Can Veneers Get Stained and Can I Whiten Them?
Porcelain veneers enhance the appearance of the smile, but they are susceptible to stains. In fact, many patients wonder if veneers can get stained and if they can undergo whitening treatment. At Brooklyn Heights Dental, P.C., serving Brooklyn Heights and Fort Greene, we discuss the possibility of veneers discoloration and whitening.
Veneers and Discoloration
Veneers are an exciting cosmetic dentistry treatment that improves your smile’s appearance. They are often used to mask severe and deep tooth stains, which can make patients concerned that their veneers will become yellow or otherwise discolored after placement. While the quality of dental porcelain that we use at Brooklyn Heights Dental is resistant to staining, the veneers can become discolored with time, especially if the patient engages in poor dental hygiene habits.
Many of the same factors that can cause the outer layer of the teeth, the enamel, to become stained, can also contribute to porcelain veneers becoming discolored. Some of these factors include:
- Smoking
- Drinking red wine, coffee, dark teas, and dark sodas
- Failing to brush and floss regularly, especially after the teeth come into contact with staining agents like red wine
And just like with regular teeth, the more time that passes, the more likely it is that veneers become discolored. While many patients enjoy attractive, white porcelain veneers for 10 years or more, they will eventually need to be replaced.
Can Veneers Be Whitened?
Many patients want to know if their veneers can be whitened once they have become discolored. The answer is no. Veneers do not respond to over-the-counter or professional teeth whitening treatments.
However, we do recommend that patients consider having their natural teeth whitened before having porcelain veneers placed. This way, the veneers can be fabricated in a brighter shade of white, and still match the surrounding natural teeth.
What Are My Options if My Veneers Are Discolored?
If your veneers are stained, the best option is to replace the old or damaged veneers. Many patients are happy with the appearance of their veneers for 10, 15, even 20 years. But eventually, time will take its toll, and the veneers will take on a changed appearance, whether in color or shape.
At this point, we encourage patients to come to our office so our dentists can take a look at your veneers and develop a porcelain veneers replacement plan. The secondary veneers procedure is similar to the first; the main difference is that we will need to remove your old veneers before prepping your teeth and taking new dental impressions. Then we will design your new veneers and have our partner lab craft them using high quality materials. When they are ready, we will have you return to our office so we can place your veneers and you can enjoy your new smile.
Contact Brooklyn Heights Dental
If you are concerned about porcelain veneers discoloration, contact Brooklyn Heights Dental today. Our dentists will perform an exam to determine if porcelain veneers replacement is the right option for you. If it is your first time getting veneers, we can discuss how you can keep them bright and white for years to come.
