Your smile may not be as bright as it used to be. This is normal, as you can experience some stains over time, from dark-colored drinks to natural aging! As you look for ways to get rid of this dental discoloration, you may consider your dentist for a cosmetic treatment. Veneers and teeth whitening seem to be great options to brighten your smile, but which is right for you? Here’s what you need to know about both to help you decide with confidence.
The Ins and Outs of Veneers
Veneers are thin, durable shells that are bonded to the front-facing part of a tooth. They essentially cover a wide range of flaws behind them, refreshing the appearance of your smile. This treatment is done within two appointments. The first is preparing your teeth, then you’ll wait a couple of weeks as your final sheaths are customized in a dental lab. Once that’s done, it’ll be time for your second visit.
When you get your results, you can enjoy them for up to 10 to 20 years with proper dental hygiene and maintenance! Many people choose to get veneers because they can fix multiple imperfections at once. Stubborn stains, chips, and minor gaps can be covered, giving you an aesthetic smile you love. However, if you are looking to just brighten your grin, then another option may be better.
What to Know About Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening can be done either in-office or through a take-home kit. Both of these options are much safer and effective for you compared to store-bought products. That’s because they use high-quality bleaching gels that break down stains on and within your enamel. Staying at your dentist can take about an hour to get up to an eight-shade difference, while it’ll take two weeks with the kit.
Your results from this treatment can last for about six months, but you can make it stretch to a year if you are mindful about what stain-causing foods and drinks you have. However, you are able to get touch-ups as needed, ensuring your smile stays bright. If you are just looking to brighten your teeth, then this can be a great option, but other flaws like chips and cracks won’t be fixed.
Which Cosmetic Treatment Should I Get?
In the end, the best way to know what cosmetic service you should get depends on your goals and budget. Veneers can be a great solution to a wide range of flaws at once, while teeth whitening can be easier on your wallet if you simply want to get rid of stains. By talking to your dentist, they can help you further weigh the pros and cons both to let you make a decision you feel confident in.
About the Practice
At Bell Dental, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your smile. We are here to help the Louisville community get the proud set of teeth they love with a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments, such as veneers and teeth whitening. By helping you find the right solution for your unique goals, you can trust that we get you to results you love. If you are looking to get an aesthetic smile you love, schedule an appointment or call our office at (502) 749-2355.