Teeth Whitening Vs. Porcelain Veneers: Which Is Right for Me?
With so many cosmetic dentistry treatments available, it can be difficult to determine which solution is best for you. Among the many options that can enhance your smile, patients at Austin Dental Spa often inquire about teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Both solutions can provide a whiter smile, but when is one better than the other?
Teeth whitening is a minimally invasive option that utilizes a bleaching agent to target stains and discoloration. Our team offers both KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ and Zoom!® Advanced Power™ as highly effective whitening systems. Although teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, it is often a great solution for many people wishing to brighten their smile. Those who do not make good candidates are typically those with poor oral hygiene or with gum disease or tooth decay, in which cases the decay must be treated first. Additionally, if you have deep tooth staining, teeth whitening may not provide you with optimal results.
Porcelain veneers are tooth-colored shells that are placed over the affected teeth to correct a variety of cosmetic imperfections. Since veneers permanently alter the tooth, they are typically not recommended unless a patient has structural damage (such as chips, cracks, and worn enamel) or severe staining problems. Like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers are not ideal for those with tooth decay or gum disease, as these issues must be corrected prior to cosmetic treatment.
When you come in for your appointment with one of our skilled dentists, you will have the chance to ask questions and express any concerns that you may have. Upon assessing the state of your teeth, our doctors will recommend the most conservative form of treatment that can provide you with your goal results.