After getting veneers, you may feel confident about your new white, straight smile. However, over time, you may notice that your veneers are becoming discoloured. Why does this happen, and can you whiten veneers?
How Veneers Become Discoloured
Veneers are usually made of either porcelain or composite resin. The Canadian Dental Association explains that porcelain veneers don't become stained or discoloured, but the same isn't true for composite resin veneers.
Composite resin doesn't stain as easily as your natural tooth enamel, but it can still become discoloured over time. Surface stains may develop after prolonged exposure to highly pigmented drinks like tea, coffee or red wine. Smokers may also develop yellow or brown surface stains on their composite resin veneers due to nicotine.
Can You Whiten Veneers?
If your composite resin veneers start to look yellow or brown, you may be tempted to try an at-home whitening treatment. However, composite resin doesn't respond well to whitening. This is why it's always a good idea to talk to you dentist before you whiten your teeth, explains the American Dental Association.
While you can't whiten composite resin veneers, that doesn't mean that you can't improve the look of your veneers. Professional cleanings can help to remove surface stains, so remember to visit your dentist every six months.
If your veneers are very discoloured, your dentist may recommend replacing them. Composite resin veneers typically last for five to seven years before they need to be replaced.
Caring for Your Veneers
To prevent stains, it's important to care for your veneers as you would care for your own enamel. Try to steer clear of colour-saturated foods and drinks that could lead to staining. This includes beverages like coffee and tea, and foods like curry, pasta sauce, berries and balsamic vinegar.
If you don't want to give up your daily cup of joe, brush your teeth afterward with a toothbrush like the Colgate 360° Advanced 4 Zone. This toothbrush removes bacteria from teeth, tongue, cheeks and gums. If you're not at home and don't have access to your toothbrush, rinse with water after enjoying your beverage to help prevent stains.
Veneers let you easily whiten your smile, but to keep them looking their best, you need to take care of them. Avoid foods or drinks that could stain your veneers, brush your teeth regularly and don't forget to see your dentist for professional cleanings.
