Are your pearly whites not as pearly or white as they used to be? Don’t worry, it can happen to the best of us. Whether it’s your love of coffee, smoking habits, or even prescription medications, your teeth can lose their natural brilliance over time.
At Lillybrook Dental, we offer two solutions to bring back that stunning smile of yours, teeth whitening and veneers.
Let’s dive in and explore the differences between these treatments so that you can determine which option is best for you.
What is teeth whitening
Teeth whitening involves the application of a treatment that aims to lighten the colour of your teeth. It’s an ideal choice if you have healthy teeth and gums but are dissatisfied with the overall colour of your tooth enamel. Whether you’ve accumulated stains over the years, noticed your teeth darkening with age, or simply have naturally darker teeth, teeth whitening can help you achieve a brighter, more radiant smile.
When discussing teeth whiteners, there are two options. You can choose to DIY with over-the-counter toothpastes, rinses or whitening strips or you can have it done professionally by your teeth whitening dentist.
While over-the-counter options may be cheaper, the results can be hit-and-miss. This is because store-bought whitening options have a low concentration of the whitening agent, limiting their strength and more abrasives which may damage the teeth. This is why many people choose to have their teeth whitened professionally, by their dentist.
To get your smile as bright as possible, in the safest manner, it’s best to work with an experienced dental provider. At Lillybrook Dental we provide tailored teeth whitening treatments to help you get the healthiest, brightest white possible.
The teeth whitening procedure
When it comes to teeth whiteners, at Lillybrook Dental, we offer two choices: “in-chair” or “take-home” whitening. The decision is yours, depending on your preferences and desired timeframe for results.
Firstly, we can make you a take-home kit. This involves taking moulds of your teeth to make custom trays that will fit like a mouthguard. At home, you’ll put the provided bleaching gel into your trays and wear them in your mouth for a recommended period each day.
If you’re looking for faster results, our same-day in-chair procedure may be the perfect choice for you. This efficient treatment typically takes around an hour. We begin by examining and cleaning your teeth, ensuring any decay or cavities are treated beforehand. Then, a professional strength bleaching agent is applied to your teeth. To accelerate the whitening process, a special lamp may be used. After a short time, the bleaching agent will be removed. The process may be repeated for optimal results.
Once you’ve undergone our in-chair teeth whitening, you can expect the effects to last a while. To maintain your bright smile between visits, we may recommend using our take-home whitening treatment to touch up and preserve the colour of your teeth between visits.
What are veneers
Veneers are purely cosmetic, designed to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Our teeth go through a lot during their lifetime. From natural wear and tear to accidental damage, they can become stained, shift out of alignment, or develop chips and cracks that affect our overall appearance. Veneers provide an effective solution by restoring our teeth to their natural appearance.
A veneer is a hard, thin layer of material that is bonded to the front of an individual tooth. At Lillybrook Dental Clinic we use ultra-thin ceramic porcelain to make your veneers because it looks and feels natural.
Unlike whitening, which only changes the colour of your teeth, veneers can change the shape, size, length, colour, and texture. We can close gaps between teeth and make them appear more aligned, or if your teeth have been worn down over time, veneers can build them up, making them look as good as new.
The veneer procedure
The process of getting veneers involves multiple appointments and can take several hours to complete. This is because applying veneers is a more intricate and involved procedure compared to teeth whitening, requiring careful attention to detail.
When it comes to getting veneers, each veneer is meticulously crafted to fit a specific tooth. Before the veneer is applied, the surface of the tooth is carefully prepared. This involves removing a small amount of enamel to create space for the veneer and allow a seamless fit. Unlike teeth whitening, which can fade over time, it’s crucial to understand that the process of getting veneers permanently alters your teeth, as your tooth enamel won’t regenerate or grow back.
Once the tooth is prepared, the custom-made veneer is bonded to the front surface using a dental adhesive. This process requires precision and expertise to ensure proper alignment and a natural appearance. The result is a transformed tooth that blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Another option for veneers is the use of composite resin. In this case, your dentist will layer the composite resin onto your tooth, carefully sculpting and shaping it to achieve the desired look. The resin is then hardened and polished to resemble a natural tooth.
It’s important to schedule a follow-up visit a couple of weeks after getting veneers. This allows us to evaluate the placement and ensure you’re happy with the results. Any necessary adjustments can be made during this visit so your veneers look and feel perfect.
While getting veneers may take a bit more time than having your teeth whitened, once your veneers are in place, they can last for around 15 years, giving you a longer-lasting beautiful smile.
Just remember, getting veneers is a permanent decision, so if they happen to get damaged or come off (which can happen if you’re a teeth grinder or if you chew on something hard), you’ll need to come back to us to have them repaired or replaced.
Is there a cost difference?
While both teeth whitening and veneers can give you a brighter smile by correcting tooth discolouration, veneers go above and beyond just whitening. They can address a variety of dental issues, making them a more versatile solution. Plus, veneers are designed specifically for you, so they provide a more personalised, longer-term fix.
This is why veneers tend to be pricier than teeth whitening. The exact cost can vary depending on factors like the type of veneer and the complexity of your case. It’s best to consult with our friendly team at Lillybrook Dental to discuss your options and get an accurate estimate.
How Lillybrook Dental can help
Choosing between teeth whitening and veneers is a personal decision.
At Lillybrook Dental we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our friendly team will take the time to understand your goals, evaluate your dental condition, and provide expert recommendations tailored to your unique situation.
We’ll answer all your questions, address your concerns, and ensure you feel confident in your choice.
Contact our team today to discuss your options and book an appointment.
*All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Lillybrook Dental can consult with you to confirm which treatment is right for you.
