Traditional porcelain veneers are designed to last for at least 10 years. If you neglect your dental care, however, you might notice discoloration. Do porcelain veneers stain? Read on to find out! After reviewing this guide, you can learn proper veneer care to avoid discoloration or damage in the future. Improve your smile with brilliant, white porcelain veneers today!
Do Porcelain Veneers Stain?
First, let’s answer the question that likely brought you here. In short, no; porcelain veneers shouldn’t stain. Porcelain veneers are created using a non-porous glass ceramic. They’re designed to look and function like your natural tooth enamel. However, they shouldn’t absorb wine or coffee, which would otherwise cause staining. Stained porcelain veneers are rare. However, you may need to replace your porcelain veneers after a decade. Over time, your veneers can chip, crack, or lose their bonding. Though they should last 10 years, they could last longer with proper veneer care. Although staining is rare, it can happen.
Causes of Staining
If your porcelain veneers no longer look as white as they used to, visit a dentist who offers cosmetic dentistry services. They can help improve the appearance of your porcelain veneers. Before seeking treatment, it’s important to determine what caused the veneers to appear stained in the first place. Otherwise, discoloration will continue occurring.
Temporary Stains
Sometimes, a temporary stain can develop. You can remove these stains with proper dental care at home. A professional dental cleaning can also remove these temporary stains.
Receding Gums
Your gums will recede away from your teeth as you grow older. A receding gum line will expose tooth areas that weren’t previously covered by your veneer. As the gum continues receding, it will expose a thin line of composite glue. The composite glue can stain, which might cause your veneer to look discolored. The rest of your tooth will begin developing stains as it becomes exposed. Talk to your dentist about gum recession treatment. Keeping your gums from receding will minimize staining.
Food Particles
Sometimes, food particles can work their way under your thin veneer shell. They might enter through cracks that developed due to scratches. They can also seep through gaps along the side of your veneers. During a cleaning, your dentist can remove the bacteria buildup between the tooth and veneer. This should remove the staining.
Damage
Over time, the natural tooth located behind a veneer can sustain damage. The tooth might yellow faster than your surrounding teeth. In these instances, the yellow tooth can appear visible behind the veneer.
Whitening Veneers
Remember, your porcelain veneers are made from a usually stain-resistant material. Unfortunately, this means they’re also resistant to tooth whitening treatments. At-home products likely won’t work to whiten your porcelain veneers. Most at-home whitening strips contain abrasive substances. These substances usually remove stains on the outside of a tooth and beneath the enamel. However, your veneers are made from porcelain material that’s too strong for these chemicals to penetrate. In fact, at-home whitening kits might even scratch your veneers. These scratches can create gateways for bacteria and food to sneak in. Decay can occur as a result. If you’re unhappy with the color of your natural teeth and veneers, visit your local dentist. They can recommend cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening, to improve the appearance of your smile. Your dentist might recommend different types of veneers or new veneers if yours appears stained. For example, perhaps your old veneers were made using composite materials (like plastic or resin). These materials can stain over time. Composite veneers have a shorter lifespan than porcelain veneers.
Veneer Care Tips
Your dentist can provide you with tips for proper veneer care. Caring for your porcelain veneers can extend their lifespan beyond 10 years.
Brush and Floss
Treat your veneers like you would your normal teeth. Prioritize your dental care by brushing twice a day. Brushing your teeth will remove food particles, bacteria, and saliva that can cause plaque buildup. Plaque, the tacky substance that causes teeth to appear discolored, can harden into tartar when left unattended. You can’t remove tartar by brushing and flossing at home. You’ll need to schedule a professional teeth cleaning at your dentist’s office to have it removed. When brushing, use non-abrasive toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching your veneer.
Visit the Dentist
Schedule routine dental cleanings twice a year. Scheduling cleanings every six months can help you avoid more extensive oral health issues. It also gives your dentist the chance to remove stubborn surface stains before discoloration occurs. Otherwise, plaque and tartar can release acid. Your protective tooth enamel could break down. Your risk of tooth decay or gum disease could increase. Regular appointments will keep your teeth clean and healthy. Your dentist can help maximize the longevity of your veneers. They’ll also help you avoid oral health issues that can cause discoloration.
Adjust Your Diet
Make adjustments to your diet to avoid stains. Try limiting your intake of drinks that can cause discoloration. These include coffee, tea, wine, or soda that contains color dyes. Limit your intake of vibrant fruits, candy, and sugary substances. If you do consume food or drinks that might cause discoloration, brush or rinse your teeth within 30 minutes.
Don’t Smoke
Though tobacco won’t cause veneers to stain, it can cause the underlying tooth to stain. Remember, if the underlying tooth appears yellow, the veneer might appear stained as well. If you’ve noticed a patchy discoloration of your smile, it’s time to stop smoking. Smoking can also affect the integrity of the bonds keeping your veneers in place. If you’re a smoker, you might need to replace your veneers sooner than expected. Quitting will help you maintain healthy teeth, gums, and fresher breath.
Protect Your Veneers Today
To recap, do porcelain veneers stain? Porcelain veneers shouldn’t stain, but different types of veneers might. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your veneers, talk to your dentist. They can make recommendations to help you maintain a stunning smile. Searching for more helpful guides? You’re on the right blog. Check out our latest articles today!
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