If you are interested in sprucing up your smile in time for the holidays, there are a number of cosmetic dentistry options available. The one that is right for you will depend on your needs and desires. For stained enamel, teeth whitening is a common treatment — but for a longer-term solution, patients may want to consider porcelain veneers instead. Keep reading to find out about how both work and which one may be best for your pearly whites.
Teeth Whitening for a Quick Fix
If minor discoloration and staining is what you are interested in correcting, teeth whitening can often brighten tooth enamel by as much as eight shades in a single treatment. A take-home kit may take up to two weeks to complete, while in-office whitening can be completed in a single appointment.
Of course, the initially super-bright results from teeth whitening will fade over time depending on your diet and lifestyle choices. Smoking and coffee consumption, for example, will cause the teeth to return to their original color (or darker) more quickly.
Dental Veneers: A Long-Term Solution
Teeth whitening offers a great solution for many people, but dental veneers are often preferred for their longevity. Because they are slivers of porcelain affixed to the front of the teeth, veneers look completely natural and can cover up the appearance of stained and discolored teeth even better than teeth whitening can. Plus, porcelain veneers also mask minor chips, gaps between teeth, and other flaws that commonly occur alongside staining. An added bonus — porcelain is highly stain-resistant, meaning getting veneers is something like getting a permanent teeth whitening treatment.
Which One Is Right for You?
Most patients who are interested in improving the appearance of their front teeth are eligible for teeth whitening or veneers. In order to decide which one is best for you, you should schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist. During a consultation, you will sit down and discuss your smile goals, your budget, and other items of concern to reach a conclusion. In general, patients who have a more flexible budget and are interested in maximum results usually prefer porcelain veneers.
No matter the right treatment for you, you have a lot to look forward to when you choose to improve the appearance of your teeth with cosmetic dentistry!
Meet the Practice
Led by Dr. L. Blaine Kennington, Cowlitz River Dental offers Castle Rock friends and families full-service dental care from the comfort of a state-of-the-art office. Dr. Kennington has decades of experience in comprehensive dentistry, including excellence in cosmetic dentistry. To learn more about teeth whitening or dental veneers or to book an appointment to begin your smile transformation, contact Cowlitz River Dental by phone at (360) 274-9100.