Yellow Teeth: Should I Consider Teeth Whitening or Veneers?

Yellow Teeth: Should I Consider Teeth Whitening or Veneers?

If your teeth are yellow, you can fix them. Both teeth whitening and veneers work very well to lighten your teeth, but the two options have different uses and are designed to achieve different results.

You can choose to have either of the two options done right in the dentist’s office. However, teeth whitening and veneers have some different aspects that can make one choice better than the other, depending on your situation.

Dr. Wayne Hofflich at SmileBoutique in Mount Vernon, New York, explains more about your choices and how to make the best decision for you.

What is tooth whitening?

Getting your teeth whitened at the dentist’s office is generally much more effective than doing it yourself with over-the-counter products. The greater effectiveness is because dentists use a higher concentration of the bleaching agents. 

Once the bleaching agents are applied to your teeth, Dr. Hofflich uses the Philips Zoom® laser, which “cures” the whitening chemicals to allow them to work better. Generally, teeth whitening applies mostly to external stains on your teeth. 

External stains are caused by:

You can usually expect to lighten your teeth by several shades with professional teeth whitening.

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are thin composite resin or porcelain shells that go over the outside of your teeth. Because they have to be placed over your teeth, an ever-so-thin layer of enamel needs to be removed from your teeth to make room for the shells. 

This is considered a permanent option because once your teeth are filed down, you’ll need to stick with veneers. Most veneers last an average of 5-10 years.

Porcelain veneers are generally more durable than composite resin and last longer, but they’re also more expensive. You might want to choose veneers if:

Veneers are the perfect way to get a “Hollywood” smile, and they can truly transform your teeth.

Which should you choose?

Whether to get teeth whitening or veneers largely depends on the results you would like to achieve and the current state of your teeth.

If your teeth are simply stained from normal use, whitening can be a good and affordable option. However, the results aren’t permanent, and you may have to get it done again when your teeth accumulate more stains.

Veneers are a bigger investment, but they’re one that many people are very happy to choose. Not only can you get brighter results than with whitening, but you can also fix many dental imperfections.

Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Hofflich can let you know for sure if you’re a candidate for tooth whitening, or if he feels that you would be more likely to achieve the results you want from veneers. 

To set up a meeting with Dr. Hofflich, call SmileBoutique or book online to request an appointment online.

You Might Also Enjoy...

How to Handle a Chipped Tooth

How to Handle a Chipped Tooth

It can be startling or even scary to chip one of your teeth, but being prepared can help. In this post, we describe what you should do when you have a chipped tooth.
4 Warning Signs You Need a Root Canal

4 Warning Signs You Need a Root Canal

Do the words “root canal” send a shudder up your spine? This common treatment has a bad reputation, but it can save a tooth and end your symptoms fast. Are you having dental problems? Here are four signs you need a root canal.
Help! My Gums Are Bleeding

Help! My Gums Are Bleeding

It’s tempting to ignore bleeding when you brush or floss, but that could cause more harm than good. A little blood may not seem like an issue, but it’s a common sign of a potentially serious problem — gum disease.
What a Smile Analysis Can Tell Us About Your Oral Health

What a Smile Analysis Can Tell Us About Your Oral Health

Maybe you have a crooked tooth, a chipped molar, or a gap that’s great for whistling and slurping soup but isn’t doing your image any good. A smile analysis can identify flaws and the oral health issues they cause. Here’s how.