Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you—which is why many patients these days opt for cosmetic dentistry to enhance their pearly whites. In fact, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the demand for cosmetic dental work has actually doubled within the last five years! And this demand has been met thanks to several available cosmetic treatment options, with two popular ones being teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Here’s a closer look at these two treatment options so you can decide which one of them is right for your smile.
Give Your Smile a New Glow with Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can brighten the color of your teeth by several shades, making it an excellent option for those with stained teeth, regardless of how the staining was inflicted. Your dentist has access to special tools and professional-grade whitening agents that are more effective than anything you can purchase yourself. Using this equipment, they can polish the surface of your teeth in a matter of minutes, removing any visible staining.
They can also send you home with a whitening kit that contains everything you need to whiten on your own schedule. Both of these methods are completely painless, and the results are fully manifested in roughly two weeks. Assuming you take good care of your new smile, its new glow can last anywhere from six months to three years!
Make Your Teeth Picture-Perfect with Veneers
Porcelain veneers can also give your teeth a whiter and brighter appearance, but the benefits don’t stop there! First, your dentist will need to bond the veneers to your teeth; these thin sheets of dental porcelain are incredibly durable and look very similar to your natural teeth. The placement process involves your dentist removing a small amount of enamel, but nothing that’ll harm you—plus, this ultimately allows for a much stronger bond between the veneers and your teeth.
Once bonded, the veneers will look and feel just like your natural teeth, and if cared for properly, they can last for up to 15 years. Veneers can be used address several different aesthetic issues including minor chips and cracks in teeth, gaps between teeth, severe staining that teeth whitening cannot address, and more.
Which Treatment Is Best for My Smile?
Picking the right cosmetic treatment options for your smile will depend entirely on the results you’re trying to achieve. So if you’re really only looking to enhance the shade of your teeth, whitening is probably your best bet. However, if your smile needs a little more than just a quick paintjob and you have noticeably compromised teeth, you might be interested in veneers. Your cosmetic dentist will be able to inspect your mouth and provide input, too.
Knowing what each of these treatments can do for your smile is important when deciding which is the best option for you—a better smile is possible, and teeth whitening or veneers are two great ways to go about it.
About the Author
The team at Rockville Family Dentistry is honored to serve patients and families in the Rockville, MD area under the leadership of Dr. Shahram Modarres. Dr. Modarres received his dental doctorate from the New York University School of Dentistry and is a proud member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. His practice is pleased to offer many available services including cosmetic options like teeth whitening and veneers. To schedule a visit, feel free to contact Dr. Modarres through his practice’s website or by phone: (301) 816-9400.