Veneers or Zoom whitening

[Naz]

I been thinking about making my teeth whiter and been looking at the different options available to me at the moment. I have seen pictures of veneers and zoom whitening and been impressed with both. The dental veneer pictures seem to be whiter looking and I think I would prefer that.

I would like to know if I have veneers, would they become darker over time or do they stay their original colour over time. I have heard that Zoom whitening fades, how quickly does it fade?

Could I have zoom whitening on some of my teeth and perhaps veneers on my other teeth? Do they work well together? If I have veneers on some of my teeth and whitening on others, will I have to keep topping up the teeth whitening to keep the whitened teeth the same colour as my veneers?

There is obviously a difference in cost in both options and I am not sure to have veneers or zoom whitening or perhaps have both? What would be your recommendation for my case?

[Dr Vahid Motahar]

Hi,

Thank you for your question.

whitening systems of any type are most suitable for patients that are generally happy with the shape and size of their teeth and just want them whiter. Whitening the teeth is these cases is the simplest and cheapest option and recommended choice of treatment.

Veneers are usually done on teeth that either are heavily restored or where a patient is not generally happy with the size and shape of his or her teeth and wants to improve their appearance. In some cases where there is a minor form of crowding of the teeth, veneers also can be used as an alternative option to wearing braces (orthodontic treatment) to improve the aesthetics and make the teeth look more uniform and straight. When veneers are done in large numbers and cover most of the teeth that are in aesthetic zone (ie visible when you smile), then patient can specifically chose a colour/shade that is whiter than their natural teeth. However one does not just have veneers solely as a whitening option. This is not a conservative option.

Again combining the option of Zoom Whitening and veneers as a method of achieving whiter teeth is not usual unless some teeth are in need of veneers clincally. if so, some teeth can be whitened in addition to the veneers to improve the smile.
Whitening effect does not last for ever and depending on the patients habits and diets will fade away but it can always be repeated. The Home whitening system is the ideal choice in these cases. Porcelain veneers do not change colour and do not stain but with time, as the gum receds, then margins can become visisble and stained.

In your case the best option would be for you to come in and have an assessment done so we can give you our recommendations and the best possible options for a better and nicer smile in the simplest way.