How to Compare Teeth Bleaching With Dental Veneers

In most cases, choosing between teeth bleaching and dental veneers is a matter of cost. The results obtained with veneers and other types of cosmetic dentistry, however, offer far more consistent and satisfactory results. Make an appointment with your dentist to determine which option is right for you and your smile.

Instructions

1. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to compare the possibility of bleaching your teeth with getting porcelain veneers. Your dentist will need to give you a thorough examination to determine the most safe and effective solution, taking into account such factors as the overall condition of your teeth, the causes of discoloration and whether or not your gums are healthy enough to withstand the bleaching process.

2. Compare the overall effectiveness of the teeth bleaching process with getting dental veneers. While dental veneers virtually guarantee a perfect smile, the results obtained from bleaching can be much less consistent and unpredictable, with some patients experiencing blotchy teeth and variations of whiteness from tooth to tooth. In addition, bleaching usually has no effect on dental work, such as porcelain crowns and bridges, which may cause your smile to appear unnatural and uneven.

3. Look at the cost of having dental veneers installed in comparison to most teeth bleaching methods. While bleaching generally costs just a few hundred dollars, veneers can cost many times that amount. Dental veneers can last much longer than bleaching, however, which may balance out the long-term costs.

4. Weigh the safety factors when you compare teeth bleaching to dental veneers. Excessive bleaching can cause damage to your gums and mouth if not properly done. Since the FDA does not regulate the use of teeth bleaching agents, it is easy to misuse these products and experience serious side effects.

5. Decide between teeth bleaching and dental veneers by considering the convenience of each method. Teeth bleaching can generally be done in the comfort of your own home, with just a couple of visits to the dentist for the fitting of the bleaching trays. Dental veneers may require more time in the dental chair and more discomfort as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect that results from teeth bleaching will be inconsistent when the patient is suffering from receding gums, with shades of whiteness varying greatly from the top to the bottom of each tooth.

• If you have existing dental work, you should whiten your teeth first, and then have crowns and bridges replaced to match the new color of your bleached teeth.