Veneers vs. teeth whitening: which is right for your smile?

What does teeth whitening do?

Teeth whitening uses a professional gel to lighten stains and brighten the color of natural teeth. It does not change the shape of a tooth, and it does not lighten crowns, veneers, or fillings. Results can vary from person to person and are not permanent, so touch-ups are sometimes needed.

What do porcelain veneers do?

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They can change the color, shape, and size of teeth and cover chips, gaps, and stains that whitening does not fully improve. To place traditional veneers, the dentist often removes a small amount of enamel, which makes them a lasting change.

How do you decide between them?

Start with your goal. If your main concern is color, whitening is a simple first step. If you also want to change the shape of teeth or cover chips and gaps, veneers can do more.

• Choose whitening if you mainly want a brighter shade and your teeth are otherwise even and healthy
• Choose veneers if you also want to reshape teeth or cover chips, gaps, or worn edges
• Veneers can also help with deep stains that whitening does not fully lift

Can you combine the two treatments?

Sometimes. Because veneers are matched to a shade, some people whiten their natural teeth first so everything blends. Both are part of cosmetic dentistry, and a dentist can plan the order that gives you the look you want.

This overview is general and is not a substitute for a dental exam. A dentist at Northside Dental can look at your smile and help you decide between whitening, veneers, or a mix of both. To learn more, call 773-561-2237 or send an online appointment request.