So you’ve gotten new veneers to brighten your smile, but you’ve noticed some discoloration forming. It’s frustrating to invest in a major dental procedure only to notice stains afterward. But is there anything you can do about it?
While at-home whitening products won’t work, a dentist may be able to help you restore your stained veneers to their former glory. Here’s a look at what causes veneers to stain and what you can do about it.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin layers of material permanently bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They mimic the appearance of real enamel and are typically used to hide imperfections like chips, unevenness, or severe stains.
There are two types to choose from: composite and porcelain veneers.
- Composite Veneers: Made of resin, these are a great option for a quick and effective cosmetic improvement.
- Porcelain Veneers: Though more time-consuming to apply, they are more durable and provide longer-lasting results.
Veneers are popular for achieving a whiter, more uniform smile but also address other dental imperfections. It’s best to consult with a dentist, consider all the pros and cons of veneers, and make an informed decision.
Do Veneers Stain?
You might be wondering if veneers can stain over time. Veneers are made from stain-resistant materials but aren’t 100% stain-proof. Ultimately, it depends on what type of veneers you get and your daily habits:
- Do porcelain veneers stain? It’s unlikely for porcelain veneers to stain because they don’t absorb pigments from food and drinks. However, the bonding material can stain, especially if you smoke frequently or eat highly pigmented foods, leaving an unappealing gray or brown border around the veneers.
- Do composite veneers stain? Composite resin material is less stain-resistant than porcelain and can absorb pigment. You might notice your composite veneers staining if you drink large amounts of coffee or red wine, or if you smoke.
To minimize staining, maintain good oral hygiene and limit the intake of staining substances. Regular dental check-ups will help keep your veneers in optimal condition.
How To Remove Stains From Veneers
If you’re struggling with stained composite veneers, there are a few ways to fix them:
- Professional Dental Cleaning: Dentists use specialized polishing techniques to remove stains from veneers without causing damage.
- Replacement: If your veneers are old and heavily stained, consider replacing them. Composite veneers typically last five to seven years, and significant staining might indicate they’ve reached the end of their lifespan.
Keep in mind that at-home whitening products like whitening toothpaste, strips, and bleaches are not an effective way to whiten your veneers. These harsh ingredients can actually cause even more discoloration and damage your veneers in the long term.
How To Prevent Veneers From Staining
Since veneers are a significant investment, keeping them clean is worth the effort. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, and keep in mind the various factors that can stain your natural teeth and composite veneers. For example:
- Do veneers stain with coffee? Yes, they can, just like natural teeth.
- Do veneers stain from smoking? Absolutely, smoking is a major cause of discoloration.
To keep your veneers looking great, avoid smoking and limit your consumption of coffee, red wine, and other staining beverages.
Additionally, brush and floss daily to remove food particles and bacteria. Use a soft-bristle brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging your veneers.
Regular dental visits are also essential. Professional cleanings remove tartar that you can’t remove at home. Your dentist will also check the condition of your veneers and provide personalized oral health advice.
Get Beautiful Veneers in Beverly Hills
Getting veneers can help protect your teeth, brighten your smile, and boost your confidence. If you have stained veneers, don’t worry — MR Dental Aesthetics can help.
At MR Dental Aesthetics, we focus on creating a comfortable, welcoming environment for all patients. Dr. Rashti is a Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist who prioritizes oral health first, working with one patient at a time to make sure everyone gets personalized care. Schedule your appointment today!
Veneer Discoloration FAQs
Whether you’ve just gotten veneers for the first time or have had them for a while, you might have questions about staining and discoloration. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions and answers:
Can you remove stains from veneers?
Yes, some stains can be removed with a professional dental cleaning. Avoid at-home or DIY whitening products, as they could damage your veneers further.
Can stained veneers be whitened?
No, traditional methods and at-home whitening products will damage both composite and porcelain veneers. Consult with your dentist instead.
Why are my veneers staining?
There are a few reasons why your veneers might be staining. Smoking is one of the most common causes of stained veneers. Composite veneers are also vulnerable to staining from red wine, coffee, and other highly pigmented foods.
Do teeth go yellow under veneers?
Yes, it’s possible for your teeth to turn yellow under veneers, particularly if you consume large amounts of sugar or highly pigmented foods. Brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits can help prevent this.
Are composite or porcelain veneers more stain-resistant?
Porcelain veneers are more durable and stain-resistant than composite veneers. This is because porcelain veneers aren’t porous, so they won’t absorb pigment when you eat or drink.
Are there veneers that don’t stain?
No veneers are 100% stain-proof, but porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant and easy to clean.
Can baking soda whiten veneers?
No, baking soda won’t whiten veneers. While it is often recommended as a DIY whitening technique, using baking soda on your veneers could actually damage them and cause discoloration.
What can I do if my veneers are too white?
Many people get veneers to get a whiter, brighter smile. Unfortunately, sometimes veneers come out so white that they look unnatural. If this happens, your best option is to work with your dentist to get replacement veneers. To prevent this, talk to your dentist about your desired veneer color and test things out with temporary veneers first.
What is the lifespan of veneers?
Veneers last five to seven years for composite veneers and 10 to 30 years for porcelain veneers. However, diligent oral healthcare can extend the lifespan of veneers.
