If you are concerned about the appearance of your teeth then you may be weighing up your options and trying to decide whether or not to have porcelain veneers.
While discussing your concerns with a dentist is important in order for you to get individual advice, there are certain things that everyone can consider before speaking to a dentist. So, if you’re trying to consider all of the options, this could be a good place to start.
Why people need veneers
Porcelain veneers are typically used to repair damaged teeth, if they have been cracked, chipped or stained, for example. Sometimes, they can also be used to address mild alignment issues, where the teeth are crossed, for example. Veneers can make the teeth appear uniform, therefore, both in size and shape, as well as colour.
Why would people use teeth whitening?
If the only thing you are concerned about is the appearance of your teeth with regard to the colour of them, then you may prefer to choose teeth whitening. There are options to have your teeth whitened at home, in the dental practice, or a combination of the two.
Discussing your preferences with a dentist will help you to decide, which will suit you best, fitting in with your routine. Home whitening involves having custom-made trays produced for your mouth and then a whitening gel is placed inside them.
You need to wear these trays every night for two weeks. For those that are then having the practice-based treatment afterwards, you will go in to see your dentist and have a whitening paste applied to the teeth. A light is then shone on to the teeth to activate the whitening agent.
Teeth whitening treatment is great for addressing staining caused by drinks, food or smoking, for example. However, sometimes there are reasons why the desired results may not be achieved and a treatment like veneers in London could be preferable.
Related Posts
Porcelain veneers
Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are manufactured to the size and shape of your tooth. A dentist prepares your tooth by taking the top layer of enamel off it and then adhering the veneers to the tooth using dental glue – just like a false nail on your finger!
The veneers can be used to fix imperfections in your teeth such as cracks and chips, but they can also be used to make the colour look lighter, brighter and uniform. The veneers can last for around 15 years as long as you take care of them, which should be easy to do as you just need to brush and floss, and go for regular dental check-ups.
The porcelain material that they are made from is highly durable as well, although it is recommended that you avoid particularly hard foods such as boiled sweets. Once you have porcelain veneers fitted, you should also know that you are committed to having them for life.
Verdict
While it is always advisable to have a consultation with a dentist to determine what the suitable treatments are for your needs, a rule of thumb is that if you need to simply address the shade of your teeth, then teeth whitening treatment is perhaps the way to go, whereas porcelain veneers are useful for restorative work.
