Veneers or whitening: which is right for your smile?

Both can transform your smile — but they solve different problems. Here's how to tell which one you actually need.

A brighter smile is one of the most common reasons people visit a cosmetic dentist. Two treatments come up again and again: professional teeth whitening and veneers. They can both make a big difference, but they work in very different ways.

What whitening does

Whitening lightens the natural colour of your teeth. It works best on teeth that are healthy and well-shaped but have yellowed over time from coffee, tea or simply age. It doesn't change the shape of teeth, and it won't lighten existing fillings, crowns or veneers.

What veneers do

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of the teeth. As well as colour, they change shape, size and alignment — so they can close small gaps, cover chips and even out worn edges. They usually need a thin layer of enamel to be prepared.

How to choose

• If you like the shape of your teeth and just want them brighter, start with whitening.
• If your teeth are chipped, uneven, gapped or heavily stained, veneers or bonding may be a better fit.
• Many smiles benefit from whitening first, then bonding or veneers only where needed.

The best starting point is a consultation. We'll look at your teeth, talk about what you'd like to change and show you the most conservative way to get there.