When we look in the mirror and see that our teeth have begun to yellow or discolor, the natural reaction is to explore tooth whitening treatment. But what do you do if your teeth are discolored, and you have cracks, chips, or other cosmetic imperfections on those front teeth too? The answer is either Bioclear or porcelain veneers. But what is better, and which should you pick? We’ve broken it all down so you can decide between Bioclear vs. veneers.

Bioclear vs. Veneers: What You Need to Know

Bioclear and porcelain veneers are both popular cosmetic dentistry treatments to help make your smile whiter and brighter and straighter and more uniform. As with any dental treatment, there are advantages and disadvantages to various therapies. Here’s what you need to know.

Should I get Bioclear?

Veneers are thin films made of porcelain that are permanently affixed to the front of your teeth. The result is a straighter, brighter, and whiter smile. Bioclear does the same thing, but it is a reversible treatment. Many patients at our Plano dentist’s office choose Bioclear to correct the following imperfections:

• Filling in the “black triangles” that often occur due to receding gumlines
• Repairing chips or breaks on the front teeth instead of tooth replacement or crowns
• Creating a more uniform look for too-small or misshapen teeth
• Covering discolored or stained teeth

Bioclear only takes one visit to complete and can later be removed if needed. Further, Bioclear is less invasive than veneers; with veneers, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the front of your teeth. With proper dental care, including trips to the dentist for a cleaning every six months and proper brushing and flossing, your Bioclear veneers should last at least ten years, if not longer, before requiring replacement.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect if you decide to get Bioclear veneers:

• High resistance to cracking or chipping
• A good solution if your grind or clench your teeth (or bite your nails)
• A conservation approach if you are not ready for the permanent solution that comes with veneers
• A good middle-ground between cosmetic resin bonding and veneers
• Less expensive up-front cost than veneers (though Bioclear may need to be replaced more often)

Should I get porcelain veneers?

Veneers are the other option available to you to correct cracks, chips, cosmetic imperfections, or tooth discoloration. As mentioned earlier, veneers are made of thin strips of porcelain that are permanently adhered to the front of your front teeth. To create a permanent bond, your dentist will carefully remove a very thin layer of enamel from the front of your teeth first. Doing this helps ensure your new veneers fit comfortably in your mouth and do not affect your facial shape.

Veneers are highly effective in correcting the following imperfections:

• Correcting gaps between your teeth and “black triangles” created from a receding gumline
• Repairing chips or cracks on the front teeth
• Creating a more uniform look to small or misshapen teeth
• Covering discolored or stained teeth

Bioclear and veneers sound an awful lot alike, don’t they? That’s because they’re very similar with only a few differences. Whether you choose Bioclear vs. veneers, you can correct the above-mentioned issues. However, patients should know that the process is a bit more invasive and intensive when it comes to veneers. Two or more appointments will be needed to get you through the process. However, porcelain veneers can correct more severe issues than Bioclear veneers, such as larger chips or cracks and wider gaps or larger black triangles.

This said, veneers are permanent and cannot be removed; they are only replaced if needed. Your dentist can remove Bioclear should you wish to stop your treatment. Porcelain veneers can last ten to 20 years when accompanied by professional dental care and an effective at-home oral care routine.

To sum up, here are some of the benefits you can expect if you decide to get porcelain veneers:

• Natural looking—custom matched to your adjacent natural teeth
• Easy to maintain, just like your natural teeth
• Can last ten to 20 years

Whether you decide on Bioclear vs. veneers, or the other way around, Millennium Dental is your smile makeover partner.

Now that we’ve shared the primary similarities and differences between Bioclear and veneers, you can choose the best solution for you. If you want a quick, temporary solution to fix minor cosmetic flaws and discoloring, then Bioclear might be the right choice. Conversely, veneers might be the better choice if you are open to a bigger investment and a longer-lasting permanent solution to fix more severe dental flaws.

We believe that whichever way you go, you’ll be 100% satisfied with your smile. And we’re your partners to help you get there. We offer all of the high-end dental solutions that prove that bigger is better in Texas! From good value to quality care and the best dental technology on the market, we’ve got you covered. Request an appointment today for your Bioclear vs. veneers consultation, and start the journey to your smile makeover.