If you look at old photos, you may be a bit envious of your past self’s bright smile. It’s natural for it to dull over time or develop some stains, but what can you do to renew it? Thankfully, a couple of treatments can do just this: teeth whitening and veneers! However, both are reliable and effective, so it can be hard to choose which to get. Here’s what you need to know about both to make a confident decision.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
You can get professional teeth whitening in two ways. You are able to visit your dentist in the office, where they apply a high-quality bleaching gel to your teeth and leave it on for a short while. It takes about an hour, but you can get up to an eight shade brighter look. A more convenient option you can pick is a take-home kit, where you wear custom trays for a certain amount of time for two weeks to get similar results.
When you finish your treatment, you can enjoy your refreshed smile for about six months to two years. You can reach the latter if you are mindful about stain-causing foods and drinks, but touchups may help you maintain it. However, there is a chance that there are stubborn discolorations that don’t whiten as effectively.
What Should I Know About Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that are typically made of porcelain. They bond to the front of your teeth, effectively hiding a wide range of flaws behind them, such as stains, chips, and minor gaps. This treatment is done in two appointments: preparing your teeth and then placing the final sheaths that a dental lab customized for you.
As you finish with the last visit, you can then immediately show off your new look. You have results that can last up to 10 to 20 years with the proper care and maintenance. Since they can fix multiple imperfections at once, they are a popular choice. However, this treatment is considered to be irreversible, so make sure to weigh the pros and cons to see if it’ll give you what you are expecting.
So, Should I Get Veneers or Teeth Whitening?
In the end, the best way to know if you should get teeth whitening or veneers is by talking to your dentist. They will take your goals and budget into account and help you make a decision that you feel confident in making.
If you just want a brighter smile and that’s it, then a whitening treatment can be right. However, if you have more flaws you want fixed, then veneers may be your pick. Regardless of whether you get it, you can flaunt an aesthetic grin you love.
About the Practice
At Silfa Dental, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Publio Silfa and Dr. Ari Koutsoubis. We are here to help the Commack community get the smiles they feel their best in with a wide range of treatments, such as teeth whitening or veneers. By understanding your goals and looking at your grin, we can help you come to a decision you don’t regret. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at (631) 651-1322.
