Do porcelain veneers stain? Generally speaking, no, but read on to discover why they discolour and learn ways to keep them looking their best.
Cosmetic dentistry provides several ways for patients to achieve a beautiful, confident smile, with one of the most popular treatments being porcelain veneers. Dental veneers offer a low-maintenance method for patients with minor dental flaws to improve the appearance of discoloured or damaged teeth or change their shape and size.
One of the questions patients often ask is, do porcelain veneers stain? The quick answer is no, they don’t stain. That’s because, unlike the porous tooth enamel that covers natural teeth, porcelain is made from glass-ceramic and is non-porous. Therefore, it doesn’t stain from beverages such as coffee, red wine, and other culprits that cause natural teeth to stain.
It’s true to say that permanent staining is quite rare. Modern-day porcelain veneers will eventually need replacing when they have become chipped, cracked, or lost their bond. Still, discolouration isn’t usually a significant concern, even after many years of wear. In fact, a prospective ten-year trial showed that porcelain veneers maintained their aesthetic appearance after ten years of clinical service, and they can last longer with good oral care. Durability is one of the reasons porcelain veneers are so popular in the field of cosmetic dentistry.
However, while ‘no’ answers the question of do porcelain veneers stain, there are several reasons why veneers can look stained, even though the cause is quite different.
Why do porcelain veneers sometimes appear stained?
If your veneers don’t seem quite as white as they first did, the answer could lie in one of several explanations.
- A tooth has a temporary stain that can be eliminated with thorough brushing at home or with a dental clean from your dentist.
- As people age, their gums start to recede, exposing tooth areas that weren’t previously visible and not covered with a veneer. As a result, a thin line of cosmetic glue pressed out when the dentist applied the veneer may be exposed. This material is liable to stain, as can the rest of the tooth as it becomes further exposed if gum recession is left untreated.
- Somehow the natural tooth behind the veneer has been damaged. As a result, the tooth has turned a yellow/brown shade and is visible through the thin veneer.
- Pigmented food has got beneath the veneers and onto the natural teeth either through a scratch or crack or by accessing gaps in the bonding along the edges of the veneers.
- Your dental veneers are several years old, yet you’re comparing them to those of a friend who has just had theirs applied. The trend nowadays in cosmetic dentistry is for whiter veneers so that yours could seem dark in comparison.
Can porcelain veneers be whitened?
Unfortunately, the stain-resistant properties of porcelain mean it is impervious to the whitening gel used by dentists to bleach or whiten natural teeth. Not only will these whitening products fail to change the colour of porcelain veneers, but they could scratch their surface, enabling food and bacteria to get beneath the veneers, causing decay. The only way to get whiter porcelain veneers is to replace them with a newly manufactured whiter set.
Tips to keep your veneers looking white and healthy
Regular brushing and flossing
Even with veneers, teeth should be brushed and flossed at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s good to get into the habit of brushing your teeth 30 minutes after every meal or rinsing your mouth with water if you don’t have a toothbrush with you. Food can easily get stuck to porcelain veneers. Flossing will help remove trapped debris, plaque, and even bad breath.
Eat fresh fruit and vegetables
While fruit and vegetables are good for overall health, did you know they’re also good for veneers? Crunchy fruit and veggies like apples, celery and carrots scrape away food particles collecting around your teeth after snacks and meals. They also help remove plaque that can adhere to veneers causing them to look discoloured.
Avoid teeth-staining beverages
That morning cup of coffee and glass of red wine with friends after work can quickly cause temporary stains to form on veneers. Drinking these beverages through a straw helps prevent them from coming into contact with your veneers, avoiding stains that can be difficult to scrub off.
Regular dental check-ups
Regular dental check-upsVisit your dentist regularly to keep your natural teeth healthy and free from decay while having your veneers examined for any flaws.
Good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental visits will help your veneers remain as white as you would like them to be.
Hopefully, the above information has answered your question, do porcelain veneers stain?
Are you considering porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers can instantly transform a smile and boost confidence, and with proper care, they can last for around 15 years before replacing. Now you know that porcelain veneers do not stain, why not take advantage of our amazing veneers packages. We also provide same-day veneers with CEREC technology, so if you want a new smile in a hurry, you know where to come! Contact Sydney Laser Dental Care for more information about our cosmetic dentistry procedures or to schedule an appointment.
Pyrmont: (02) 9158 6213
Illawong: (02) 9158 6756
Sylvania Waters: (02) 9159 6083
References
Quint.Pub.Com: A Prospective Ten-Year Clinical Trial Of Porcelain Veneers
http://www.quintpub.com/userhome/jad/jad_6_1_peumans_11.pdf
Columbia University: Brushing Immediately After Meals? You Might Want To Wait
https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/brushing-immediately-after-meals-you-may-want-wait#:~:text=Brushing%20immediately%20after%20consuming%20something,and%20build%20itself%20back%20up.
Colgate: What Is CEREC In Dentistry?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-visits/what-is-cerec-in-dentistry#:~:text=CEREC%20(Chairside%20Economical%20Restoration%20of,teeth)%20from%20decay%20or%20injury
