When to Choose Veneers Over Teeth Whitening

Think of teeth whitening vs. dental veneers as the difference between a quick refresh and a full smile makeover. Both offer pros and cons, although each option can dramatically enhance the appearance of your pearly whites. But which cosmetic dental treatment is best?

See Prathima Rasamsetty, DDS, and her Preva Dental team in San Antonio, Texas, to determine if you should choose veneers over teeth whitening — or opt for another cosmetic dental procedure entirely. 

When to choose teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is a simple, non-invasive, and fast treatment that makes your teeth multiple shades whiter in under an hour during in-office whitening treatment sessions. You can even complete teeth whitening with custom tooth trays (available at Preva Dental) from the comfort of your home.

However, teeth whitening doesn't repair tooth damage, reshape your teeth, or eliminate gaps like dental veneers. What are the pros of teeth whitening? Ease of use, convenience, dramatic results, and low cost. The cons? You may be unhappy with the overall result if you have tooth imperfections beyond discoloration. 

Reasons to choose dental veneers

Veneers are like shells that Dr. Rasamsetty can bond to the front and sides of each tooth, improving their look and function and creating a flawless smile — while keeping your natural teeth intact. 

Veneers may be a better match than teeth whitening if you struggle with:

• Severe staining that doesn’t resolve after teeth whitening
• Tooth chips
• Cracks in your teeth
• Broken teeth
• Gaps in your smile
• Teeth that are too small
• Misshapen teeth
• Other minor smile imperfections

Veneers are the perfect cosmetic dental solution in many situations, which is why their use has been increasing in popularity. 

However, veneers are more costly than teeth whitening. Before applying dental veneers, your dentist must first remove part of the tooth enamel. And if you have gum disease or tooth decay, you must first receive treatments, such as fillings, root canals, or periodontal work, before undergoing veneer placement. 

Other cosmetic treatment options

If you have severe tooth damage or decay and need more intense whitening or veneers, Preva Dental offers additional options. You may be a candidate for dental crowns, bridges, dental implants, or more restorative dental solutions. 

Crowns cover the entire surface of your tooth (like a cap), while bridges and dental implants replace missing or extracted permanent teeth. 

Are you interested in learning more about teeth whitening and dental veneers to determine which treatment best matches your cosmetic dentistry goals? Schedule an evaluation today at Preva Dental by contacting us by phone or booking an appointment online.