This or That: Teeth Whitening vs. Porcelain Veneers

Teeth whitening or veneersCosmetic dentistry is an accessible, effective way to improve the way you look without the need for plastic surgery or invasive treatments. Teeth whitening, the most popular cosmetic dental treatment in the country, and porcelain veneers, a Hollywood favorite, are two of several available procedures available to our patients. How do you know which of the two is best suited to your unique needs?

Perks of Professional Teeth Whitening

Of the two, teeth whitening from your cosmetic dentist requires less of an investment, although the results do not last as long. Bleaching can last several months if the teeth are cleaned regularly and properly maintained. We offer free refills on our teeth whitening formula and kits for life, so there is no need to pay for future touch-ups; the same cannot be said for over-the-counter whitening products. Whitening is also ideal for gradual improvements and works best for patients teeth show minimal to moderate signs of staining.

Versatility of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are capable of achieving the same results as teeth whitening, but their benefits are not limited to making teeth look whiter. First, though, it bears mentioning that veneers are often recommended for patients whose teeth show severe staining that is not treatable with professional bleaching. Each veneer has several super-thin layers of porcelain that actually cover the surface of your tooth, and in doing so they hide discoloration, no matter how severe.

Veneers do require a greater investment, but they last several years. Some patients have kept their veneers for as long as twenty years. If whitening is not your only goal, you may be a candidate for veneers. We use these popular restorations to treat everything from chips and minor cracks to gaps between teeth. In some cases, we can even use veneers to make your teeth look straighter without the need for orthodontic treatment.

About Your Conroe Cosmetic Dentist

For more details about cosmetic or sedation dentistry in Conroe, TX, or to schedule an appointment with At the The Dental Centre of Conroe, John M Richards DDS delivers distinctive cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry for residents of Conroe, Houston, The Woodlands, Willis, Huntsville, and the neighboring communities. For more information about our services, or to schedule an appointment, contact us by calling(936) 441-4600.