Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic solution for people with various concerns, such as stained, discolored, or misshapen teeth. Veneers can even be used to mask gaps between the teeth and improve the gummy smile. However, dental veneers are a financial and time commitment, so many people worry that their veneers will lose their initial appearance soon. In this article, we answer the question: Do dental veneers stain?
Do Dental Veneers Stain?
Dental veneers can become stained or discolored over time. However, whether they will stain largely depends on two main factors: the material they are made of and your lifestyle and oral hygiene habits. Let us examine both these factors in more detail.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the entire front side of your teeth. They are made of slightly translucent ceramic materials that can appear quite fragile at first glance. However, it is more durable and, more importantly to the topic, stain-resistant than it seems.
Ceramic material is less porous than the enamel of our natural teeth. Thus, it absorbs less pigment from the foods and drinks we consume. However, this does not mean that porcelain veneers can not be stained or discolored at all. You will still need to adhere to specific life and dietary habits to preserve your veneers’ appearance.
Porcelain veneers can last for around 15 years. With proper care, they can maintain their original color for many years to come.
Resin Composite Veneers
Resin composite veneers are less popular, even though they can be less costly than porcelain veneers. The reason for this is that they are less durable and stain-resistant than the porcelain option. On average, you can expect your resin composite veneers to last 5 to 7 years before they start showing signs of discoloration or damage and have to be replaced.
Lifestyle and Dietary Habits to Prevent Veneers From Staining
Regardless of the material you choose for your veneers, we recommend adhering to several rules to preserve their appearance for as long as possible.
- Abstain from smoking—one of the leading causes for staining of veneers, as well as natural teeth.
- Do not use your teeth as tools or play sports without a mouth guard.
- Avoid consuming very hard and crunchy foods. These foods can not only break or crack your veneers but also scratch their surface, allowing food and beverage particles to linger in the minor scratches. As a result, your veneers will appear stained or discolored.
- Avoid staining foods and beverages, such as berries, soda, drinks containing dye, red wine, black coffee and tea, curry, etc. If you consume such products, brush your teeth immediately after the meal.
Veneer Care and Oral Hygiene Guide to Prevent Staining
- Do not use an abrasive toothbrush or toothpaste on your veneers to avoid creating micro scratches on their surface, which can lead to staining.
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss every evening. Spend at least two full minutes thoroughly brushing your teeth on the front, back, and along the chewing surface. Pay special attention to brushing along the gumline, where plaque is most likely to collect. In many cases, veneers can appear discolored just because plaque and food residue accumulate on the teeth and are not removed regularly. In addition, oral hygiene is key for your dental health.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional dental cleanings. Using special tools and products, your dentist can effectively remove plaque and tartar from your veneers, even in areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush at home. Dental cleanings done every 6 months are a great way to preserve and prolong the initial beautiful color of your veneers.
- If you notice that your veneers appear stained or discolored, do not use other-the-counter whitening products. Such products are designed for the enamel of natural teeth that is very different in structure from the material of your veneers. Thus, over-the-counter solutions will not work in the best-case scenario or permanently damage your veneers in the worst. On top of that, using such products might be dangerous for the health of your gums and natural teeth. Instead, make an appointment with your dentist, who will understand the cause of the issue and find the best solution.
Make an Appointment Today
If you are considering dental veneers, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a dentist at the Innovative Smiles dental office today. We use high-quality materials and state-of-the-art techniques to dramatically improve the appearance of your smile in just a couple of dental visits.
