When you have restored your beautiful, bright smile with dental veneers, the last thing you want is to worry about how they look. But, do veneers stain? Here’s the answer to that (and two other) frequently asked questions.

1. First question: Do veneers stain?

Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental restoration that consists of a thin shell of material that fits over your teeth. They can be the ideal treatment for:

  • Small cracks, chips, or fractures in teeth
  • Yellowed or stained teeth
  • Misshaped or small teeth
  • Minor bite correction

If you have healthy natural teeth that look a little less-than-perfect, dental veneers can help bring your smile back to life. First, your dentist takes an impression of your healthy natural teeth and then custom-crafts veneers to achieve the results you are looking for. They then remove some of the healthy tooth’s enamel to make the veneer attach better and apply a thin layer of dental adhesive.

Finally, your dentist affixes the veneer to the tooth to restore your smile.

But do veneers stain?

It depends. As with many things in life, the better the materials, the better the result. If you are using high quality veneer materials (see below), there is not much chance of staining. Lower quality materials just don’t last as long or perform as well. Staining may also occur.

With any type of material, there is a slight chance of staining the margin around the veneer. This is the area where the veneer meets the gumline. With age and poor dental hygiene, receding gums can expose the thin layer of dental adhesive that attaches the veneer to the tooth. This can stain. If gums are healthy and intact, the chance of this also decreases.

Do composite veneers stain?

Plastic or composite resin veneer materials can scratch or crack and maybe more susceptible to staining.

And that line of adhesive cement (also referred to as a glue line)? It’s made of composite materials. These materials absorb staining foods and other substances over time and resist whitening. Put simply, composite veneers are more susceptible to staining.

Do porcelain or other types of veneers stain?

Porcelain veneers are very resistant to staining and will generally stay brightly white for the life of your veneers.

A tooth that is hit hard may discolor if the dentin underneath is damaged. Dentin is the soft, inner pulp of the tooth. This could show through your veneers, regardless of material. Beyond this risk, though, it is unlikely for porcelain and other high-quality veneers themselves to stain.

2. What can stain veneers?

Even though porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining, there are some generally staining foods, beverages, and substances you can avoid or limit. As noted above, even porcelain veneers can have staining at the margin line, so consider limiting the following.

  • Smoking: Do veneers stain from smoking? Absolutely. In fact, this is one of the most common types of staining for all kinds of teeth. Teeth bathed in nicotine many times a day a day have trouble staying white.
  • Red wine: Red wine is notoriously hard to get out of clothes when it spills, and your lovely veneers are no different.
  • Coffee: Your daily java, even with cream to lighten it, may over time cause your veneers to lose their bright hue.
  • Soda: Not only is soda a staining agent, but it also contains acid that can etch into veneers over time. This makes staining even easier.
  • Blueberries and grapes: Grape juice may be more prone to staining veneers, but even the fresh fruit can be problematic.
  • Curry: Curry is delicious with its deep yellow turmeric base, but this can stain composite veneers and the dental adhesive at the margins.

Other foods that could potentially cause your veneers to lose their luster include soy sauce, tea, and other deeply colored juices (e.g., pomegranate or cherry).

It’s okay to enjoy the foods you love but take care to rinse well after consuming them or use a straw for staining beverages when possible.

3. How to whiten stained veneers?

To keep your bright smile, start with an expert dentist. Many of the issues that could lead to stained veneers – cracks, veneers that are too long or too big, and poorly-prepared teeth – can be prevented by working with a dentist who is skilled in the art of dental restoration.

A high-quality dental professional will take better impressions for the best fit and carefully craft your veneers to color-match your uncovered natural teeth. They’ll then remove the right amount of natural tooth material for proper adhesion of the veneers.

The next best way to not stain your veneers is to avoid stains in the first place. This means not only avoiding the foods listed above, but also taking good care of your veneers once they are in place. Brush with non-abrasive toothpaste, rinse with no-alcoholic mouthwash, and see your dentist for regular check-ups.

If your porcelain veneers seem to be changing color, or you see a line at the margin, you may be tempted by the promise of whitening your teeth at home. Resist this urge. At-home whitening kits could cause damage and may not produce positive results.

It’s best to check with your dentist before using them and asking about their in-office whitening options. And, chances are that the color change is not the veneers themselves but the teeth underneath. In this case, it’s especially important to visit your dentist for a check-up.

Composite veneers cannot be whitened, but a professional cleaning can do wonders. Surface stains can often be removed, leaving your whole smile refreshed.

Put your best smile forward

Do veneers stain? At AZ Dentist, we help you put your best smile forward with high-quality, expertly crafted feldspathic veneers that resist stains and look beautiful for years to come.

Get in touch today to see how we can create a bright smile that lasts.

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