One of the best ways to update your look and give yourself a boost of confidence is to book an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. Why a dentist and not say, a personal trainer? Well, of course getting fit and in shape is a great idea too, but your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. That’s why it should be a major point of consideration for those looking for an image makeover or even just a mild sprucing up.
For this article we’ll be focusing on cosmetic dentistry and what these dental professionals can offer. Your cosmetic dentist will have a variety of options to enhance your smile, including two of the most common treatments – teeth whitening and dental veneers. Both are great options but are quite different in terms of cost, difficulty and of course the results they provide. Keep reading for more information.
Should I choose Teeth Whitening or Dental Veneers?
This is a question dentists get asked a lot because many people are interested in upgrading their smiles. While both options achieve the same goals, whitening is the less invasive and simpler treatment, whereas veneers are more involved but can do more for your smile.
Looking at teeth whitening, it’s a great treatment that will get your smile looking brighter for very little fuss and comparatively low cost. It can remove much of the staining that your teeth will incur through the normal processes of eating, drinking and of course aging. There are at-home whitening options available from the drug store, but for the best results it’s recommended to get a professional tooth whitening at your dentist office. That’s because your dentist will use a stronger whitening solution and can make sure it is applied perfectly. This means better results and less risk of gum irritation. It’s also advisable to consult with your dentist beforehand to see if your tooth enamel is in good enough shape that whitening won’t cause any problems.
Teeth whitening is the best choice if your teeth are already straight and you are happy with the physical look of your smile and just want your teeth to be brighter.
Dental veneers on the other hand offer the chance to redo your smile completely and are often a large aspect of what’s known as a smile makeover. Veneers are thin slices of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded onto the front facing portion of your existing teeth to give your smile a whole new shape and colour. To install the veneers your dentist will need to sand the front side of your teeth so that the veneers can be applied correctly, which means the veneers are permanent, so if any major changes need to be made, they must be removed and the process done over again. The beauty of veneers is that they can be used to fix crooked, broke, chipped or discoloured teeth – essentially giving you a brand-new smile. Teeth whitening can’t do that but that also means veneers are much more expensive than whitening and can easily reach into the tens of thousands of dollars if a whole row of teeth is being done. Luckily, most patients will only get veneers installed on their upper front facing teeth where they will be most prominent.
Dental veneers are the winner if cosmetic alterations are preferred like damage or shaping of your teeth.
Considerations when opting for dental veneers
As mentioned above, dental veneers are a permanent treatment and shouldn’t be rushed or taken lightly. Your cosmetic dentist will spend a fair amount of time inspecting your teeth, making an impression mold, and then planning the shape, look and colour of your new veneers. It’s important that you choose a look that you’ll not only enjoy, but something you are comfortable with. Sometimes patients come into the office requesting super bright and large veneers, but in reality this will make them look like a totally different person. The best bet is to listen to your dentist’s advice and choose a style that augments your face without changing things too much. The colour of your veneers should also match your other teeth, which usually means not opting to go super bright white but going for a clean natural look instead. Of course, the choice is yours but take your time and don’t rush. You don’t want to end up with an unnatural smile that you aren’t 100% happy with.
How do I get started with dental veneers?
The first thing is to think about your financial situation and what you are willing to spend. Then once you have a rough idea, you should book a consultation with your dentist. This can be done at the same time as your next dental cleaning, or a special appointment can be arranged. Your dentist will explain your options and what the procedure entails. They will also provide you with the pricing and timeframe for your new smile. Consult with your dentist, take your time choosing what you want and then get ready to see a bright new smile in the mirror.