Designed to truly transform smiles, veneers allow patients to enjoy whiter, flawless smiles. However, if you’re not careful, bad habits and too many dark-colored foods and beverages can take their toll on your new teeth, causing them to dull over time. What can you do to bring them back to life? Is it possible to whiten your porcelain veneers in Castle Rock? A dentist explains whether this process is feasible as well as what you should do to ensure the longevity of your veneers.
What Can Cause Discoloration to Veneers?
When initially receiving your veneers, your dentist will go over all the foods, beverages, and bad habits you’ll want to avoid. The reason for these limitations is to ensure your new teeth remain bright, beautiful, and fully intact. Although veneers are much more stain-resistant than regular tooth enamel, they can dull over time if you’re not careful.
From poor oral hygiene that negatively impacts the natural tooth beneath the veneer to dark-colored foods and beverages (i.e., coffee, tea, soda, berries, soy sauce, red wine, etc.) to smoking and nail-biting, your veneers will begin to lose their whiter appearance should you neglect your dentist’s aftercare instructions.
Can They Be Whitened?
Although you may be tempted to purchase one of the many at-home whitening kits available at your local drug store, you’ll quickly realize you’ve wasted your time and money, as these simply will not do the trick. Instead, you can turn to your trusted dentist for help.
If you have composite resin veneers, it is possible that regular dental cleanings can help to remove any surface stains that may be causing your smile to appear discolored. Your dentist may also recommend helpful products that you can use at home to keep your veneers looking their best.
Should you have porcelain veneers, the only way to bring new life to your smile is to have them replaced. Yes, this can be costly depending on how many teeth will need to be covered, but if you want an even, more vibrant smile, it is the only possible solution.
Ways to Maintain the Look of Your Veneers
Choosing veneers to transform your smile isn’t just a temporary fix. They are permanent, which means you’ll need to commit to taking care of them until it’s time for them to be replaced. To ensure their longevity and beautiful appearance, you’ll need to:
- Avoid or limit your exposure to darkly pigmented foods and beverages
- Give up smoking
- Regularly brush your teeth, floss, and rinse
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming something that has a dark pigment
- Avoid nail-biting, using your teeth as tools, and chewing on ice, as these can damage your veneers
If you want to make your investment last as long as possible, be sure to follow the instructions provided to you by your dentist and prepare to enjoy a longer-lasting, more beautiful smile.
About the Author
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill before going to work for Clinical Research Associates. For 12 years, he served as a dentist in the United States Air Force, completing a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry from 1994-1996. Moving to Castle Rock in 2002, he opened his practice and has been providing cosmetic dentistry solutions like porcelain veneers to hide smile imperfections. He and his team can offer tips and tricks to help others maintain their new veneers longer. If you want to learn more about what you can do to ensure the health and look of your smile, visit our website or call (360) 703-9092.