My Teeth Are Getting Yellow: Should I Try Teeth Whitening or Veneers?

Even with the best care, your teeth are prone to staining due to many factors. Some are beyond your control, including the aging process, trauma, and certain medications and health conditions. The best teeth whitening treatment depends on the cause.

Some stains are relatively easy to clean with professional teeth whitening treatments. Other types of stains may not respond to surface teeth whitening treatments, in which case porcelain veneers are a better option.

Dr. Ramin Mahallati and our team at the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry offer a range of general and cosmetic dentistry treatments at our office in Beverly Hills, California.

How to choose between professional teeth whitening treatments and dental veneers

Yellow stains are common and usually caused by diet and lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking tea, coffee, red wine, and soda. Acidic foods (even fruit) can also contribute to staining your teeth. Stains that develop on the surface of the teeth from enamel erosion and damage are known as extrinsic tooth stains. 

Extrinsic stains are usually treatable with professional teeth whitening treatments. If your teeth are yellow as a result of using tobacco, your diet, or age-related factors, teeth whitening treatments could be a good option for you.

Some dental stains and discolorations develop due to damage at the dentin layer below the enamel. This is known as an intrinsic stain. Intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove, and surface teeth whitening treatments may not work as well. In that case, dental veneers are a better option to cover your stains and whiten your teeth.

You may also have a combination of both types of dental stains. After a comprehensive dental exam and consultation, Dr. Mahallati and our team will recommend the best whitening and cosmetic dentistry treatments.

If you have dental restorations like fillings, bonding, or dental crowns and bridges, surface teeth whitening treatments may not be an option. 

When should you consider teeth whitening or veneers?

Investing in cosmetic improvements to your teeth is a personal decision that can improve your personal and professional life. In addition to whitening your teeth, veneers can also change the size and shape of your teeth. If you’re interested in broader cosmetic improvements, veneers are a good option.

Good oral hygiene and a healthy diet, along with regular dental care and avoiding tobacco use are the best things you can do to protect your teeth from stains and maintain your oral health.

For more information about professional teeth whitening treatments, veneers, and the cosmetic dentistry services we offer, contact us today to schedule an appointment.