Grand Prairie Dentist Explains When Porcelain Veneers Are Preferable to Teeth Whitening

Do you have dull or yellow teeth that rob your smile of its luster? If so, you have probably looked into teeth whitening treatment. But did you know that teeth whitening treatment, while effective in most cases, is not recommended or able to remove one type of stain? To learn more about this stain type and why porcelain veneers offer a more effective solution for it, read the explanation below from your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith.

A Closer Look at Stain Types and Whitening

Teeth stains can be categorized into two general stain types: intrinsic stains and extrinsic stains. The characteristic that separates these two stain types is location. Intrinsic stains exist within teeth, while extrinsic stains occur on the outer surface of teeth, and location is ultimate reason why teeth whitening treatment is ineffective against intrinsic stains. Because intrinsic stains exist within teeth, the whitening agents used in professional teeth whitening are unable to reach the stains and are, therefore, unsuccessful in removing them. Extrinsic stains, on the other hand, are easily reachable by the whitening agents and can be removed.

Porcelain Veneers and Intrinsic Stains

Because teeth whitening is unable to remove intrinsic stains, cosmetic dentistry must turn elsewhere if it is to improve the appearance of teeth that have sustained these stains, and it has. Porcelain veneers are generally recommended as a solution to intrinsic stains, and they are very effective because the veneers do not seek to remove the stains, but to mask them instead. Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that adhere to the front surface of teeth to cover cosmetic blights. They are also strong and stain-resistant, meaning that they create a durable, new smile that patients can show off for years to come.

Porcelain Veneers from Your Grand Prairie Dentist

Do you want to transform your smile? Contact our 75052 dental office to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your GrandPrairie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Smith, today by calling 972-262-5111. We welcome patients from Grand Prairie, Arlington, South Dallas, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, and surrounding communities.