Treatments for Dental Stains: Whitening vs. Veneers
If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably felt the embarrassment of stained or yellowing teeth.
Brushing and flossing regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and routinely attending dental check-ups are excellent ways to care for your teeth. However, sometimes even the best oral hygiene routine isn’t enough to maintain white tooth enamel. Both teeth whitening and veneers are effective treatments for dental stains. Either option will help you reclaim a youthful, attractive smile.
At Erik Swanson, DMD, located in Visalia, CA, our team will help you make the right decisions for brightening your smile.
Whitening Your Teeth
One of the most common options for treating dental discoloration is teeth whitening. This procedure is recommended for people with otherwise healthy teeth and gums, and it is most effective on yellow-colored stains. If you have sensitive teeth, dark stains, or dental restorations, talk to your dentist before beginning a whitening treatment.
Note that restorations, including porcelain crowns and veneers, will not respond to chemical whitening. If your restorations have discolored, talk with Dr. Swanson about replacing them. Also, intrinsic stains, like fluorosis and tetracycline discoloration, do not respond to chemical whitening. Veneers are the preferred treatment for intrinsic stains.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home treatment for dental stains is affordable and easy, as long as you follow the product instructions for use. There are several different options for whitening in the comfort of your home.
- Professional gel and trays prescribed by Dr. Swanson contain a prescription-grade amount of peroxide; custom-fitted trays and gel come with this treatment.
- Over-the-Counter trays can be used for an hour a day or worn overnight, depending upon the brand and type.
- Whitening strips are laid across teeth, and wear times vary based on the product.
- Paint-on formulas are brushed onto your teeth before bed for two weeks.
- Whitening toothpastes/rinses should be used during your daily oral care routine.
Professional In-office Teeth Whitening
While professional whitening can be more expensive than an over-the-counter treatment, it can tackle more difficult stains and last longer.
Professional treatment has the added benefit of a personalized treatment, customized just for you. The steps include:
- An initial shade value of your teeth will be determined.
- A protective barrier will be put in place to protect your gums from irritation.
- Your dentist will apply the whitening gel with a brush.
- Results will be visible in an hour.
- After two initial visits, touch up as needed with an at-home whitening kit.
Veneers
Made of dental porcelain, veneers completely cover the front surface of teeth and are usually placed on the top four to eight front teeth–those that show when you smile. With custom shade-matching, veneers can exactly match surrounding teeth, creating a totally natural appearance. For the brightest results, undergo professional teeth whitening prior to veneer placement.
Benefits of Veneers
- Correct intrinsic and extrinsic stains
- Permanently whiten teeth
- Resize/reshape small or oddly spaced teeth
- Cover chips and other imperfections
- Porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years or more, if good oral health is maintained and no injuries occur
Veneer Procedure
First, Dr. Swanson will remove a small amount of enamel so that your veneers will align with surrounding teeth. If you qualify for Lumineers, this step is unnecessary.
Next, we will take impressions and measurements, and determine the best color for your veneers. This information will be sent to a ceramist at our dental lab. You will wear a temporary set of veneers until your permanent restorations are ready. The temporaries will allow you to acclimate to the look and feel of the restorations.
Once your custom veneers are back from the lab, Dr. Swanson will remove the temporaries and permanently bond the new restorations to your teeth. He’ll check your bite alignment, make any necessary adjustments, and send you home with a head-turning smile.
Veneers should be cared for like your natural teeth. No special care is required.
Book an Appointment
Dr. Erik Swanson will help you determine the best treatment for your dental stains. Book an appointment online or call our dental office in Visalia, CA, today at (559) 732-4543.