As people age, the accumulated years of drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes and even loss of enamel will eventually lead to darker teeth. While professional teeth whitening is a great way to whiten your teeth, it does have finite capabilities. Eventually, you will need to whiten your teeth every six months to two years. Additionally, you can only go so many shades whiter with professional whitening. One great alternative to teeth whitening is to get veneers instead.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are simply tiny, wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are permanently affixed to the front of your original teeth. As a whitening method, they can go up to any shade of whitening you want, and are not limited by the color of your own teeth.

How Veneers Are Added

Veneers are placed on the original teeth after the enamel is removed from your teeth. This helps to ensure that the veneers will fit and that they will adhere firmly to the tooth. Typically, before the actual placement of the veneers, the dentist will usually create a mock up so you can see what your veneers look like before the actual process begins.

Why Choose Veneers Over Teeth Whitening?

Veneers are made of a very high tech material that is highly resistant to stains, so you are unlikely to need further whitening – something you can't say about professional teeth whitening. The veneers look like natural teeth, only straighter and much whiter, because veneers can also hide any dental flaws you may have, such as cracks, gaps, uneven teeth or even broken teeth. With professional teeth whitening, you will still have all of your teeth's flaws, and will also need to get your teeth whitened again. Veneers offer an essentially permanent alternative for teeth whitening that just happen to also give you beautiful and perfect looking teeth.

Cost Comparisons

Veneers do require a significant financial investment, as the average cost for veneers can range from $500 to $1,100 per tooth. However, they are an excellent permanent cosmetic enhancement option.

The average cost for professional teeth whitening is about $650 a session, which will need to be repeated to keep your teeth white. Over time, this will add up to be quite costly, and takes more time and maintenance than veneers, which are a one-time expense and procedure.

Overall, veneers may be slightly more of an investment of money, but they offer spectacular results for whitening your teeth and the results will likely last a lifetime. For more information about veneers, visit a dentist in your area like Pitts Patrick M.

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