Many patients want to brighten their smiles but find it hard to choose the best dental solution. Patients at Dental Solutions of Mississippi in Canton, MS, often debate teeth whitening vs. veneers. Both are attractive options and will make your smile brighter. However, there are a few differences between teeth whitening and veneers. Keep reading below to learn more about the similarities and differences of teeth whitening vs. veneers.
Teeth Whitening vs. Veneers
First, let’s talk about the broad stroke differences of teeth whitening vs. veneers. Teeth whitening utilizes your teeth and whitens them using bleach. The dental veneer is a shell placed over your front teeth to give the appearance of a brighter, whiter smile.
Teeth Whitening
Brighten your smile with teeth whitening from Dental Solution of Mississippi. Professional teeth whitening allows you to brighten your natural teeth more effectively and efficiently. So, what are the advantages of teeth whitening?
Effective. Compared to over-the-counter solutions, professional teeth whitening brightens your smile more effectively because your dentist uses either custom dental trays or in-office whitening solutions. Custom-made trays are preferred over one-size-fits-all trays because they reach each crevice in your smile. Further, in-office whitening also gets every surface your dentist places on the whitening solution.
Efficient. Teeth whitening is a more efficient solution compared to over-the-counter options because the bleaching gel is typically stronger than over-the-counter solutions. A more potent gel means that you can brighten your smile quicker.
Dental Veneers
At our Canton, MS dental office, we also offer dental veneers. A dental veneer is a shell that fits over your front teeth. Each tooth will have a unique shell that is customized to hold its shape. You will work with your dentist to choose the best shade and style of a tooth. Once placed, dental veneers can last 5-7 years if properly managed.
Many patients prefer dental veneers over teeth whitening because dental veneers are a quicker fix. When they are placed, your smile is completely transformed, and there is no wait for the bleaching process to work. Another advantage is that dental veneers can straighten and reshape your teeth in addition to whitening them, while teeth whitening only whitens the teeth.
Am I a Good Candidate for Whitening or Veneers?
Before choosing to pursue teeth whitening vs. veneers, it is essential to determine if you are a good candidate for these cosmetic procedures. Dental Solutions of Mississippi recommends that patients care for their restorative dentistry procedures before pursuing cosmetic dentistry. So, if you have dental decay, we recommend a dental filling before moving forward with cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or veneers. We recommend this because you will receive the best cosmetic results when your teeth are healthy and ready to undergo the process.
Teeth Whitening vs. Veneers – Cost Comparison
The cost of teeth whitening vs. veneers depends significantly on the type of whitening or veneer you choose. For example, if you decide on over-the-counter whitening products, they will be less expensive than professional whitening or veneers. Additionally, composite veneers are less expensive compared to porcelain veneers. On average, teeth whitening is less costly compared to veneers. However, veneers offer more benefits than teeth whitening, such as stronger and straighter teeth.
Choosing between teeth whitening and veneers can be a hard choice. Yet, Dental Solutions of Mississippi are here to help you with your decision. Call our office today if you have questions about which solution is best for you or schedule an appointment.