Teeth whitening vs Porcelain veneers, which is right for me?
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
There can be myriad reasons for the colour of your teeth deteriorating ranging from beverages to smoking. Rejuvenating your smile is one of the main reasons why cosmetic dental surgeries are all the rage.
In this article, we will be comparing two popular dental treatments: teeth whitening & porcelain veneers.
Teeth whitening & porcelain veneers are the two most common techniques to polish your teeth. There are quite a few differences between these two surgeries:
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can be done in two ways. Whilst in most cases, people visit a dentist for better results, some even undertake the procedure at home by buying the dentist prescribed over-the-counter products.
It is a well-known fact that teeth bleaching or teeth whitening performed by a dentist can get you better results as the dental professional might use bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide to remove plaque & stains. The dentist is also quite adept at this procedure when compared to an amateur who is doing it himself/herself at home.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are, on the other hand, a clear alternative to the teeth whitening process. Here, a hard coating made of either porcelain or a composite material is bonded to the the surface of the teeth.
Unlike, the bleaching process, dental veneers cover only the teeth that are visible to the eye. (molars & premolars are mostly not covered)
While the teeth whitening process is the most well known amongst too, dental veneers have their own pros too. Here are some comparisons:
- Colour: When it comes to the effectiveness of the bleaching process, porcelain veneer beats teeth whitening treatments when it comes to long-term results. Teeth whitening process has to be done a couple of times a year for the result to maintain, whilst a porcelain veneer treatment done once can be effective even for more than a decade.
- Convenience: When it comes to convenience, teeth whitening treatments beat porcelain veneers treatment hands down. Teeth whitening can be done at home as well as at a dental centre. Whilst veneer treatment is a time-consuming process can be done only at a dental centre involving multiple steps including time for preparation, reductions, and impressions.
- Cost: The initial cost of installing a porcelain veneer is definitely higher than a teeth whitening treatment, but it lasts way longer and is an effective long-term solution. Porcelain veneers typically last around 10 – 20 years.
In conclusion, the treatment you choose depends on your personal preferences. If your teeth are in top order, teeth whitening can make better since you only need to polish it.
Whilst on the other hand, if your teeth are crooked/chipped, then you can go with other options such as composite or porcelain veneers. Consult your dentist on the next steps and based on your medical history, he/she might give you more personalized advice.
