At White & White Family Dentistry, you’ll find three options for white teeth. But which one is right for you? We’re happy to answer all of your questions and help you decide. Call us today at 270-355-7599 to schedule a consultation with Dr. White. Veneers consultations are free!
In the meantime, check out our overview of your teeth whitening options: professional whitening treatments, dental veneers, or dental bonding. Some of the primary factors you’ll want to consider are:
- Condition of Your Teeth
- Type of Dental Discoloration
- Cost
- Longevity of Treatment
- Convenience of Treatment
Some Options for White Teeth Will Solve Other Smile Flaws
If you have other issues that bother you, two of your possible teeth whitening options can fix those flaws too. We can use either dental veneers or dental bonding to hide chips, gaps, and other smile imperfections.
With veneers, Dr. White will affix thin, custom-made shells of porcelain or a similar material to the front surfaces of your teeth. Since veneers can change the color, size, and/or shape of your teeth, they can completely transform your smile’s appearance. While not quite as versatile as veneers, Dr. White can apply tooth-colored resin (the same material used for fillings) to your teeth, then bond it to your teeth with a special light during a bonding treatment.
How Stubborn Are Your Teeth Stains
While professional whitening treatments work well for most kinds of discoloration, some stains simply don’t respond well to whitening. It’s easier to remove yellow or brown stains than blue or gray stains. If your discoloration is due to genetics or aging, it may not be possible to correct it with whitening. In some cases, tooth enamel thins to the degree that the inner pulp of your teeth is visible. You’ll need to cover that discoloration with bonding or veneers.
Consider Lifetime Cost & Longevity of Whitening Options
While teeth whitening is the least expensive of the three teeth whitening options, it won’t last as long as either of the other two treatments. Whitening lasts anywhere from several months to two years. How you care for your teeth will influence how long your teeth remain white. If you smoke, drink lots of coffee, or regularly consume other staining substances, your results won’t stay bright as long.
Bonding typically lasts two to five years. Like whitening, how you treat your teeth will affect their appearance. If you can, rinse your mouth with water when you consume food or drinks with the potential to stain teeth. Veneers are the most stain resistant of the three options. With proper care, they can last for many years.
Evaluate the Convenience of Your Options for White Teeth
If convenience is important to you, you’ll want to consider the process for each whitening method. A professional whitening treatment in our office takes just about an hour. If you whiten at home, you can use our pro products whenever you’d like and achieve more gradual whitening in a few days.
A bonding treatment can typically be completed in a single appointment, depending on how many teeth are involved. We commonly treat only the teeth that show when you smile. At least two visits are usually required for veneers.
Call 270-355-7599 today to find out even more about your options for white teeth. Dr. White will ensure you select the one that best suits your needs!