Can Porcelain Veneers Be Whitened? 

Porcelain veneers can dramatically improve your overall smile by changing the color, shape, and size of your teeth. Many patients who turn to cosmetic veneers are able to feel more confident than ever before thanks to a bright, straight smile. While veneers are a permanent solution for correcting common smile imperfections, over time, surfaces can become discolored. 

 

If your veneers are no longer bright and white, you may be wondering if veneers can be restored to their initial coloring.

 

Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that are created from tooth-colored materials. By covering the front surface of each tooth, veneers are incredibly effective at enhancing your natural smile. The shells are bonded to the front of each tooth, allowing for them to appear as natural as the rest of your teeth. 

Veneers do not stain as easily as your natural tooth enamel; however, they can still become discolored over time. Surface stains can develop after prolonged exposure to highly pigmented drinks such as red wine and dark coffee. 

Other occurrences that can lead to discolored veneers are:

 

Your Age. As we age, our gums recede, leaving the spots where the veneer meets the tooth exposed. This can cause little brown lines on your teeth because the veneers are bonded into place, and that composite is now showing. Foods and beverages dark in color have the potential for staining your exposed enamel, and gum recession cannot be reversed.

 

The Age of Your Veneers. Veneers that were made over 20 years ago may not be made with porcelain. It was common for veneers to be made with plastic or more porous porcelain that is not as durable as the ones dental professionals use today.

 

Trauma or Damage If your tooth experienced an injury that caused the dentin, or the tooth’s inner tissue, to incur damage, the tooth could become discolored. Damaged dentin turns yellow, making the veneer appear discolored when it is the natural tooth underneath that is causing the appearance of discoloration.

If your veneers have become discolored, or if they have a yellow or brown tint to them, you may be tempted to try an at-home whitening treatment to restore their bright white coloring. However, porcelain veneers do not respond well to traditional whitening treatments. It’s always recommended to speak with your dentist before attempting any DIY teeth whitening. 

 

While you may be unable to whiten veneers with treatment, that doesn’t mean that you can’t improve their overall appearance. Professional cleanings can help to remove surface stains, so regularly visiting your dentist will help to keep your veneers as bright as possible.

 

Veneers let you easily whiten your smile. Help to keep your veneers looking brand new by taking adequate care of your investment. Avoid foods or drinks that have the potential to stain, brush your teeth regularly, and don’t forget to schedule professional cleanings every six months with your dentist. If you have old veneers, your dentist may recommend replacing them with new ones if you find the discoloration cannot be reversed. 

The best way to prevent stains on veneers is by caring for them as you would care for your natural enamel. Brushing your teeth after drinking coffee or any other dark-colored food or beverage may reduce the acidity and sugars that typically bond to your teeth after a meal. Brush your teeth afterward with a soft-bristled toothbrush, or at a minimum, rinse your mouth with water to help prevent stains. It’s also recommended to try to steer clear of color-saturated foods and drinks that can lead to staining in the first place.

 

If you have noticed your veneers looking less than perfect, call Elite Dental & Denture PC today to restore your confidence in your beautiful smile.