Bright Smile Or Big No-No: Can You Whiten Veneers?

Ever since you sported those dazzling cosmetic veneers, your smile has been the envy of everyone. But what happens when that initial brilliance starts to fade? Can you whiten veneers by whipping out the whitening strips and achieving the same pearly whites you had with your natural teeth? Buckle up because this guide unveils the truth about whitening veneers and explores alternative strategies to keep your smile bright and beautiful!

 

 

Veneer Whitening: Not An Option, But Here’s What You Can Do!

Okay, so whitening your veneers isn’t a thing. We know, that kind of stinks. But hold on a second; don’t reach for the at-home whitening strips just yet! There are still ways to keep your smile bright and those veneers gleaming.

Regular Cleanings With Your Dentist

Think of your dentist as your smile’s superhero. Regular professional cleanings are like a spa day for your veneers, blasting away tough stains from coffee, tea, or that extra helping of curry you enjoyed.

Polishing Magic

Sometimes, a quick polish from your dentist can buff out minor stains and imperfections, bringing back that brilliant shine to your veneers.

Veneer Refresh Or Revamp

If your veneers have some serious staining or the natural tooth underneath is peeking through, your dentist might suggest a touch-up or even replacing them altogether. They’ll assess the situation and recommend the best option for your dazzling smile.

Brushing And Flossing Like A Boss

Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and flossing regularly is your best defence against future stains. Think of it as giving your smile a high five for good hygiene!

Diet Mindfulness

We all love a good cup of Joe or a glass of red wine, but remember; these can stain your veneers. Rinsing your mouth with water after these treats can help minimise the impact.

Ditch The Smokes

Smoking is a double whammy for veneers. Not only does it stain them, but it can also weaken the bond between the veneer and your natural tooth. So, ditch the cigarettes and keep your smile healthy and happy.

Not So Stain-Proof After All? Why Veneers Can Lose Their Lustre

Veneers are awesome for achieving a bright, beautiful smile, and they often brag about being stain-resistant. But despite their superpowers, there can be a few reasons why they might lose their lustre over time:

The Sneaky Stain Underneath

While porcelain veneers are stain-resistant themselves, the natural tooth underneath them can still become discoloured, especially with older veneers where minimal teeth are removed. This discolouration can sometimes show through the veneer, making it appear duller.

The Ageing Game

Composite resin veneers are more prone to staining from things like coffee, tea, or red wine compared to porcelain. Over time, this accumulated staining can take a toll on their brightness.

Smoking Stains The Show

Smoking is a major villain for stained veneers. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes can not only stain the veneer surface but also weaken the bond between the veneer and your tooth. This can lead to further discolouration and potential problems down the line.

Time Takes Its Toll

Like most things in life, veneers aren’t immune to the effects of time. The dental cement used to bond them can degrade slightly over the years, potentially affecting the overall colour and shine.

Porcelain Or Composite: Picking Your Perfect Veneer Shade (and Keeping It That Way!)

Picking between porcelain and composite veneers can feel like a super important choice, and rightfully so! They both have their pros and cons, and a big one to consider is how well they resist stains and keep their colour over time. Here’s the lowdown to help you choose the perfect shade and keep your veneers sparkling bright:

The Stain-Resistant Champ: Porcelain Veneers

Think of porcelain veneers as the stain-resistant superheroes of the veneer world. Their super-smooth, non-porous surface makes them practically invincible against coffee, tea, red wine, and other staining villains. This means you won’t need to visit your dentist as often for professional cleanings to maintain their colour. While the veneer itself won’t stain, the colour of your natural tooth underneath might peek through sometimes, especially with older veneers where fewer teeth were shaved down.

The Colour Chameleon: Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are more like the colour chameleons of the bunch. The resin material can be mixed and matched to perfectly match your existing teeth or even achieve a brighter, whiter shade if that’s your vibe. However, the trade-off is that they’re not quite as stain-resistant as porcelain. Compared to porcelain, composite veneers can get a little dingy from coloured foods and drinks. Regular brushing and professional cleanings can help, but you might need touch-ups more often to keep them looking bright and brand new.

Veneers And DIY At-Home Whitening Treatment: A Match Made In Heaven Or Nightmare Alley?

So, you’ve seen those dazzling before-and-after pictures of at-home whitening treatments, and you’re wondering if they can work wonders on your veneers the way they might whiten teeth. The answer? Brace yourself because it’s a big NO. In fact, using DIY whitening treatments on veneers is more like a recipe for disaster than a shortcut to a brighter smile. Here’s why:

Mismatched Colours

Remember how we mentioned veneers themselves can’t be whitened? Well, DIY treatments can alter the composite material’s colour in some veneers. This can lead to a patchy, uneven look where your veneers appear brighter than your natural teeth—a look that screams “DIY disaster” more than “Hollywood smile.”

Surface Scratching

Many whitening treatments contain harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients. These can scratch the veneer surface, making it more susceptible to staining and chipping in the future—not exactly the sparkling smile you were hoping for!

Gum Irritation

Those whitening strips or trays might irritate your gums if your veneers don’t perfectly fit your gum line. Ouch! Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also lead to gum inflammation and other oral health problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use baking soda to whiten my veneers?

No, baking soda is too abrasive and can scratch the veneer surface.

What if my veneers are already discoloured?

If your veneers are discoloured, professional cleaning by your dentist might be enough to remove surface stains and restore their brightness. Replacing the veneers with new ones might be necessary.

I have good dental hygiene, but my veneers are still discoloured. What could be the reason?

If you have older veneers with minimal tooth removal, discolouration of the underlying tooth might be the culprit. Discuss this with your dentist to explore treatment options.

Veneers And You: Keeping The Magic Alive

While you can’t whiten veneers themselves, maintaining good oral hygiene, proper care, and avoiding staining foods and drinks can help them retain their brilliance for as long as possible. If you notice any discolouration, consult your dentist to determine the best course of action, whether it’s a professional cleaning or replacing the veneers altogether. With proper care, your veneers can continue enhancing your beautiful smile for years.

Contact Beyond 32 Dental, Pennant Hills NSW 2120, at 02 9158 6334 to protect your natural tooth enamel with high-quality dental veneers.

Sources:

Editorial Team. “5 Tips on Taking Care of Your Veneers.” Meds News – Health and Medicine Information, 5 Mar. 2023, www.medsnews.com/health/5-tips-on-taking-care-of-your-veneers.

Kara, Haluk Barış, et al. “The Effect of Bleaching Agents on the Color Stability of Ceromer and Porcelain Restorative Materials in Vitro.” Operative Dentistry, vol. 38, no. 1, Apr. 2012, pp. E1–8. https://doi.org/10.2341/11-436-l.

Sailo, Jenny Lalmalsawmi, et al. “Porcelain Veneers Vs Composite Resin Veneers: A Review.” Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, Dec. 2020, pp. 316–26. https://doi.org/10.9734/jammr/2020/v32i2430784.

Silva, Kassidy. “When Do You Need to Replace Veneers?” Allure, 23 Mar. 2023, www.allure.com/story/veneer-replacement.

Ulucan, Mehmet, et al. “A study on the discoloration of different dental porcelain systems.” European Oral Research, vol. 0, no. 0, Apr. 2023, p. 0. https://doi.org/10.26650/eor.20231033050.