If you are researching ways to improve your smile, you will no doubt come across two of the most popular options – teeth whitening and dental veneers. In this article, we will explain what both procedures entail and the pros and cons of both, to help you make your decision.
What is teeth whitening?
It is a service offered by dentist which has the goal of increasing the whiteness of your teeth. It is commonly used by people whose teeth are discoloured.
Teeth may become discoloured due to lifestyle habits, such as the consumption of coffee or starchy foods, or through smoking or tobacco uses. Other causes that may contribute to teeth that are yellow, grey or brown may include poor dental hygiene, certain diseases or medications, a dry mouth, tooth decay, or natural ageing and wear and tear.
Whatever the cause, it is likely to be a solution that can help to increase the brightness of your pearly whites. However, your dentist will first have to assess your suitability to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for this process, and that this is the best solution for your circumstances and the smile you want to achieve.
So, what exactly does the whitening process involve? modern dentistry offers two methods of Pola teeth whitening: in-chair teeth whitening or at-home teeth whitening.
When undergoing whitening process at your dentist Summer Hill, the clinic will place cheek retractors in your mouth, clean your teeth with a flour based pumice, dry the teeth and apply a gum barrier to both arches and protect the gums. Next, they will ‘cure’ the gum barrier to ensure the barrier is firm, using light.
dentist will then apply a thin layer to all of the teeth that are undergoing treatment, before the gel is allowed to sit for 8 minutes. Depending on your circumstances a curing light may be used to maximise the whitening effect, with the patient comfortably fitted out in sunglasses. They will then use a surgical aspirator tip to remove the gel. This complete, they will repeat the process three times to enhance the whitening.
The alternative, at home teeth whitening, is another effective way to whiten your teeth while allowing you to do so in the comfort of your own home. dentist Leichhardt can supply you with custom trays and gel for you to use at home. Not only is it a more affordable solution in terms of teeth whitening but it is the preferred whitening option as it is less harsh in terms of sensitivity on your teeth.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front of the teeth at the front of the mouth. They are a treatment method offered by your local dental clinic that is designed to improve the appearance of your smile by changing the colour, texture and shape and masking any defects.
People may get veneers from their dentist if their teeth are discoloured, stained, chipped, uneven, worn down, misshapen, crooked, or if they have gaps between them. Your dentist Five Dock has training in aesthetics and can customise your veneers in a number of ways to create the perfect balanced smile. dentist can match veneers to skin colouring, facial features and shape.
Veneers only require very minimal removal of tooth structure to be bonded to the front of the tooth, because they are usually about half a millimetre in thickness.
There are two types of material that are most commonly used for dental veneers. These are porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Porcelain is a high quality veneer option that is durable, non-porous, not prone to chipping or staining, and long-lasting. With their superior transmission of light, they give the smile a truly shining appearance. Composite veneers are a more affordable solution also offered by your dentist Ashfield.
Which should I choose?
There are benefits to both of these process, and which option is best for you will depend on your circumstances.
whitening is a more affordable option. You will pay less and still achieve a whiter, brighter smile. It also involves no alteration of the natural teeth in preparation for the procedure. It is generally the more ‘straightforward procedure’ though both are very easy and straightforward.
On the other hand, dental veneers allow you to change the shape of your teeth. Teeth whitening is not able to achieve this and can only change the colour. veneers stay white whereas the effects of whitening will gradually wear off over time, reducing the whitening effect. You can better anticipate how veneers will appear in advance and the colour can be more carefully selected than teeth whitening.
There is also a third option – combining teeth whitening and dental veneers. Both of these options are cosmetic dentistry treatments that your dentist may combine in a comprehensive smile makeover. For example, your dentist may advise four dental veneers for your slightly spaced out top teeth; while suggesting whitening for the bottom row of teeth.
The benefit of receiving information and advice directly from the dentist is that they can walk you through all your options, the pros and cons, the costs, and what best suits you. There are even other treatment methods, like Invisalign, that may form part of your smile makeover.
Where can I find a dentist that offers teeth whitening or dental veneers?
You can undergo dental veneers and teeth whitening treatments nearby your place. For more information on our cosmetic dentistry or any dental procedure, Haberfield Dental Practice can answer your queries.