For those looking to address imperfections in their teeth, such as gaps, chipping, and discolorations, veneers are an ideal solution that provides both a natural-looking and long-lasting solution. By using porcelain and composite material in the creation process, a brighter and more stain-resistant smile is achievable.
It’s important to note that while they are more resistant to staining, just like natural teeth, veneers can accumulate stains, especially if exposed to certain foods, drinks, or lifestyle habits. The issue with this is that contrary to natural teeth, dental veneers don’t respond to traditional teeth-whitening methods. However, there are still ways to ensure they stay bright and beautiful.
At Bedford Dental Group, our experts aim to arm you with the necessary knowledge to keep your veneers bright and beautiful for the long run. With over 30 years of experience in the cosmetic dentistry industry, we can help you whiten your veneers. Contact us to schedule an appointment for personalized advice.
This post will talk about veneers and what causes them to stain. It will also talk about ways to whiten veneers and how to keep them white, bright, and spotless.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They improve their appearance by changing their color, shape, size, or length. Typically, they are a popular cosmetic dental treatment for those looking to achieve a flawless smile.
There are two main types of veneers: porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and natural-looking appearance. They are stain-resistant and are an ideal choice for those looking for a long-lasting, beautiful smile.
On the other hand, composite veneers are made from a resin material and are less expensive than porcelain veneers. However, they may not be as durable or resistant to stains. They are also a quicker option but might require more maintenance over time.
The process of applying veneers involves several steps. First, a small amount of the natural tooth enamel is removed to make room for the veneer. The dentist then takes an impression of your teeth to create custom veneers that fit perfectly. Once the veneers are ready, they are bonded to your teeth with dental cement to result in a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
The major difference between veneers and natural tooth enamel is the materials used in making veneers. Enamel is the hard outer layer of natural teeth, which can wear down or become discolored over time. Veneers, on the other hand, are typically made from porcelain or composite resin, which is more resistant to stains and wear. While natural enamel can absorb stains, veneers retain their bright appearance with proper care.
Veneers, especially porcelain veneers, are designed to be stain-resistant. Unlike natural tooth enamel, which is porous and can absorb stains from foods and drinks, veneers have a smooth, non-porous surface that makes them more resistant to discoloration. This porcelain glaze helps prevent the yellow or brown tint that can develop on natural teeth due to prolonged exposure to staining agents like coffee, tea, or red wine.
What Can Cause Veneers to Discolor?
Veneers are designed to enhance your smile and give it a more attractive appearance. However, despite their durability and resistance to staining, veneers can still lose their luster over time due to certain factors.
Porcelain veneers, known for their stain-resistant properties, generally don’t change color over time. But, do porcelain veneers stain at all? The non-porous surface of porcelain makes it difficult for pigments from foods and drinks to penetrate.
This means that porcelain veneers will maintain their original shade with proper care. However, surface stains can still accumulate on the porcelain glaze, leading to a slightly duller appearance.
External Factors That Impact Veneers
Even though veneers are stain-resistant, there are external factors that can still impact their appearance. Some common causes of discoloration include staining food and beverages as prolonged exposure to coffee, tea, and red wine can cause surface stains to build up on your veneers. Although these stains typically don’t penetrate the porcelain itself, they can leave a yellow or brown tint on the surface over time.
Another external factor that impacts veneers is smoking. Nicotine and tar from smoking can cause veneers to take on a yellow tint, especially along the edges where the veneer meets the natural tooth.
Furthermore, poor hygiene can also impact veneers. Failing to brush your teeth or floss regularly can lead to the accumulation of plaque and stains around your veneers, giving them a duller appearance.
Natural Tooth Staining
While porcelain veneers don’t discolor like natural tooth enamel, the teeth underneath or around the veneers can. Natural teeth can become stained by foods, drinks, or smoking, creating a mismatch between your veneers and the rest of your smile. Gum recession can also impact the appearance of veneers by exposing the underlying natural tooth or dental cement, which may become discolored.
When gums recede, the exposed enamel or the underlying tooth can turn yellow or develop little brown lines at the edges of the veneers. This can give the illusion that the veneers themselves are changing color, even though the porcelain remains unaffected.
How to Whiten Veneers?
If you’re wondering, can you whiten porcelain veneers? The answer is that while traditional whitening treatments don’t work on veneers, there are ways to maintain their bright appearance and remove surface stains.
These include:
Regular Oral Hygiene Practices
The foundation of maintaining white veneers is consistent oral hygiene. Veneers may be stain-resistant, but they still require care to prevent surface stains from forming. This includes brushing and flossing as they help remove plaque and prevent discoloration. It is best to brush after consuming staining foods and drinks, like coffee or red wine. It helps prevent prolonged exposure to stain-causing agents.
Another good oral hygiene practice is choosing non-abrasive toothpaste for veneers. This helps avoid scratching the porcelain glaze and will preserve their white appearance without damaging the material.
It also helps to use soft-bristled toothbrushes as hard bristles can wear down the natural tooth enamel and cause gum recession. When this happens, there would be a noticeable line where the natural tooth underneath meets the veneer.
Professional Treatment
While at-home care is important, regular visits to your dentist also ensure your veneers remain bright. For example, routine professional cleanings remove surface stains that daily brushing cannot eliminate. During a professional cleaning, your cosmetic dentist will polish your veneers, helping them maintain a brighter smile.
You can also undergo professional tooth whitening treatments. Though these treatments won’t work directly on veneers, dentists can brighten the surrounding natural teeth to create a more uniform smile. Additionally, your dentist can recommend strategies to prevent stains from accumulating on your veneers.
In addition, you can replace the dental cement. Over time, the dental cement holding your veneers in place can discolor, especially if your gums recede. Replacing this cement can refresh the overall look of your veneers and remove any yellow or brown tint that may have developed.
Sometimes, the best way to whiten veneers is to replace them altogether, especially if they’ve been in place for many years or if a gum recession has exposed the underlying tooth. New veneers can provide a longer-lasting solution for a whiter appearance.
Furthermore, we recommend regular checkups with an experienced dentist to ensure your veneers stay in top condition. You should visit your dentist for a cleaning and examination at least twice a year. This helps prevent discoloration and ensures any issues, like old veneers or damaged dentin, are addressed promptly. If you are confused about how to go about it, schedule an appointment with us at Bedford Dental Group.
Should You Replace Your Veneers?
There are several indicators that your porcelain veneers may need to be replaced. These indicators include discoloration, cracks or chips, worn out or thinning veneers, gum recession, and discomfort or sensitivity.
Veneers are a long-lasting solution for a beautiful smile, but they are not designed to last forever. On average, porcelain veneers last between 10 to 15 years with proper care. Factors like oral hygiene, exposure to staining foods, and gum recession can influence how long they last. Replacing a single porcelain veneer would typically range from $500 to $2,500, depending on factors like the dentist’s experience and location.
Need a Cosmetic Dentist?
Maintaining your veneers is essential for preserving the beautiful smile you desire. By keeping up with your oral hygiene routine and visiting a cosmetic dentist regularly, you can ensure your veneers stay bright and damage-free for years.
Regular care, such as brushing with a gentle polishing toothpaste, avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks like red wine or coffee will help keep your veneers looking their best. You should also consider scheduling professional cleanings.
Ready to consult with an experienced dentist? Schedule a free consultation today with our cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles.
