Veneers are thin dental prosthetics designed to improve a person’s smile, whether it’s because of staining or discoloration, gaps between teeth, irregularly sized-teeth, or other cosmetic issues.
It’s a permanent procedure, which means you can enjoy your new smile for decades. Some people can even wear their veneers for as long as 20 years or more. However, they do need proper maintenance in order to preserve them.
So if your veneers become discolored or stained, can you whiten them?
Veneers Cannot Be Whitened
Most veneers are made out of porcelain, though there are also ceramic and composite models available. In any case, these materials will not respond to the whitening agent like your natural teeth would, so even if you use the best agents, the veneers will preserve their color.
However, it’s really not a good idea to give it a shot. If you do try to whiten your veneers, while their color won’t change, your natural teeth likely will. This means your smile could now have two different shades, leading to an uneven look.
Can You Improve Your Veneers’ Appearance?
Porcelain and ceramic veneers are non-porous, so they won’t absorb stains like natural teeth or even composite ones.
If composite veneers become stained, you may be able to remove them during a professional dental cleaning, where the dentist uses special tools and solutions to thoroughly clean the mouth.
However, if the stains persist or if your Frisco veneers are discolored, the best way to resolve this issue is to simply get a new pair.
How to Properly Maintain Your Veneers
Veneers are very durable, but it’s safe to say they are not indestructible. As a result, you need to take proper care of them to make sure you can enjoy your new smile for decades.
Here are some tips on how to do just that:
- Practice good oral hygiene and brush and floss your teeth every single day
- Try to avoid highly staining foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, tomato juices, citruses, etc.
- Gently cleanse the mouth with water after you eat such staining foods, to reduce the risk of staining. If you want to brush your teeth instead, wait at least 30 minutes after you eat;
- Stop smoking, as it can lead to discoloration
- Avoiding biting down on hard objects or food
- Stay on top of your oral health needs by seeing the dentist routinely