Porcelain is stain-resistant. This is one of the reasons it’s used for kitchen sinks and other household fixtures. Another is its durability. Porcelain is incredibly difficult to damage.
But what about porcelain used for dental veneers? Do porcelain veneers stay white?
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant. They are not, however, stain-proof. Veneers are hard to stain, but once they have been, they cannot be whitened. In order to improve the appearance of a stained dental veneer, it will need to be replaced entirely.
Because dental veneers can retain their brilliance for extended periods of time, it is common for teeth adjacent to them to become more noticeably discolored. Dental veneers cannot be whitened with topical treatments, but tooth whitening is very effective on natural teeth and can be used to help maintain a consistent appearance throughout the smile.
Keeping Veneers White
One of the quickest ways to stain veneers is by damaging them. While exceptionally strong, porcelain veneers can chip and crack if not care for properly. This means not chewing on ice, hard candy, or non-food items. It also means using a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive (i.e. no baking soda) toothpaste to help prevent scratching their surface.
Be sure to brush your teeth after every meal and snack, without exception. Floss at least once daily, and visit our office every six months for professional cleanings. During your biannual cleanings, we can assess the quality of your veneers and discuss replacement as appropriate. With proper care, this conversation shouldn’t need to occur more often than every ten years.
You can further reduce the risks of tooth discoloration, both on your veneers and your natural teeth, by avoiding all forms of tobacco and greatly reducing your intake of staining agents like coffee, soda, and alcohol. Sugary and starchy foods may also encourage staining and should be consumed with care if you want to avoid tooth discoloration.
In the end, it is the care you take of your teeth and your veneers that will play the biggest role in their coloration. Call us at 864-457-3425 in Landrum or 864-288-5300 in Greenville to schedule an appointment and learn more.
