Should I Choose Teeth Whitening or Veneers to Transform My Smile?

With so many cosmetic dental treatments available today, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. When struggling with stains and discoloration, you may discover that more than one option will work. But how do you choose? A cosmetic dentist in Sarasota is here to provide insightful information that will guide you in your decision-making process to select teeth whitening or veneers.

Why Choose Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening in Sarasota is an ideal solution if you want to rid your smile of stains caused by dark-colored beverages and food or if your teeth appear yellow. Many cosmetic dentists offer at-home whitening kits that make it easy for you to say goodbye to your discolored teeth and instead, embrace a whiter, brighter smile about two weeks! Unlike store-bought whitening trays or strips that often cause uneven whitening and lackluster results, professional-grade solutions provided by your dentist offer safer, more effective bleaching gel that addresses extrinsic (surface) and intrinsic (inside) stains.

When worn for the designated amount of time each day, you can expect to see a noticeably whiter smile in 14 days. Not to mention, you can easily maintain your results and perform touch-ups at home should you notice changes in the color of your smile over time.

Why Choose Veneers?

While teeth whitening is effective at removing surface and deep-down stains, some discoloration is often far more difficult to eliminate, even with high-grade bleaching products. As a result, you may wish to move forward with veneers in Sarasota. Although they are more expensive than teeth whitening, these customized restorations do more than just whiten your smile. They can also change the size and shape of your teeth, hiding additional imperfections such as chips, cracks, minor gaps, misshapen teeth, and even small misalignments.

Made of thin sheaths of porcelain, veneers often require 2-3 appointments, and the process is more invasive than teeth whitening because a small portion of tooth enamel must be removed from the surface of each tooth. With regular maintenance and care, veneers can last for 10 years or more and are considered a permanent cosmetic treatment option.

Which One Meets Your Needs?

Ultimately, the decision is yours. However, when meeting with your dentist to discuss your options, it will eventually come down to your goals. Do you want to simply remove a few stains on the surface of your teeth, or are you looking to improve not just the color but also the size and shape of your pearly whites? Once you determine what it is you want, you and your dentist can formulate a treatment plan that will meet those needs and give you the smile of your dreams.

Teeth whitening and veneers are two of the most popular cosmetic solutions available today. No matter which method you choose, you can trust that you will be pleased with your results.

About the Author
Want to rid your smile of its imperfections? Dr. Warren Hoffman is a dentist in Sarasota who provides exceptional cosmetic services designed to eliminate stains, discoloration, chips, gaps, and more. If you’re tired of looking at a dull, broken, and damaged smile, let Dr. Hoffman and his team at Parkway Ridge Dental breathe new life into your appearance. Contact us at (941) 358-8830 to find out if veneers or teeth whitening is what you need to feel confident in your smile again!