Can Dental Veneers be Whitened?

Dentists often use dental veneers in cases where a patient’s teeth are misaligned, chipped, or discolored. Veneers help improve your smile by making your teeth look healthier, brighter, and straight. However, over time, your veneers may become discolored due to various factors such as smoking and prolonged exposure to colored drinks like coffee and red wine.

When this happens, you would probably go for one of the many teeth-whitening solutions available today. Unfortunately, dental veneers are not very responsive to teeth whitening gels. They can only be cleaned by a professional. Nonetheless, let’s take a more in-depth look at your options for whitening veneers.

Whitening Your Dental Veneers

Dental veneers don’t discolor or stain the way natural teeth do. Veneers are typically made from porcelain, which doesn’t readily absorb staining agents. They can only get surface stains, which are usually easy to clean with a professional polish when you visit your dentist for a regular checkup.

However, since it is generally difficult to whiten veneers, your dentist may recommend replacing your old, discolored veneers. It’s worth noting that veneers usually last about seven years before they require replacement. 

It is advisable to whiten your natural teeth before you get new veneers to ensure that the color of your teeth and the new veneers match.

Protecting Your Veneers from Discoloration

Since it is challenging to whiten veneers once they get discolored, it is a much better idea to prevent the discoloration from occurring in the first place. There are several ways to care for your veneers and minimize the chances of discoloration.

Brush and floss regularly.

While dental veneers are not susceptible to decay, the teeth under the veneers have the potential to decay and discolor. This will affect the look and tone of the veneer. To protect your veneers from discoloring or staining, you need to brush your teeth properly, floss gently, and lastly rinse your mouth with mouthwash.

Start using a whitening toothpaste

Your dentist tries to ensure that the color of the dental veneer matches your natural teeth. It’s advisable to brush your dental veneers with whitening toothpaste to prevent them from becoming discolored or stained. A non-abrasive toothpaste and toothbrush are recommended.

Minimize consumption of tooth-staining food and drinks

Tooth-staining foods like coffee, soda, tea, and wine should be consumed moderately. Whenever you consume such kinds of foods, make sure you brush immediately to avoid staining. If you can’t brush, then rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.

Quit using tobacco products

Besides being harmful to your overall health, cigarettes and tobacco products can also affect the cosmetic appeal of your dental veneers. The nicotine contained in these products can quickly turn your veneers from white to yellow.

Wear a bite guard

If you suffer from bruxism, or teeth grinding, your dentist may recommend that you wear a bite guard. This is a device that you put on when going to bed to help ease the stress on your teeth. It is effective in protecting dental veneers to ensure they last longer and stay stain-free.

In Summary

Veneers are usually made from stain-resistant materials, but that doesn’t mean they can’t stain or discolor. Over time, dental veneers become discolored. While you can’t whiten veneers, you can still improve their look.

Namely, professional cleaning can help to get rid of surface stains. It’s important to visit your dentist at least once every six months. If your veneers are severely discolored, your dentist may recommend replacing them.  You should uphold proper oral hygiene and limit tooth-staining foods and drinks to minimize the risk of staining your veneers.