Best Teeth Whitening Options

Teeth veneers a form of cosmetic dentistry used to fix teeth irregularities. Typically they are porcelain or plastic molds that are custom formed to fit your mouth. They bond to the front of your existing teeth covering them with a perfectly shaped, stainless surface.

Recently, veneers have been improved to have a more natural appearance, so much so that it’s difficult to tell when someone’s got them.

When are Veneers Used?

Veneers are commonly used to fix chipped, cracked or crooked teeth. However other issues such as discoloration due to stains or aging, and genetic abnormalities are instances when veneers can be considered. Veneers can also be used when teeth are damaged due to general wear and tear. The most important thing to remember when considering veneers is that most existing teeth must be altered so there is room in your mouth for the veneers. Any changes made to your existing teeth are permanent, making the decision for veneers one that should be thought out carefully and discussed with your dentist. Typically speaking veneers should only be used when the look and functionality of your natural teeth are beyond repair. Otherwise bonding, crowns and other teeth whitening methods should be looked into.

Are There Alternatives to Veneers?

As mentioned above, veneers should only be used as a last resort, when all other options won’t work. Depending on the problems you have with your teeth alternative options are available, and should be considered. If stains and discoloration are your problem, consider looking into professional teeth whitening.  There are many options available to remove stains and whiten teeth. You may even realize that professional whitening is more than you need and your stains can be easily removed with home teeth whitening methods.  In fact, before even going to see your dentist about removing stains you may want to give our 30 Day Teeth Whitening System a try. If stains aren’t your problem and instead are someone who has crooked or irregularly sized or spaced teeth you also have other options. Orthodontic dentistry can help fix your problem with the help of braces or a retainer. Although this method takes much longer than veneers (1-2 years vs. 1-2 appointments), the finished product will be a beautiful, straight smile using your natural teeth. Cracked or chipped teeth is the scenario when veneers would make the most sense, but you have alternative options then too. If they aren’t badly damaged bonding is a possiblity, where the crack or chip is filled with a white resin filling. This can get the tooth looking normal without permanently altering it.

So Should I Get Veneers or Not?

As with any dental treatment you are considering, the best advice is to first discuss your situation with your dentist. He or she will have access to your previous dental history and will be best equipped to give you a recommendation on the best option for your situation.

Tags: dentist whitening, veneers