home with a whitening kit that contains special, custom-made trays and whitening gels. Provided you follow the instructions, this kit is just as effective, and you’ll be able to brighten your smile from the comfort of your own home. Both methods are also painless and non-invasive.
Veneers
Porcelain veneers can also give your teeth a whiter, brighter appearance—but they can do much more, too! Your dentist will bond small, thin sheets of special porcelain to the outer surfaces of your teeth. These sheets are incredibly durable and look very similar to your natural teeth, and they have many different applications: they can give your teeth a straighter and whiter appearance, close obvious gaps between your teeth, fix minor chips and cracks and more!
They will look and feel like your natural teeth and are also a much more permanent solution than whitening, lasting up to 15 years if cared for properly. Although the placement process involves your dentist shaving off a small portion of enamel, the results compensate for that by providing a lasting, durable solution for your smile.
Which Treatment Is Best for My Smile?
Choosing the correct treatment for your smile will depend entirely on the results you’re trying to achieve. If you’re only looking to enhance the color of your smile, teeth whitening is the way to go. However, if your smile needs a little more than just a paintjob and you have compromised teeth, veneers might be your best bet. Both treatments are noninvasive and relatively affordable, although veneers can become expensive if you need multiple.
Knowing what each of these treatments can do for your smile is important when deciding which is the best option for you. Talk with your dentist today if you’re curious about what teeth whitening or porcelain veneers can do to help you achieve your smile goals.
About the Practice
Cary Dental Rejuvenation proudly serves patients and families in the Cary community under the leadership of Dr. Bikram Singh. Dr. Singh received his DDM from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and holds membership is many professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the North Carolina Dental Society. His practice offers a wide range of services including cosmetic solutions like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers! To schedule a visit, please reach out online or by phone: (919) 460-5454.