Teeth Whitening vs. Veneers: Two Ways to Correct Discolored Enamel

Over time, certain foods, drinks, medications, and even the passing of time can cause your white smile to grow dull and discolored. Luckily, teeth whitening and veneers are in-office procedures performed at Kew Gardens Dental P.C., in Queens, New York City, that quickly recapture your glimmering pearly whites.

Teeth whitening and veneers are both effective methods for whitening teeth, and each has its advantages. Learn more from board-certified dentist Bella Pinkatz, DDS, about the pros and cons of each procedure.

About teeth whitening 

Teeth whitening uses a solution to lighten your teeth up to eight shades in just one quick procedure. You relax comfortably while our team applies the whitening solution or light and allows it time to work its magic. 

Once the solution is removed, you can see the results immediately. You can make the temporary results last longer by avoiding foods and drinks that stain your teeth.

Teeth whitening corrects discoloration without impacting other parts of your smile.

About veneers

Veneers are perfectly custom-fitted white shells that Dr. Pinkatz affixes to the front of your teeth. Along with whitening the appearance of your teeth, they can correct issues related to tooth alignment, size, and shape.

She fits and places veneers on your teeth over two office visits. Once placed, they are a long-term solution that lasts at least a decade.

Pros and cons of teeth whitening 

Teeth whitening is a faster and less expensive treatment than veneers. You only need to come in for one short visit before seeing results right away.

You can easily get your teeth whitened quickly to look your best for a special occasion. Most people are good candidates for teeth whitening, while you might need to get treatment for issues like tooth decay before having veneers fitted. 

The biggest disadvantage to teeth whitening is that the results are temporary and need to be repeated regularly to maintain your results. Also, severe types of discoloration can’t be corrected by teeth whitening.

Pros and cons of veneers

Veneers are a great option if there are other parts of your smile that you’d like to correct at the same time you whiten your teeth. They could also be right for you if you want whitening that lasts for many years or corrects discoloration you can’t address with teeth whitening.

The upfront time commitment and cost of veneers are higher than teeth whitening. They might not be right for you if you aren’t making other changes to your smile. 

Choosing the right whitening option

Teeth whitening and veneers are both great options for making your smile brighter. Adults with healthy teeth are generally good candidates for either procedure.

Our team meets with you to discuss your goals and evaluate your smile. We make a recommendation and develop a treatment plan that keeps your teeth at their whitest and aligns with your overall goals.

If you’ve been considering whitening your teeth or making other changes to your smile, our team can help you make that happen. Contact us to get started on your journey to whiter teeth.