If your smile is not as bright and radiant as you wish, you may be thinking about visiting your cosmetic dentist to talk about your treatment options. They might recommend that you use a professional whitening product to get rid of stains. However, depending on your circumstances, it is also possible that they will urge you to get veneers in Needham instead. Continue reading this blog post to learn about some of the pros and cons of these two treatments.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening in Needham uses a powerful lightening formula, which penetrates the enamel in order to break up pigment molecules. Whether you choose in-office or take-home whitening, you can expect your teeth to become several shades brighter within a short period of time.
Some noteworthy advantages of whitening include:
- It has a relatively low cost.
- It works quickly.
- If you care well for your teeth, you can expect your results to last anywhere from several months to a few years.
One disadvantage of whitening is that, while it is an excellent way to address stains caused by food and drink, it is less effective against some other types of discoloration. For example, stubborn stains caused by the antibiotic tetracycline may not respond very well to lightening formulas.
Another point to keep in mind is that whitening treatments only brighten your teeth. If you want other aesthetic enhancements for your smile, you might need to invest in more complex procedures.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-designed pieces of porcelain that your cosmetic dentist in Needham attaches to the outward-facing surfaces of the teeth. They are meant to disguise a number of aesthetic imperfections, such as discoloration, cracks, chips, and more.
Some outstanding advantages of veneers include:
- They have the potential to last for 15 – 20 years or longer.
- You and your dentist can select the exact color of the veneers.
- They can alter the size and shape of teeth, in addition to improving their color.
- They can disguise even very stubborn stains, such as those caused by medications, tobacco, and more.
Veneers have a significantly higher price tag than whitening, but for image-conscious individuals, they are often a smart investment.
Also, remember that veneers are a lifelong commitment. The treatment process necessitates the removal of a bit of tooth enamel, so you will always need veneers or crowns to protect your prepared teeth.
Which Is Right for You?
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between veneers and whitening. The one that is best for you depends on your budget, your goals for treatment, and the type of discoloration on your teeth. Your cosmetic dentist can help you compare the pros and cons of both options so you can settle on the one that will give you the results you desire.
Meet the Practice
The experienced, skilled team of dentists in our practice are proud to offer a range of top-quality cosmetic treatments, including both veneers and whitening. If you want to learn more about how you can brighten your smile, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact us at 781-202-6357.