Veneers or Teeth Whitening: Which Is Better for My Stained Teeth?

If you have stained teeth or general discoloration, you can count on Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for help. We offer dental veneers to mask imperfections as well as teeth whitening to bleach dental stains. After getting veneers or having your teeth whitened, you’ll be able to smile with total confidence.

Since both are effective, you may wonder which one is right for you. The team at our Bloomington, IL, dental practice would like to compare teeth whitening and veneers for tooth discoloration so you have a better understanding of which treatment may be right for you.

When to Get Teeth Whitening for Stained Teeth

Teeth whitening is a good option for people who have stains that originate on the surface of their teeth. This covers the majority of food, drink, and tobacco-related stains people experience. Since the bleaching agent is applied to the surface of a person’s teeth, any stains on the surface can be whitened. This will leave your smile looking bright and pristine.

When to Get Veneers for Stained Teeth

Since veneers cover up the front of a tooth, they are ideal for dark surface stains or stains that originate within the structure of a tooth. These are the kinds of stains that whitening alone is unable to address.

In addition to treating dental stains, veneers can also be used to mask teeth that are chipped, cracked, poorly shaped, or asymmetrical. They are an excellent way to conceal imperfections.

Is One Option Better Than the Other?

No, generally speaking. Both veneers and whitening are great treatments for stains, but one option may be more ideal than the other in certain situations.

During a consultation at our Bloomington dental practice, we can examine your teeth and let you know which treatment is the right one for you. We can also recommend other alternatives if we determine that whitening and veneers are not suited to your particular case of tooth discoloration. In these instances, a tooth-colored dental crown may be best.

Can Whitening and Veneers Be Combined?

Yes. In fact, that may be the best way to truly enhance your smile.

For major surface stains, your dentist may whiten the teeth first before a veneer is placed. This essentially gets the tooth structure as bright as possible before it is prepped to receive a veneer.

We can also combine whitening and veneers to treat patients who have teeth that are misshaped or worn and also stained. Whitening will bleach away discoloration while the veneer can be used to cover up other aesthetic flaws.

This can also be helpful for patients who need veneers on some teeth and whitening on others. The combination of cosmetic procedures allows for remarkable aesthetic results.

Want to Learn More About Treating Stained Teeth? Contact Us

Want to find out which cosmetic dentistry treatment is right for you? To request a consultation, contact our dental office in Bloomington. During your visit, we will be able to answer any questions you may have and help you make an informed decision about your dental health.