22 December 2022

Should I Whiten My Teeth or Get Veneers?

Veneers or teeth whitening? Choose teeth whitening if you just aim for a brighter smile (your teeth will be several shades brighter). On the other hand, choose veneers if you want to achieve both a brighter and perfect smile. That’s because with veneers, your teeth’s overall shape will also improve (gaps will also be covered and corrected). 

Veneers vs teeth whitening 

As mentioned, veneers can cover and correct the gaps as well as improve your teeth’s overall shape. This is possible because a thin layer of porcelain will be attached to the front of your teeth. 

In contrast, teeth whitening, as also mentioned earlier, is about making your teeth several shades brighter. This is accomplished by using professional-grade bleaching agents that are activated with a UV lamp. When done or supervised by a dentist, your teeth will be brighter and your gums are also protected. 

Notice that teeth whitening only corrects teeth discolouration, while veneers also cover and correct the gaps. In other words, having veneers seems to be a complete solution to achieving a perfect smile. In addition, veneers can last up to 20 years, especially with porcelain veneers that can resist staining (with proper oral care and timely dental visits). In contrast, the results from teeth whitening can start to noticeably disappear after a year or two. 

But if you want quick results and if you’re just preparing for an upcoming job interview, major presentation, business meeting or a social gathering, choose teeth whitening. Aside from quick and noticeable results, it’s also a non-invasive procedure because it’s only a surface treatment (only a 2-hour procedure). 

Also, you can start with teeth whitening and decide whether to get veneers later on. It’s especially the case when you’re concerned about the cost (teeth whitening is much cheaper). If this is your first major attempt to improve your smile, teeth whitening can be a practical initial option. 

If you require more information about teeth whitening and veneers (and which one’s better for you), you should visit a dentist. This way, the dentist can better explain your options and ensure that you will achieve your desired outcome.