The ultimate goal of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance the appearance one’s smile. Thankfully, there are modern dental techniques that have been designed to either remove or conceal such dental imperfections. In fact, there are two ways in which dentists can help to lighten the shade of your discoloured teeth: Teeth Whitening and Dental Veneers.
Teeth whitening
Thanks to modern teeth whitening techniques such as laser teeth whitening, today’s dentists can help you to achieve amazing results from dental bleaching in just about an hour. Although you can also try at-home bleaching methods that typically involves the use of bleaching trays and gels, the dentist-administered laser whitening treatment is still considered the safer and speedier option.
Dental veneers
The other popular method that can help you to achieve a brighter smile in a relatively short time involves the use of dental veneers. This minimally invasive technique can be performed without the use of anaesthesia or drilling. Dental veneers are thin shells of laminates that are placed over your natural teeth to conceal any dental flaws you may have, including tooth stains or discolouration.
How do the two treatments compare?
Although both treatments can deliver effective results, they are essentially different in terms of approach and end goal. The dentist will recommend either options based on the following:
Extent Of Discolouration
If your teeth are mildly discoloured as a result of lifestyle habits like drinking or smoking, it is likely that a laser whitening treatment will be a good choice in lightening up your pearlies. The combination of a concentrated hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel and high intensity curing light can do wonders in achieving a brighter smile in a single one-hour appointment.
However, if your discolouration is more severe – perhaps owing to genetics or medication – your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers instead. The wafer thin shells can help to conceal even extreme teeth discolouration when conservative cleaning or stain removal methods fail to do so.
Other Dental Flaws That Require Fixing
Dental veneers can also be used effectively to mask other dental imperfections that mar the appearance of your smile, including crooked, misaligned or gappy teeth. They are ideal for masking multiple aesthetic issues – such as minor chips and cracks – while brightening up your smile at the same time. Besides closing unsightly gaps, dental veneers can also improve the shape, position and colour of your teeth.
Time And Procedure
Unlike a teeth whitening session that takes as little as a single appointment to achieve visible results, you would need at least 2-3 dental appointments to enhance your smile with dental veneers.
To make sure that the porcelain laminates can precisely cover your existing teeth, the dentist would also need to remove an extremely thin layer of your teeth to make room for the veneers. Although the procedure is minimally invasive and relatively fast compared to other cosmetic treatments, it is still lengthier and slightly more patient-involved than a laser whitening treatment.
Finally, the dental veneers is also the costlier option but the result can lasts for years. Conversely, you would need to repeat your laser whitening treatment every year to maintain the optimum brightness.
Ultimately, the decision really depends on your specific dental needs, bearing in mind that your dentist is in the best position to advice the most suitable option.
For more information on the range of cosmetic dental treatment options we offer – including laser teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, please contact Sydney CBD Dental at 02 9051 0503.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding with a surgical or invasive procedure, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.