Teeth Whitening vs. Porcelain Veneers in Newport Beach
If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile you have several different treatments to choose from. Two of the most popular methods from our Newport Beach dentist are teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Comparing the two will help you determine which is the best solution for you.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening, also known as bleaching, is done by placing a whitening formula on your teeth. Formulas usually come in gel form and contain a bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten the teeth. Teeth whitening works by breaking down stains on your natural teeth.
There are many whitening treatments available over the counter in different forms, which also give you varied results. But for a brighter white, our Newport Beach dentist has two types of professional-strength bleaching procedures available.
The first treatment involves us making you a set of trays that are custom fit to your teeth. Then, in the comfort of your own home, you place the whitening gel that we gave you into the trays and wear them for about 20 minutes. You then repeat this daily and in about 10 days to two weeks, you have optimal results.
The second form of teeth whitening is done in-office. We place a special bleaching gel on your teeth and use a light to activate the whitening ingredients. This process can take up to 90 minutes but when you leave the office your teeth will be several shades whiter (which would have taken you many days to achieve at home.)
The Porcelain Veneer Process
Dental veneers are custom-made tooth-colored shells of porcelain that are permanently cemented to the front of your teeth. In order to make room for veneers, our Newport Beach dentist needs to slightly alter your natural teeth. Though not much shaping is done, the effects are irreversible, meaning you’ll have to maintain veneers for the future of your smile.
As far as the procedure goes, typically we’ll complete the veneer process in two steps. At the first visit, we’ll do all of the tooth prep work. This appointment can take several hours, depending on how many veneers you decided to have done. After prepping, we’ll request to have the veneers made by our dental laboratory. Once they’re completed, you’ll return for a second appointment at which time we’ll bond them into place.
Good and Bad Candidates for Teeth Whitening and Porcelain Veneers
Teeth whitening is a minimally invasive procedure, however, it’s not ideal for everyone. Bleaching only works on natural teeth, therefore, the best candidates for bleaching are those who have healthy, untreated, natural front teeth. This means, that you don’t have fillings, veneers, crowns, or other dental work on teeth that show when you smile.
Having a healthy mouth that doesn’t contain gum disease or decay is best when it comes to whitening your teeth. Bleaching unhealthy teeth can result in severe pain and unnecessary tooth sensitivity.
Surface stains will have the best results from whitening. Deep tooth stains, known as intrinsic stains, are more difficult to remove with bleaching. Whitening may not work as well on certain discoloration issues like tetracycline stains.
With dental veneers, it’s also important to have a healthy mouth, however, a very small amount of decay or sensitivity can be okay. Veneers aren’t recommended for people who have gum disease or loose teeth as this will significantly reduce the longevity of the treatment.
Porcelain veneers can not only cover stubborn stains, but they also allow you to have whatever shade of teeth you’d like. You can even improve the size and shape of your smile, and straighten crooked teeth as well as close in gaps.
Cost of Whitening vs Veneers
When comparing the cost of whitening and veneers, you have to consider the capabilities that each offer.
Knowing that bleaching can only brighten your smile should tell you that it’s much more affordable than porcelain veneers and all of the changes they can make to your smile.
In addition to their capabilities, whitening lasts at the most one year without touchups, while dental veneers can last 15 years or longer with proper care.
That being said, you may not be surprised to learn that professional bleaching can cost anywhere from $200 – $600 to treat your entire mouth, while veneers cost about $1,000 per tooth. Typically to get a smile makeover you would want to get veneers on your front six teeth, at minimum.
Cosmetic Dentist in Newport Beach
If you want to improve the appearance of your smile and would like to speak with someone about your options then call Dr. Yazdan, our Newport Beach dentist. We love meeting new people and helping them achieve their goals. Don’t hide your smile anymore, get teeth that you’re proud of showing off!
About Dr. Yazdan
