If you ask someone what they would do to improve their smile, most will say that they want brighter and whiter teeth. Unfortunately, so many environmental factors, not to mention age, can cause our teeth to lose their brilliance and luster. Thankfully, some highly effective cosmetic dentistry treatments can make you feel like flashing those pearly whites again. But which solution is best for you? And how do you choose between veneers vs. whitening?

Which whitening solution is best for you, veneers or whitening?

Obtaining a brighter and whiter smile is one of the top things we can do to achieve a more confident and youthful appearance. Smile makeovers are intended to not only brighten and whiten your teeth but, in some cases, they can also contour and shape, plus rejuvenate and restore. But it is intimidating trying to determine which solution is best. We’ve tried to remove the stress and confusion from your decision-making process, outlining what you need to know about veneers vs. whitening.

Tooth Whitening

Let’s get right into it. When many patients think of tooth whitening, they think of the kits they can buy at their local multi-department or convenience store. But those kits you can purchase in the store are not all that effective. Sure, they work, but it takes repeat treatments over several weeks to get just a few shades whiter.

However, The Tooth Doc offers professional tooth whitening kits that you can use at home to achieve the desired results. Opalescence home tooth whitening kits, prescribed by your dentist, provide results after just one treatment, and you’ll see even further results after a week. Most patients who try Opalescence enjoy a whiter smile for six to 12 months before seeking repeat treatment.

Tooth whitening from The Tooth Doc is best for the following circumstances:

• You want to correct tooth discoloration or yellowing stains from age, food, and beverages consumed throughout the years.
• You seek the convenience of a professional home whitening kit.
• You desire better results than what you can obtain from a store-bought tooth-whitening kit.
• You want a comfortable solution that is pain-free.

Veneers 

Veneers are a permanent cosmetic dental treatment with thin, shell-like structures that cover the front of your teeth. Porcelain veneers offer a translucent-like quality that mimic the appearance of naturally beautiful enamel. But different from tooth whitening, which is designed only to brighten and whiten your teeth, veneers can cover permanently stained teeth or mask chips and cracks. Veneers are also ideal for changing the contour of your teeth, removing gaps, and making your teeth look a little more evenly spaced and straight.

However, getting veneers is more invasive than tooth whitening, and it is not reversible down the road. The process also requires two appointments. At your first appointment, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from the front of your teeth to prepare the surface for your new veneers. Your dentist will take impressions and send the mold to an offsite lab so your new porcelain veneers can be custom made. Once your veneers are ready, you’ll return to the dentist for placement. Your new porcelain veneers can last from 10 to 12 years with good oral care.

Porcelain veneers from The Tooth Doc are best for the following circumstances:

• You want whiter teeth but also desire to change the size or shape of your teeth.
• You have cracks or chips that need to be covered up and protected.
• Your tooth discoloration is more pronounced, and a satisfactory improvement can’t be obtained via professional tooth whitening.

Veneers vs. Whitening

Now that you know more about your two options and choosing whitening vs. veneers or vice versa, you should know a few other things.

• Professional tooth whitening via the Opalescence system is highly effective for mild extrinsic tooth discoloration. While it is less expensive than veneers per procedure, tooth whitening is not a permanent solution. Your whiter teeth will likely last for six to 12 months. 
• Veneers are a permanent solution that is not reversible. And the upfront cost is much higher. However, with good oral care at home and regular visits to the dentist for a professional tooth cleaning and oral evaluation, your veneers can easily last 12 years, if not longer.
• Either option will help provide you with a whiter and brighter smile that will leave you ready for that next selfie or family photo.

Visit The Tooth Doc, the best teeth whitening dentist in Omaha.

Whether you have decided between whitening vs. veneers, have more questions, or want to explore more options for your smile makeover, The Tooth Doc is your best cosmetic dentist in Omaha, NE. We provide anxiety-free family dentistry. And when it comes to your smile, our goal is to be your one-stop shop for all the dental services you may need throughout your lifetime. We offer:

• General dentistry
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Restorative dentistry
• Children’s dentistry

We use the latest dental technology to make your experience faster, more efficient, and as comfortable as possible. Please request an appointment today so we can set you on a path to enhance your smile.