patient and doctor during a dental treatment
Teeth Whitening Vs. Veneers: Which One Is Best?
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Charming smiles are known for winning hearts, but unattractive teeth can reverse impact people and drive them away. Maintaining the shine of your pearly whites is vital to prevent social awkwardness and improve self-confidence. Bright teeth require regular brushing, flossing, rinsing, and visiting an experienced dentist to keep the mouth healthy. However, tooth yellowing is a common problem and makes people feel insecure about their appearance. The reasons for this vary from age and smoking to poor oral hygiene and enamel erosion.

Various home remedies can restore teeth' natural colour, but they are not always successful. It is advisable to visit a reliable dentist in Hope Island for teeth whitening treatment because they can prescribe a customised solution without any side effects. The most common treatments include teeth whitening and veneers, but choosing the right one can be challenging. Here is a comparison between teeth whitening and veneers to identify the right treatment. It can help people smile with confidence once again.

1. The Procedure of the Treatments

Teeth whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure that helps remove the yellow tint and stains from teeth. The practitioner uses bleach containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide solution to remove the yellowness for teeth whitening. The solution used by the practitioners has a higher percentage of peroxide, which makes them better than at-home bleaching kits and gels.

Dental veneers are also used to cover discoloured teeth. These customised tooth-coloured composite or porcelain shells cover gaps, cracks and chipped, broken and stained teeth. The shells are bonded to natural teeth permanently and fit snugly without any sign of a cosmetic procedure.    

2. Durability of the Treatments

Teeth whitening procedures offer temporary relief from the problem. The effects of whitening can last from a few months to a few years, depending on the after-care. Teeth whitening performed by expert dentists lasts longer than at-home bleaching kits. Its durability can be increased by abstaining from teeth-darkening foods, beverages, and tobacco.

Composite veneers can last four to eight years, while porcelain veneers can last 10 to 12 years. These cosmetic additions can sometimes last up to 20 years if the wearer takes good care of them through regular checkups and optimum oral hygiene.

3. Functionality of the treatments

Teeth whitening is only meant to remove tooth yellowness. It does not provide any other advantage. If the individual has implants or crowns, the whitening treatment will not work on them and will brighten only the natural teeth. People with dental implants are advised not to opt for whitening treatments by reliable dentists in Hope Island.

Veneers, on the other hand, serve many purposes besides covering yellow teeth. They are used for hiding anomalies like gaps and broken, chipped, cracked, stained, or misshapen teeth. However, they are used for the front teeth. The porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and do not become yellow with time.

4. Affordability of the Treatments

Teeth whitening treatment is a cost-effective procedure that can be afforded by everyone. It can be completed within an hour and may lead to temporary sensitivity. The results are instant, but the teeth must be healthy to be eligible for this procedure.

Veneers are expensive because of the customisation of the shells and their durability. The process requires removing some tooth enamel and then taking an impression of the tooth to create a custom shell in the lab, which can take a few weeks.

5. Side Effects of the Treatments

Teeth whitening performed by an expert dentist in Hope Island is safe and causes only temporary discomfort that fades away within a few days. However, if you are using at-home bleaching kits, you must read the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your gums. Self-treatment can lead to softening of the tooth enamel, gum inflammation, and damage to crowns and implants.

Veneers require the removal of some part of the enamel, which protects the tooth from cavities. This procedure is irreversible. Thus, the custom shell must be replaced after it gets damaged, and the natural tooth cannot be left without it. Veneers can also lead to sensitivity and can get dislodged after a while. So, the wearer must be cautious while eating hard foods to ensure they are not damaged.

6. Maintenance and After-Care

Teeth whitening treatment can last longer with maintenance that requires getting touch-up treatments when teeth start losing their shine. This includes avoiding eating and drinking foods and beverages that stain teeth, such as wine, coffee, and blueberries. Another after-care tip is to rinse the mouth with water after meals and chew sugar-free gum to remove leftover food particles.

Veneers are stain-resistant, so there is no restriction on consuming dark-coloured foods and drinks. However, it is advisable to practice a healthy oral cleaning routine and avoid biting on hard foods like apples and carrots. Using an alcohol-free mouthwash is also recommended to keep bacteria at bay.

Wrapping Up

Choosing between teeth whitening and veneers must depend on the nature of the problem, the budget, and the expected longevity of the treatment. Those with discoloured teeth who are looking for a long-term solution should opt for veneers, while those who need a quick fix for yellow teeth must go for whitening.