Discoloration Dilemma: Do I Need Teeth Whitening or Veneers?

Are you frustrated by stubborn stains that you can’t seem to brush away? Many people want brighter smiles but can’t achieve their desired results on their own at home. Some even try over-the-counter solutions without much luck.

Thankfully, your dentist can provide different cosmetic services to enhance your appearance, like professional teeth whitening or veneers. But how do you know which treatment is best for you? Keep reading to learn more about each so you can make an informed decision for your grin!

What is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Many commercially available strips, gels, and pastes claim to be able to lift the tone of your teeth but don’t always deliver. They contain cheaper whitening agents that may not be overly effective, and some patients develop sensitivity after over-applying them in their attempt to brighten their grins.

Meanwhile, your dentist has access to professional-grade solutions like ZOOM! These whitening gels are ultra-concentrated and designed to minimize any potential sensitivity. In a single in-office appointment, you can lighten your smile by several shades for instant results. Or, if you prefer the comfort of your living room, they can provide a take-home kit with the same top-quality whiteners and custom-fitted trays for optimal results.

When is Professional Teeth Whitening Best?

This topical treatment is ideal when addressing surface stains in your enamel. These occur after years of prolonged or repeated exposure to darkly pigmented foods and drinks like tea, coffee, wine, berries, and tomatoes. Your dentist can safely apply whitening products to reverse years’ worth of discoloration caused by particles that cling to plaque on the surface of your teeth to tint them.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells, usually made from resilient ceramic, that are bonded over the front surface of your teeth. They can be customized to be just the right shape, size, and shade to enhance your appearance without anyone the wiser. They’re considered a cosmetic service because they’re intended to mask imperfections like chips, cracks, slight gaps, minor misalignments, and stubborn stains.

However, for these to rest flush against your gums, your provider must remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth. Because it doesn’t grow back, this is considered an irreversible change, leaving your pearly whites more vulnerable to decay, disease, and injuries. You’ll need veneers or another restoration in place to safeguard your smile moving forward.

When Are Veneers Best?

Sometimes, dental discoloration exists on the surface of your teeth and can be easily bleached away. In other instances, it originates or seeps into the lower layers of dentin and isn’t responsive to topical whitening. If you have intrinsic stains caused by genetics, prescription medications, or over-exposure to fluoride as a child, then you’re more likely to need prosthetics to mask the flaws in your teeth.  

If you’re still feeling uncertain about the proper treatment for you, the best next step is to schedule a cosmetic consultation with your dentist!

About the Practice

At White Oak Dental, you and your family benefit from two dentists who have 20+ years of combined experience. Dr. April Korte and Mark Stapleton work together to provide a full array of services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof. Whether you need basic preventative care or are eager to upgrade your grin, they can help! They’re members of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, among several professional organizations, so you know that your smile is in good hands. You can request a consultation on the website or call (952) 448-2868.