Whitening and veneers often come up in the same conversation, but they solve different things. Whitening changes only the colour of your natural teeth, without drilling them. Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of the teeth; they can change colour, shape and size, but the tooth needs to be prepared for them.
For many people whitening is enough. For others, veneers are the more sensible choice. In this guide we explain how to tell one case from the other, so you come to your examination knowing what to ask.
What whitening does
Professional whitening uses a gel that breaks down the stains inside the enamel. At DentLux we offer in-clinic fläsh® whitening, in a single session of about an hour and a half, and at-home whitening with custom trays we make for you.
- It suits yellowish or generally darker teeth, stains from coffee, tea, wine or smoking, and the colour that naturally deepens with age.
- It does not change the shape, length or position of the teeth, and it does not close gaps.
- It does not whiten fillings, crowns or veneers. If you have white fillings on your front teeth, they may look darker after whitening and need replacing.
- It does not drill the tooth. The most common side effect is temporary sensitivity for a few days.
Results vary from person to person and fade gradually, depending on your habits. They can be refreshed with at-home whitening or a new session, when we consider it appropriate.
What veneers do
Porcelain veneers are very thin shells, made one by one in the laboratory and bonded to the front surface of the teeth. They are usually completed over two to three visits.
- They suit deep stains that whitening cannot remove, chipped or worn edges, small gaps, teeth of uneven length or shape, and minor irregularities in position.
- They need preparation: a thin layer of enamel is removed so the tooth does not look bulky. This cannot be undone, so from then on the tooth will always need some form of restoration.
- Their colour does not change with whitening and resists staining well.
- How long they last: with good care they usually last many years, but at some point they may need replacing.
Veneers are not right for everyone. Active decay, gum disease or heavy teeth grinding need to be treated first. For people who grind their teeth at night, we usually also suggest a night guard for protection.
Which problem, which solution
As a general guide before your examination:
- Healthy, well-shaped teeth that are simply yellow: we usually start with whitening.
- Stains from coffee, tea or smoking: first a professional cleaning and then, if needed, whitening.
- Greyish stains from within the tooth, for example from certain medicines taken in childhood or in a tooth that has had root canal treatment: whitening helps less, and we discuss veneers or other options.
- A chipped edge on one tooth: a white composite filling is often enough; for larger damage we discuss a veneer or a crown.
- Small gaps or uneven teeth: veneers can help, but if the teeth are crooked it may be worth first checking whether orthodontic treatment would suit you.
- You want an overall change in colour and shape: this is where veneers make more sense.
Why the order matters
If you are considering both, whitening usually comes first. The shade of the veneers is chosen to match the neighbouring teeth, and after that it does not change. If you whiten after the veneers are fitted, your natural teeth will get lighter and the veneers will stay the same.
The same applies to fillings and crowns you already have on your front teeth: we finish the whitening first, wait a little for the colour to settle, and then decide what needs replacing.
How we decide together
At the examination we check your teeth and gums, old fillings, your bite and your habits. We record the shade and talk about what bothers you when you look at your smile. The aim is the most conservative solution that answers what you want, not the biggest treatment.
If your main concern is only colour, it usually makes little sense to prepare healthy teeth for veneers. If, on the other hand, it is the shape, the gaps or chipped edges that bother you, whitening alone will not satisfy you, and it is better to know that from the start.
Cost and GESY
For adults, GESY covers one clinical examination and one cleaning a year; whitening and veneers are cosmetic treatments and are not covered. The cost depends on the method and the number of teeth, and we tell you after the examination, before treatment begins. You can read more on our Porcelain Veneers and fläsh® Teeth Whitening treatment pages.
Frequently asked questions
Does whitening damage the teeth?
When it is done properly and supervised by a dentist, professional whitening is considered safe for the enamel. Temporary sensitivity can occur and usually settles within a few days. That is why we check your teeth and gums first.
Can I have a veneer on just one tooth?
Yes, but matching a single veneer to the natural teeth next to it needs careful shade selection. Sometimes whitening beforehand helps the result look more even.
Will veneers look fake?
Veneers are designed around your face and the colour of your other teeth so that they look natural. Before the final work, we agree the shape and shade together.
How long do whitening results last?
It varies. Coffee, tea, wine and smoking make it fade faster. With good hygiene, regular cleanings and, if needed, a short course of at-home whitening, the colour lasts longer.
Can I whiten my teeth if I already have veneers or crowns?
You can whiten your natural teeth, but veneers and crowns will not change colour. That is why we plan the order in advance, so there is no visible difference between them.
Book an appointment
If you are not sure whether whitening or veneers would suit you, call us on 77 773 003 or send a message on WhatsApp or Viber to 95 133 089. At DentLux Clinic in Aglantzia, Nicosia, we will look at your teeth closely and suggest the most conservative option that fits what you want.
