Veneers are well known for being stain-resistant and far more durable than our natural teeth, which is why they are a highly recommended choice for enhancing smiles. However, repeated exposure to poor oral hygiene practices can still lead to discoloration. If you’ve noticed any stains on your veneers, you may be wondering whether they can be whitened or not.
The answer is no; veneers cannot be whitened. However, there are some alternative ways to handle stained veneers, such as professional cleanings. It also helps to practice good oral care so that your veneers can look their best. In more severe cases, your dentist may suggest replacing your veneers rather than trying to restore them.
At Bedford Dental Group, our trained cosmetic dentists guide each patient on how to care for their veneers before and after installation. As a result our clients can preserve the beauty of their new smile for many years. In addition to this, we also provide professional teeth whitening treatments to brighten your veneers and keep your overall smile looking radiant. Contact us today to get back your vibrant smile.
Can Veneers Be Whitened?
Unfortunately, veneers cannot be whitened because they do not respondto traditional teeth-whitening treatments in the same way that enamel does. Our natural teeth are porous in nature, which is what makes them vulnerable to staining. However, it is this porosity that also makes them respond to whitening as effectively as they do. Whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide work by penetrating your natural tooth enamel to break down surface stains and stains deep in the tooth’s structure.
On the other hand, veneers are usually made from non-porous materials like porcelain. While this makes them highly stain-resistant, it is also why traditional whitening treatments don’t work on them. Since veneers are not porous, whitening substances like the ones mentioned earlier can’t penetrate past their surface to remove discoloration.
Considering this, it is not recommended that you try to whiten them. Instead, you can talk to your dentist about the cleaning options available and the steps necessary to prevent restaining in the future. For anyone who maintains a healthy oral hygiene routine or at least takes basic precautions to reduce staining, your veneers will maintain their original color until they are replaced.
If you do experience any staining on your veneers, this is a result of surface stains or changes in the teeth surrounding them. Any attempt to whiten your veneers will only work on your natural tooth underneath and lead to uneven coloring. The only way to change the appearance of your veneers is to seek help from a professional dentist. It also helps to take proper care of them by avoiding staining foods and drinks like tea, coffee, and red wine.
What Causes Veneers to Stain
The biggest culprit is poor oral hygiene. A common misconception is that veneers require less care than your natural teeth, but in reality, they need just as much attention. Brushing twice a day and flossing can prevent plaque buildup and keep your veneers looking bright.
Another main cause of discoloration is colored foods and drinks. Repeatedly eating foods like tomato-based sauces, curry, soy sauce, wine, cola, and coffee can stain veneers over time. Smoking is another major contributor to veneer staining.
Your staining may also be a result of natural wear and tear. Although veneers are incredibly durable, they’re not indestructible. It’s best to avoid habits like biting on hard objects or using your teeth as tools because it could lead to chips and cracks.
Lastly, neglecting regular dental care can contribute to staining. Skipping your routine dental checkups and cleanings gives room for plaque to develop and worsen over time. Regular visits to the dentist will not only help you maintain the health of your natural teeth, but it will also help you keep your veneers in top condition.
Can Veneers be Bleached?
We’ve established that traditional whitening methods do not work on veneers. However, this doesn’t mean that all hope is lost.
Usually, all it takes to mitigate early signs of staining is a professional cleaning. During your visit, your dentist will use specialized cleaning compounds like prophy paste and aluminum oxide to remove surface stains from your veneers. Keep in mind that these agents won’t whiten veneers; instead, they help to restore their original brightness.
Another alternative you can try is to use whitening toothpaste specifically made for porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers. While these toothpastes don’t whiten your teeth, they contain ingredients that can lightly wash away surface stains over time and protect them from substances that can cause staining, like tobacco.
In severe cases of staining, your dentist may recommend replacing your veneers entirely. This process involves taking out your current veneers and creating a new custom set to restore your smile.
How to Prevent Staining on Dental Veneers
The phrase “prevention is better than cure” is one that’s widely recognized in medicine, and this holds true for cosmetic dentistry as well. Rather than spending your time and money replacing or correcting your veneers, it’s more beneficial to invest a fragment of your time and money in preventing damage or discoloration. You can maintain the appearance of your veneers by:
- Limiting how often you take foods and drinks known to discolor teeth. We recommend using a straw to minimize or avoid contact with beverages that could stain your teeth.
- Practicing good oral hygiene through brushing your teeth twice daily and using floss and mouthwash can stop plaque buildup on the surface of your veneers. This will help you avoid the yellow or brown tint associated with poor oral hygiene. Ideally, you should brush your teeth immediately after eating anything that can stain your teeth. The only time you shouldn’t do this is if you have just eaten something acidic like citrus fruits. Instead, rinse your mouth with water and wait some minutes before brushing. Brushing your teeth with the acidic substance still in your mouth could damage your enamel further.
- Visit your dentist regularly. These visits are designed to help dental professionals spot any issues early on and stop them from becoming potentially serious. Addressing these issues early makes treatment easier and tends to be more cost-effective in the long run.
What to Do If Your Veneers Are Stained
It’s advisable to take proactive steps against veneer staining, but if you’ve already noticed some discoloration, it’s not too late to do something about it. While whitening veneers is not possible, there are a few methods an experienced dentist could employ to restore their original brightness.
Remember that professional cleaning is the most effective way to tackle these stains. This procedure is often quick and effective in restoring the smoothness and shine of your veneers.
If you’d like more information on how to maintain your veneers, you can schedule a consultation or visit our Beverly Hills office. At Bedford Dental Group, we aim to help you preserve your smile for years to come, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
