Veneers don't stain as easily as natural enamel found on teeth; however, they can turn yellow or discolor over time. This is a common question that many people ask, and for good reason. The answer is no, porcelain veneers don't stain or turn yellow. However, the actual tooth structure behind the veneer can stain over the years, making the veneers appear a little darker.
For those patients with teeth that stain easily, we recommend avoiding beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine. It is also advisable not to smoke. While whitening or anti-tartar toothpastes seem to help, they don't. Refrain from toothpastes because they can be very abrasive and diminish enamel that actually prevents your veneers from being stain resistant.
If your composite resin veneers start to look yellow or brown, you may be tempted to try a whitening treatment at home. However, the composite resin does not respond well to bleaching. This is why it's always a good idea to talk to your dentist before you whiten your teeth, explains the American Dental Association. It's also a good idea to make sure that the cement your dentist uses to apply veneers doesn't yellow over time.
Glazing is what protects porcelain veneers from picking up stains and giving them that natural-looking shine. Some little-reputable practices sometimes place composite veneers and say they are porcelain veneers. Avoid foods or drinks that can stain veneers, brush your teeth regularly, and don't forget to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning. There is a procedure, which uses diamond polishing equipment, that can restore the glazing of your veneers.
Porcelain veneers should be cleaned by a hygienist who is specifically trained to care for them, otherwise the surface could be damaged and attract stains. The Canadian Dental Association explains that porcelain veneers do not stain or discolor, but the same is not true of composite resin veneers. Smokers can also develop yellow or brown surface spots on their composite resin veneers due to nicotine. If you have composite veneers that are yellow, depending on their age, a cosmetic dentist can restore them by polishing them to remove stains.
Veneers allow you to easily whiten your smile, but to make them look better, you need to take care of them. A simple but effective secret to keeping veneers white and preventing them from staining is to rinse your mouth with water after eating. What you would do is see your cosmetic dentist as soon as you reopen and look at the veneers.
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