Teeth Whitening vs. Porcelain Veneers: Which Is Right for You?
If you’ve been pondering a brighter smile, you’ve probably come across two of the most popular options: teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. Both can deliver stunning results, but they’re not interchangeable. The right choice depends on what you’re hoping to achieve.
In Rochester, New York, Carol Scuro, DMD, Bradford Emery, DMD, Nicholas Emery, DDS, and the Emery & Scuro DMD, PC team can help you figure out which option is best for you.
What teeth whitening can do for you
Professional teeth whitening is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to refresh your smile. Unlike the strips and trays you can find at your local drugstore, our in-office whitening treatment uses professional-strength solutions that deliver noticeably brighter results in a single visit.
If your main concern is dull or discolored teeth, whitening is your best option. It can help if your teeth are:
- Stained from coffee, tea, or wine
- Dingy from tobacco use
- Yellow from aging and wear and tear
Whitening won’t change the shape of your teeth, or fix gaps or chips. If you already have veneers or crowns, whitening doesn’t help with those either. Whitening is best for surface stains; if your needs are comprehensive, veneers may be a more suitable solution.
How porcelain veneers can transform your smile
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, customized shells that bond to the front of your teeth. At Emery & Scuro DMD, PC, we use veneers to address a wide range of concerns and design them to look completely natural in your mouth.
They’re often the better option when you want to correct multiple issues, such as:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Unevenness
- Gaps
- Stubborn stains
Veneers can last up to 15 years, and because they’re made of porcelain, they resist stains so your smile stays white and bright for more than a decade. On the downside, veneers do require our team to grind down the enamel on each tooth slightly, so they’re a permanent commitment.
How to know which choice is right for you?
If you love the shape and alignment of your teeth and just want them brighter, professional whitening is likely all you need. If you have multiple cosmetic concerns you'd like to address in one step, veneers might be best.
Some of our patients choose to do both. They whiten their teeth first to establish a shade baseline, and then opt for veneers on specific teeth to match. Our team will take the time to review your smile, discuss your goals, and recommend the solution that makes the most sense for you.
Take the next steps today
We offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services, so whether you choose teeth whitening, veneers, or a combination of the two, we have decades of experience improving smiles.
The best next step is a conversation with one of our dentists. During your consultation, we'll take a close look at your teeth, talk through what's bothering you most, and map out a plan together.
It’s time to feel great about your smile again. Call 585-684-8423 or request an appointment online today.
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