Washington Dental
Washington Dental Orthodontic Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul
Veneers and teeth whitening in Gangnam
veneers · zirconia · whitening · gum depigmentation
From the start of orthodontic treatment to the cosmetic finish in one clinic. Tooth shape, color and the gum line are managed together for a natural-looking smile.
Washington Dental offers veneers, zirconia crowns, professional teeth whitening and gum depigmentation. As an orthodontic clinic, it first checks whether crooked teeth, gaps or protrusion can be solved with orthodontics or whitening without trimming natural teeth, and does not recommend veneers when they can.
Cosmetic dentistry in brief
- TreatmentsVeneers, zirconia crowns, professional teeth whitening, gum depigmentation
- ApproachLinked to the final stage of orthodontics. The same doctor refines shape and color after the teeth are aligned.
- Suitable forDiscolored or misshapen teeth, gaps, and darkly pigmented gums
- FeesNot covered by health insurance. Given after a detailed consultation, depending on the condition and number of teeth.
- Booking+82-2-552-3000 · KakaoTalk channel "강남워싱턴치과"
Treatments
| Treatment | Method | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Veneers | Thin ceramic shells bonded to the tooth surface with no or minimal trimming of the tooth | Combined problems of tooth size, shape and color, slight rotation, gaps or chips, small or malformed teeth |
| Zirconia crowns | The whole tooth is restored in high-strength zirconia, shaped to suit your face | Heavily damaged teeth, replacing old restorations that spoil the appearance |
| Teeth whitening | A bleaching process in which oxygen released by the whitening agent breaks down stain molecules, brightening the teeth without damaging them | Discoloration from food, aging, injury or root canal treatment |
| Gum depigmentation | Laser removal of the pigmented gum surface or application of a medication to reduce melanin pigmentation | Dark or pigmented gums |
Why orthodontics and cosmetic treatment go together
Placing veneers on crooked teeth can mean trimming more tooth. If orthodontics corrects the tooth positions first, cosmetic work can be limited to the areas that need it, with no or minimal trimming, and more natural tooth is preserved. At Washington Dental, the need for whitening or veneers is assessed at the end of orthodontic treatment to avoid unnecessary procedures.
Veneers, explained honestly
In short, if orthodontics or whitening can solve the problem, we do not recommend veneers. Because Washington Dental is an orthodontic clinic, we first check whether alignment, gaps or protrusion can be fixed without trimming natural teeth. If you are considering veneers, know these facts before you decide.
- What "no-prep" really means. Even "no-prep" veneers often involve surface preparation or slight trimming for bonding. Whether your teeth can truly be left untrimmed can only be judged after an examination.
- They are not permanent. Restorations usually last around 5 to 10 years (varying widely between people). Impact, discoloration, debonding or gum recession can mean they need redoing, and redoing them may involve further trimming. The younger you start, the more important a lifelong maintenance plan becomes.
- Aftercare is essential. If bacteria get in at the edge of a restoration, the natural tooth underneath can decay, so floss, interdental brushes and regular check-ups are needed.
- Bite problems are not for veneers. Malocclusion and protrusion should be solved with orthodontics. We do not recommend covering them up with veneers.
Teeth whitening, what to know before you start
In short, whitening does not grind teeth down or paint them white. It oxidizes and breaks down pigments.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are yellow teeth a sign of poor brushing? | No. With age the enamel thins and the yellow dentin underneath shows through. This is natural and often unrelated to hygiene. |
| How does home whitening differ from whitening at the dentist? | The principle is the same, the concentration differs. Professional whitening uses a high-concentration agent under supervision for faster results, while home products are limited to low concentrations for safety. |
| How long does it last? | It is not permanent. Depending on diet it lasts months to years. Coffee, black tea, curry and smoking are the main causes of restaining. Avoiding strongly colored food for a week after treatment is important. |
| Is sensitivity normal? | Temporary sensitivity (days to weeks) is common, but pain is not a measure of effectiveness. If sensitivity is strong, the concentration or interval is adjusted. |
| Can crowns and veneers be whitened? | Artificial restorations do not whiten. If only the natural teeth get lighter, the colors may not match, so existing restorations are checked first and the order planned. |
| What about a tooth darkened after root canal treatment? | It needs a separate internal (non-vital) whitening, in which the agent is placed inside the tooth, rather than surface whitening. |
Questions about veneers and whitening
Should I get veneers or orthodontic treatment?
How long do teeth whitening results last?
Are no-prep veneers really done without trimming the teeth?
How long do veneers last?
Read more
Last updated: October 2026 · Reviewed by Dr. Keun-Hye Lee, board-certified orthodontic specialist