Teeth Whitening Or Dental Veneers – which one is best?

Which method, veneers or teeth whitening, offers the best results? It depends on what you need.

Although people have undoubtedly always wanted whiter teeth, it is only recently that cosmetic dentistry, including professional teeth whitening, has become more affordable to a larger range of people. Nowadays, the younger generation, in particular, will undoubtedly grow up expecting to have white teeth for the rest of their life, thanks to advances in professional teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.

Crowns can also be used for this purpose, but they can only be used in specific situations, usually for repairs. Teeth whitening and porcelain veneers are two of our most popular treatments at Blessing Dental Care each with its own pros and cons for combating discolouration.

In today’s blog, we’ll look at which treatment, professional teeth whitening or porcelain veneers, is more likely to be used if you come to us hoping to whiten your teeth. Naturally, you will need to have an initial consultation with one of the dentists at Blessing Dental Care, both to assess your overall oral health before any treatment begins and to discuss your options and determine which one is best for you.

Dental Teeth Whitening Treatment 

Teeth whitening is undoubtedly the most popular cosmetic dental treatment, and with good reason. Unlike some others, it does not involve intrusive intervention, is painless, and provides a cost-effective option for people looking to improve their smile. For those who still find that this treatment is out of their price range, we offer payment options that allow you to spread the cost of your payments over a period of time, making treatments like professional teeth whitening more accessible.

The process itself is quick and efficient. The treatment can begin once your teeth and gums have been cleared of any decay. Before administering the whitening gel to your teeth, the dentist will use a protective guard to protect your gums and soft tissue from potential discoloration and composite material. This is then triggered with a special UV laser to speed up the process, and you will be left for around an hour while the gel takes action.  After this time, the dentist will remove any gel and you will see a substantial improvement in the colour of your teeth.

This one-hour teeth whitening treatment can be done once, for example, for a special event, or on an ongoing basis to maintain whiter teeth over time. You should discuss your needs with the dentist during your appointment and before your treatment begins so that they may modify the treatment to your specific demands, considering factors like the extent of discoloration and possible decay.

There should be no lasting adverse reactions from this treatment, but a few patients may suffer increased sensitivity for a brief period of time after the treatment; however, this should resolve quickly.

Dental Porcelain Veneers Treatment

Dental veneers, typically recommended for those whose teeth are excessively discoloured or have mild damage such as chips and cracks, can also protect against decay. They may also be appropriate for people seeking a more permanent treatment, as porcelain veneers can endure for fifteen years or more if properly cared for, even with exposure to stain-inducing foods and beverages.

Unlike teeth whitening, fitting a tooth veneer normally requires only minor invasive treatment. A fine layer of your teeth’s discoloured or damaged enamel is removed during the process. Impressions and scans are then obtained, allowing the dental laboratory to produce your veneers in the proper thickness, shape, and size, ensuring they perfectly bond to your teeth without affecting nearby areas. This could take a week or more, and you will be given protective temporary veneers in the meantime to prevent further discoloration and protect against stains from foods and beverages. When your permanent veneers are ready, the temporary ones can be removed and replaced with a special clinical glue, ensuring a strong bond between the veneer and your tooth.

Your veneers can be produced in any colour you like, from brilliant white to natural white tooth enamel. They are then polished and cut to leave a natural appearance.

Although porcelain is not sensitive to the effects of sugar, such as tooth rot, it is essential that you clean your teeth well even if they are fitted. Any other area of the natural tooth that is damaged may cause the veneer to become loose and even dislodged. Brushing and flossing regularly, as well as visits to our Glasgow practise’s dentist and hygienist, should help you maintain your oral hygiene and your new smile for many years to come. Even at this time, veneers can be replaced, often without the need for more invasive treatments.

We strongly encourage you to avoid the occasionally enticing offers to have these treatments performed overseas. Some procedures are less controlled, and there have been ‘horror stories’ of these treatments going wrong, sometimes destroying patients’ teeth for life and leaving them in misery. Our highly qualified and competent dental team provides an excellent method to have these treatments performed in a safe and regulated setting, providing you with a fantastic new smile without the risks.

If you want to learn how to have whiter teeth, schedule an initial consultation with Blessing Dental Care so that we may recommend a suitable treatment plan for you. You can do this by making an appointment with us!