Veneers are thin shells that go over your natural teeth to give you your dream “Hollywood smile.” They are also helpful if you have stained or chipped teeth and are looking for a more uniform look. However, while the procedure for getting veneers is permanent, the veneers themselves have a shorter lifespan. Therefore, if you want to learn how to keep composite veneers white or what to do if you notice staining on your porcelain veneers, read until the end.
Do veneers stain?
There are 2 main types of veneers, those made of composite resin and others from porcelain. Considering the cost of porcelain veneers in Melbourne and most of the world, you probably want to keep wearing them as long as possible.
In general, composite veneers have more pores than porcelain veneers, which means they can absorb water and other substances, leading to staining. On the other hand, porcelain veneers are less porous since they get glazed, making them resistant to staining.
Types of staining and their causes
While the veneers themselves are less likely to get staining, your teeth might develop various stains or discolourations in different places. It can be above or below your veneers or on the sides where they join. Here are three types of staining that can occur and their causes:
- Having Less Porcelain Glazing
The reason your veneers shine is thanks to the glaze. It is also the reason porcelain veneers do not have as many pores. However, when the glaze ages, discolouration may start to occur. Usually, long-term use of red wine or coffee is to blame.
- Receding Gums
Over time, your gums start to pull away from your teeth, exposing a part of the tooth that wasn’t there when you initially received veneers. Your veneers are often made to perfectly match your teeth. Therefore, when it gets exposed, partial discolouration may happen on the bottom or top of your tooth. The ingestion of some foods and beverages might make this discolouration even worse.
- Tooth Trauma
The inner tissue of a tooth may get damaged from tooth trauma. And as a result, the tooth beneath the veneer can become darker or discoloured. To put it another way, the damage/trauma has caused the natural tooth under it to become discoloured.
Do veneers get stained from coffee?
Beverages like coffee and tea can quickly cause yellow or brown stains to be formed on veneers. Since any contact between drinks that can cause staining and veneers can result in stains that are difficult to remove, drinking coffee through a straw may help you keep the illusion of white teeth veneers alive.
Besides beverages, another chemical that will stain veneers is nicotine. Therefore, it is best to avoid using tobacco products of any kind, including smoking. Additionally, if you’re concerned about maintaining the appearance of your veneers, it’s important to be aware of the cost of veneers in Sydney.
Are porcelain veneers stain-resistant?
Porcelain veneers are less likely to get stained, primarily thanks to their protective glaze that gives them fewer pores than natural teeth or other types of veneers. However, since they are thin, such veneers occasionally reveal stains on the teeth beneath them if the discolouration is severe.
In other words, even with veneers, the natural teeth behind them can still absorb stains. Still, no need to panic. Most patients can preserve the appearance of their white veneers by keeping frequent dental checkups, professional cleanings, and practising at-home oral hygiene habits.
When do veneers start to stain?
As mentioned above, although the procedure to get veneers cannot be reversed, they do not last forever. So then, how long do veneers stay white? Depending on the type of veneers they get, patients will often see staining around the area where the veneers are connected to the teeth after about 5 years.
However, don’t be too quick to use whitening toothpaste, as it can actually scratch the veneers. Instead, contact your dentist and make an appointment for a cleaning. Otherwise, you can try gentle polishing toothpaste, which can even help if the glazing is worn out.
How to keep veneers white?
If you’re curious about how to keep veneers white, this is the section to look out for.
- Toothpaste type matters
As mentioned before, use gentle toothpaste that is free from harsh and abrasive chemicals like baking soda. These only work on natural teeth, and may damage porcelain veneers.
- Tooth-Whitening system for the back of the teeth
Porcelain veneers have a semi-translucent design, meaning light can partially pass through. Therefore, instead of possibly damaging your veneers when trying to whiten your teeth, you can utilise a bleaching procedure on the back of the teeth. This may result in the natural tooth becoming whiter, which will be reflected through the porcelain veneer’s semi-translucent surface.
- An appointment with a dentist
If you’re not comfortable or confident doing the whitening procedure on your own and risking damaging the veneers, try visiting your dentist. Ceramic veneers are a popular choice for dental enhancements, offering natural-looking results and durability. If you’re considering teeth whitening, it’s important to consult your dentist, as they can provide professional guidance and ensure the procedure doesn’t harm your ceramic veneers. In case the cause of the discolouration and staining is the glaze on the porcelain veneer getting stained, you can ask your dentist to professionally clean them and bring back the white veneers you like so much. Checkups about every 6 months can help prevent the problems from worsening.
How to prevent stains?
Here are a few habits that can help you keep your veneers white and increase how long do veneers last.
- Regular brushing/flossing
Even if you have veneers, using fluoride toothpaste to wash your teeth at least twice a day is best. Generally speaking, it is recommended to brush your teeth after meals or, if you don’t have a toothbrush, to at least rinse your mouth with water. Veneers are prone to food particles sticking to them, so flossing can help get rid of them.
- Avoiding beverages that cause tooth-staining
Coffee, tea, and substances like nicotine can cause stains on your veneers. So if you want your veneers white for longer, be sure to avoid them as much as possible.
- Eating Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables aren’t just good for your health. You can use apples, celery, and other crunchy produce to help scrape away food particles that stick to your teeth. Additionally, they can scrape out the plaque that can adhere to veneers and stain them.
Final Thoughts
Often with staining, the tooth under the veneer may get discoloured, which can then show through the somewhat translucent veneers. In such instances, you can try using a whitening system on the back of your teeth or make an appointment to get the veneers professionally cleaned. Otherwise, to keep your veneers white, you can try regularly brushing your teeth, avoiding teeth-staining beverages, and eating crunchy fruits and vegetables.
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