Teeth Whitening vs. Veneers

Cosmetic dentistry can make dramatic improvements to smiles that have experienced a variety of damage. The two most popular treatments sought after by a cosmetic dentist are arguably teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. 

While both these services offer a brighter, more appealing smile, they work in completely different ways. The following treatment summaries can help you decide which procedure is right for you.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Having your teeth bleached is a simple way of brightening your smile. Most dentists offer both in-office teeth whitening which provides results in just one visit and a custom take-home system that can whiten just as well in about two weeks.

For in-office or “chairside” teeth whitening the dentist applies a professional strength bleaching agent to each tooth and then repeats the process up to four times to reach the desired level of brightness.

The take-home teeth bleaching method entails first having the dentist obtain an impression of your teeth. This mold is used to craft custom trays that deliver a professional strength whitening gel to evenly to brighten your smile.

Professional teeth whitening can lighten discolored teeth by several shades and works best for surface stains that have developed over many years. For permanently darkened teeth that have occurred as a result of illness genetics, or medications, porcelain veneers are a better choice.

Porcelain Veneers

These thin shells of porcelain can completely transform permanently stained teeth as well as those that have chips and cracks, or are mildly misaligned.

On your initial visit, an impression of your teeth is obtained by the dentist and sent to a trusted lab. When they have been crafted and sent to the dentist, you will return to have them bonded to your damaged or misaligned teeth. Teeth that receive treatment with veneers must be prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to allow for the thickness of the veneers and ensure a secure bond.

If your teeth have a combination of external stains and superficial structural damage, teeth whitening and veneers can be combined to create a stunning new smile.

To Learn More about our Cosmetic Dental Treatments, Call our Redlands Dental Office