Should I Get Teeth Whitening or Veneers?

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, you might be wondering how cosmetic dentistry can help. There are many different ways to correct and enhance the teeth, including whitening treatments and veneers. 

But these two dental procedures are very different, so you should consider the long-term ramifications before making any decisions. 

At Bayside Dental Arts, in Bayside, New York, Andrey Ilyabayev, DDS, and our team provide a wide range of cosmetic dental services, including teeth whitening and dental veneers. We can perform a complete evaluation and help you decide which option is right for you.

Whitening vs. veneers

Depending on what types of flaws you’re trying to correct, the choice between teeth whitening and veneers might be an easy one. We can lift surface-level stains and yellowing using a bleaching solution, enhancing your existing smile. 

But if you have more considerable concerns about your teeth, you might wonder if veneers are more appropriate. They’re designed to cover up more permanent damage, like chips and cracks, or gaps between your teeth. Let’s take a closer look at these options:

Teeth whitening

If you’re generally happy with your smile but want to brighten things up, teeth whitening is more than enough. While it’s only a temporary procedure, you can have it done routinely, enjoying the results without having to maintain them. 

We can professionally whiten your teeth chairside, or we can prepare at-home whitening trays for you to use during your daily oral hygiene regimen. You can enjoy a whiter, brighter smile all the time if you keep up with your chosen whitening protocol.

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells designed to fit over the fronts of your teeth, giving them a more uniform appearance. 

We grind away some of the enamel before attaching a porcelain or composite resin veneer to each of the porous teeth beneath. You might have a veneer affixed to one tooth, multiple, or all of them. 

Veneers enhance and protect an existing tooth, but they aren’t infallible. You can stain and break them, and even porcelain veneers typically don’t last longer than a decade. But a set of veneers can reshape the profile of your teeth, giving you a customized smile. 

When veneers are necessary

Teeth whitening is relatively inexpensive, but it can only accomplish so much. Veneers require follow-up, but if your teeth are noticeably misshapen or discolored, veneers may be necessary to give you the smile of your dreams. 

It’s up to you and our dental team to decide which option addresses your needs best. 

At Bayside Dental Arts, Dr. Ilyabayev can evaluate your teeth and recommend a treatment plan. He can use veneers for a complete makeover or use whitening to enhance an already beautiful smile.   

To learn more and discuss your options, schedule a consultation at our New York City office in Bayside, Queens, by calling 315-908-0804, or book an appointment online.