If you are looking for options that can give your teeth a whiter, fresher appearance, teeth whitening and porcelain veneer treatments are some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available to accomplish those goals. However, they are very different techniques and one may be better than the other, depending on your unique needs.

Teeth whitening offers a minimally-invasive way to lighten your teeth by several shades, addressing yellowing and discoloration that can build on the teeth over time. This procedure can give the teeth a beautifully whiter appearance and provide you with a wonderful new reason to smile. With that in mind, professional teeth whitening treatments are not often very beneficial for teeth that are affected by deep stains, and the results – while potentially long-lasting with the proper care – are not permanent.

Porcelain veneers can address more severe signs of staining and discoloration with results that can last for decades. They can also improve the appearance of other common dental imperfections, such as gaps, chips, and even mild cases of misalignment. Porcelain veneers are customized dental restorations designed to mask the visible part of affected teeth. They have the ability to completely restore the appearance of your smile and give your teeth a much whiter, healthier appearance. That said, porcelain veneer procedures are more invasive than teeth whitening, and may require the original tooth to be slightly reshaped in order to provide the most natural fit and appearance for the veneer.