A dazzling white smile is widely regarded as an ideal of beauty, yet many people are dissatisfied with the colour, shape or alignment of their teeth. For this reason, people are increasingly turning to various forms of treatment offered by cosmetic dentistry, and the range of options available is constantly expanding. This often leads to uncertainty about which procedure is best suited to one’s own expectations. Both teeth whitening and the use of so-called veneers are popular methods of cosmetic dentistry. Below, you will learn how these treatments differ and what advantages and disadvantages they entail.
How does teeth whitening work?
In teeth whitening, the natural tooth colour is lightened to the desired shade using the bleaching agent hydrogen peroxide. Teeth whitening can be carried out either at the dentist’s or at home using whitening kits available from chemists and specialist retailers. As the products used by dentists contain a higher concentration of the active ingredient, the desired shade is usually achieved in just a few short sessions during professional teeth whitening at the practice. In addition, sensitive areas such as the gums and tooth necks are specially protected, thereby minimising the risk of irritation or damage. Due to the lower concentration of active ingredient, at-home whitening requires a longer treatment period to achieve the desired result. The advantages here are the convenience of being able to carry out the whitening comfortably at home, as well as the cost factor.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a procedure that can achieve very satisfactory results with relatively little effort. It has the advantage that the teeth retain their natural appearance and are merely altered in shade. No direct intervention is required and the teeth themselves remain undamaged, particularly when the procedure is carried out professionally by a dentist. Furthermore, even professional teeth whitening at the dentist is cost-effective compared with other methods of cosmetic dentistry. Due to rising demand, the price has fallen sharply over recent years.
However, the teeth-whitening process also has some disadvantages and limitations. For the initial whitening, several short sessions are usually required to achieve the desired tooth shade. Furthermore, the whitening effect does not last forever, so the treatment needs to be repeated after 6–24 months to maintain the results. Another factor to consider is the current state of dental health. Teeth whitening cannot be carried out if the teeth are affected by tooth decay. It should also be borne in mind that crowns and fillings retain their colour. These may therefore need to be replaced and matched to the lighter shade of the teeth.
What are veneers?
Veneers are translucent shells for the teeth and are usually made of wafer-thin ceramic. They are bonded directly onto individual teeth using an adhesive. The veneers are fabricated to match the desired tooth colour and can also correct minor misalignments or damage to the teeth, such as chipped edges. A distinction is made between prep veneers and non-prep veneers. To fit prep veneers, it is necessary to first remove a small amount of enamel (approx. 0.3 to 0.9 mm). Non-prep veneers, on the other hand, are applied directly to the outer enamel. Non-prep veneers are preferable as this non-invasive procedure leaves the enamel undamaged; however, the conditions required for this approach are rather rare. In cases of misaligned teeth, tooth damage or fillings, an invasive procedure using prep veneers is necessary to correct these issues.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of veneers?
The major advantage over teeth whitening is the longevity of the treatment. High-quality, well-maintained veneers can retain their appearance for up to 20 years. In addition to colour, the shape and position of the teeth can also be corrected. The colour and shape of the veneers can be precisely tailored to your own preferences.
A disadvantage of this treatment is that it often requires an invasive procedure, in which parts of the natural enamel must be removed. This remains undamaged with teeth whitening. Another point to bear in mind is the cost. Due to the customisation of the veneers and the labour-intensive fabrication by a dental technician, the price is significantly higher than for teeth whitening.
Costs
The initial whitening treatment via professional bleaching at the dentist costs between 300 and 700 euros and usually involves several short sessions until the desired whitening effect is achieved. Follow-up whitening sessions are required every 6–24 months and cost between 100 and 300 euros. Home whitening kits are available from chemists, pharmacies and specialist retailers from around 30 euros.
The prices of veneers vary considerably and can range from 400 to 1,300 euros per veneer. However, several veneers are often required. For the best results, 10 veneers are usually recommended to cover all the teeth that are visible when you smile. However, the price per veneer often decreases significantly when several are required at once.
Conclusion
Which form of aesthetic dentistry is best suited to you therefore depends entirely on your individual preferences and your initial situation. Veneers are particularly suitable for teeth with fillings, damage such as chipped edges and minor misalignments, as they can correct not only the colour but also the shape and position of the teeth. With proper care, they can ensure a radiant smile for up to 20 years. However, they are relatively expensive. Teeth whitening does not involve any intervention in the enamel and, when carried out professionally, leaves the teeth undamaged. This procedure requires little effort and is therefore significantly more cost-effective, but it must be repeated after 5–12 months at the latest. Teeth whitening is particularly suitable for healthy teeth where the aim is simply to adjust the shade.
The decision to opt for teeth whitening or veneers is best made following a consultation with a dentist, during which your individual preferences and the condition of your teeth are discussed. If you are unsure or have any doubts, it is often worth seeking a second opinion as well.