Contents Navigation
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells of durable, tooth-coloured material that are adhered to the front surfaces of teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of a person’s teeth and make them look straighter and brighter. Veneers can also fill in gaps between teeth or change the shape or size of teeth. They can also be used for a variety of cosmetic issues.
Veneers help improve the appearance of your smile by hiding imperfections in your teeth. They can be a great option for those who want to have whiter teeth, particularly for dental patients with teeth that do not respond to whitening treatments.
Can Your Dental Veneers Be Stained?
While veneers are resistant to staining, it still depends on the type you have. Now let’s look at the two most common types of dental veneers:
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are made of a glass-ceramic material that is non-porous. That means it doesn’t absorb the pigments of coffee, wine, and other common stain-causing foods and drinks the way natural teeth do.
However, the part of the veneer that meets your natural tooth may stain. This is rare and usually only happens after many years of use, especially if you frequently consume large amounts of pigmented foods.
Composite Resin Veneers
On the contrary, composite resin veneers can stain like natural teeth over time because they are made from resin, which is porous, unlike porcelain. It means they can absorb pigments from food and beverages just like your real teeth. Typically, they only last five to seven years before they need to be replaced.
However, there are rare instances when dental veneers appear to be stained. And there are other possible causes aside from dark-coloured foods and drinks.
Why Do Dental Veneers Look Discoloured?
- Improper Bonding Process. If the bond is not done properly, substances can leak between the teeth and veneers, causing discolouration. It is uncommon, but it can be prevented by having your veneers placed by an experienced dentist, who ensures the bonding is properly done.
- The Veneers Are Not Sitting Correctly in the Gumline. Veneers can become discoloured, mainly if they are not securely fitted to align with the gumline properly. When this happens, it creates tiny spaces between your gums and your veneers. The space is so small that cleaning it with a toothbrush can be difficult, resulting in accumulation of bacteria and discolouration.
- Age Factor. As we age, our gums begin to recede, which may expose more of the natural tooth that is subject to staining and decay. Patients whose gums have receded significantly since their veneers were applied may need to take additional steps to have them replaced or refitted.
- Tobacco Use or Smoking. Smoking has harmful properties which can cause veneers to appear yellowish or darker, especially if you have composite veneers. If someone continues to smoke after their teeth have been veneered, the bonding material will likely turn brown or yellow over time. This discolouration is noticeable because it appears as a dark border near the gumline. As previously mentioned, smoking can also stain composite veneers because they are porous, just like natural teeth.
How Do You Prevent Staining Your Dental Veneers?
One challenge for those who get dental veneers is keeping them from staining. Although they’re coated with a stain-resistant resin, they may still be susceptible to damage and discolouration. You may try the following ways to prevent such problems and enjoy a brighter smile for a long time:
- Quit smoking habits. Cigarette smoke can diffuse into composite veneers, causing them to turn a dull shade of pale yellow. In contrast, porcelain veneers resist stains from smoking. However, your natural teeth will turn yellow, leading to an uneven tone. Avoiding tobacco products or smoking can make significant improvements in your oral and general health.
- Avoid or limit stain-causing food and drinks. While dental veneers are designed to withstand stains, in rare occurrences, the pigments of dark and vibrant foods, fruits, and beverages can still permeate the shells, causing discolouration. So, if possible, try to limit your consumption.
- Mouthrinse. To prevent staining your dental veneers, rinse your mouth with water after consuming dark-coloured foods and drinks. This way, you can help prevent pigments from setting into your veneers.
- Drink staining drinks from a straw. As mentioned, coffee, tea, and wine can leave yellow or brown tints on your veneers. So it's best to drink them through a straw. While drinking your wine this way feels weird, limiting their contact with your teeth can help prevent staining them.
Can Veneers Be Whitened?
When your dental veneers seem to have stains or discolours for whatever reasons, it can be tempting to try at-home teeth whitening products or even want to undergo professional teeth whitening treatments. Unfortunately, they do not respond to such methods. Unlike natural teeth, which can achieve lighter shades, veneers will stay their colour. Additionally, as we mentioned earlier, whitening your natural teeth after veneer placement may result in uneven shades.
Hence, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene and care for your veneers. While you can’t whiten them, there are still steps you can take to maintain and improve their look. It’s always a good idea to speak with your dentist. They may recommend professional cleanings or replacements to restore their brightness.
How Often Should Veneers Be Replaced?
Generally, the lifespan of dental veneers varies depending on a few factors. You will have to replace them within a reasonable period of time. On average, for porcelain veneers, this is between 10 to 15 years. Composite veneers may need replacement every 3 to 5 years.
Moreover, low-quality veneers installed by an inexperienced dental practitioner may need to be replaced sooner. Chips and cracks in the veneers can be a sign that it’s time to have them changed. With proper care, you can increase the longevity of your veneers. But, depending on the quality, they may not be as durable as you’d like. So, choosing a reputable dental practice with experienced dentists who use high-quality materials is essential.
Other indicators that you may need to replace your veneers are the following:
- They are chipped, cracked, or worn down.
- The tooth underneath the veneer has decayed.
- Irritation of gum tissue or gum disease.
Benefits of Veneers
- The most significant benefit is its ability to cover tooth imperfections. Such as severe discolouration, cracks, and chips.
- Veneers are thin, so they often look and feel natural in your mouth.
- These shells only require minimal enamel removal, unlike other alternatives.
- By maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you can prevent discolouration of your veneers.
- Veneers don't need special care and are easy to maintain.
Disadvantages of Veneers
- Once veneers are bonded, the process cannot be undone. Particularly since removing a layer of tooth enamel is irreversible.
- You may feel increased tooth sensitivity following the procedure. But you can expect this side effect to subside after a few days.
- Veneers can acquire stains and become damaged if proper care is not taken.
Dental Veneer Care Tips
- Be careful about what you eat. One of the best things about dental veneers is that they can mask any cosmetic issues and cracks. However, you should be careful not to damage them. Hard, chewy, or crunchy foods can leave chips and cracks on your veneers. When this happens, it can leave lines and spaces leading to a dark appearance.
- Avoid using teeth whitening products. It's essential to avoid any abrasive materials that might scratch the surface. Whitening toothpaste contains tiny harsh particles that can scratch the veneers and make them look dull. Instead, opt for non-abrasive toothpaste that won't damage the veneers.
- A regular visit to the dental clinic. Dental cleanings are essential for keeping your teeth and veneers clean and bright. When you visit a dentist, they will be able to check the condition of your veneers and take prompt action if needed.
- Drink staining drinks from a straw. As mentioned, coffee, tea, and wine can leave yellow or brown tints on your veneers. So it's best to drink them through a straw. While drinking your wine this way feels weird, limiting their contact with your teeth can help prevent staining them.
Final Thoughts
Dental veneers are a long-lasting way to achieve a brighter smile. Some types can resist the stains and pigments of what you consume. However, they can become discoloured over time if not taken care of correctly. Practising good dental hygiene habits and limiting the intake of stain-causing foods and drinks is essential to keep your dental veneers looking their best for many years.
If you would like to book an appointment or want more information about dental veneers, please book online on our website or call Magical Smiles today. Our dental team would be happy to help you achieve a brighter smile!