For those of us who are sporting a smile you aren’t proud of, dental veneers can be a great option for you to get your confidence back and smiling broadly again. A great fix for those who have chipped, discoloured, wonky, cracked, and misaligned teeth, a tooth veneer hides the condition of the original tooth and blends in seamlessly with all of your existing teeth.
Going to the effort of getting veneers means you need to take care of them, so what happens if they start to discolour? It’s a common query from our clients that do get dental veneers - so, let’s discuss whether you can whiten veneers and how to stop them from discolouring in the first place.
What are veneers?
Veneers are cap coverings that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your existing teeth.
Designed for cosmetic purposes, they improve the aesthetic of your teeth and are primarily used by people who have chipped or discoloured teeth.
Veneers can also be used as a needed addition for other dental work. For example, if more of a tooth surface is needed when placing dental crowns and dental bridges.
Different types of veneers
The two main different types of veneers are porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Made of two different materials, both veneers still have the same overall purpose, to improve the aesthetic of the original tooth, the veneers differ when it comes to stain resistance, application, price and durability.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are made from a tooth-coloured resin, that is applied to the afflicted tooth and then moulded into the required shape.
Pros for getting composite veneers:
Lower upfront cost. Composite veneers are a cheaper option compared to porcelain veneers.
Minimal preparation. The original teeth don’t need to be shaved down much, if at all, for the resin to be applied.
The resin of composite veneers is shaped directly on the tooth, requiring only one appointment for application.
Cons for getting composite veneers:
More prone to staining. The resin composite veneers is made of is a more porous material and therefore absorbs the staining food and drink consumed.
More prone to breaking. Not an extremely durable material, the bonding resin
Not as ‘perfect’.
How long do they last?
Porcelain veneers last up to 3-5 years, depending on the level of care.
Porcelain Veneers
Made of porcelain, these veneers are long-lasting and custom-made. Porcelain veneers require the original tooth enamel to be shaved down for a snug fit before application. You can decide your exact colour, shape, and size with porcelain veneers.
Pros for porcelain veneers:
They achieve the sort after ‘perfect teeth’ look.
A greater customisation potential. If you are wanting your veneer to look a certain way, whether that be shape or size, a porcelain veneer is more likely to achieve the look you are after than a composite veneer.
They last longer.
Cons for porcelain veneers:
Porcelain veneers are on the more expensive side compared to other veneers. You are certainly getting what you pay for though as they are customised and more likely to look like your real teeth, as porcelain reflects light in the same way as normal tooth enamel.
A lot of preparation is required. Porcelain veneers need to be custom-made in advance of application, requiring 2 – 3 dentist visits at least for application.
How long do they last?
Porcelain veneers are quite durable and normally have a life span of 10-15 years.
Do veneers stain?
Whether your veneer will stain is dependent on the type of veneers you have. If you have composite veneers there is the chance that they will stain and discolour over time. This is because they are made of resin which is a porous material that can absorb colour-staining foods and drinks. People who drink coffee, smoke and don’t brush regularly are far more likely to stain their composite veneers.
Porcelain veneers on the other hand are stain resistant, as they aren’t a porous material and won’t absorb any staining ingredients. Occasionally it might look as though your porcelain veneer has stained but this is due to other factors, such as, if the natural tooth behind the veneer has been damaged and is starting to yellow, this will show through the veneer from behind.
Can you whiten composite veneers?
Composite veneers are prone to staining over time and cannot be whitened with traditional over the counter or in-clinic whitening treatments.
Despite the fact that composite veneers cannot be whitened using traditional whitening products, your dentists can still ‘clean’ them to restore a whiter appearance.
Can you whiten porcelain veneers?
No, porcelain veneers cannot be whitened using traditional at-home or in-clinic whitening treatment methods.
Porcelain is a highly stain-resistant material which means that, when compared to composite veneers, they are far less likely to stain or discolour over time.
Tips to keep your veneers looking white
If you go to the trouble of getting veneers, it’s certainly in your best interest to look after them. Here are the top tips to keep your veneers pearly white:
1. Brush regularly
2. Avoid staining food and drink, such as coffee.
3. Regular dental visits
4. Good oral hygiene
Final thoughts
Whitening your veneers after they have been applied is not an option. Instead, be prepared to invest in new veneers after their lifespan has come to an end. If you want to prevent staining, although you need to pay a little extra to begin with, you need to invest in porcelain veneers, as they don’t stain and last significantly longer. If you don’t have the finances for porcelain, you can get composite veneers and although more prone to staining, if taken care of with a focus on avoiding staining foods, should remain at an acceptable colour for their life span.
If you aren’t happy with your smile and think veneers might be the best option for you, book an appointment with Bluff Dental. Bluff Dental is the leading dental provider for porcelain and composite veneers in Geraldton. Start smiling again after receiving the highest dental quality and care that only Bluff Point Dental can provide.
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