Invisalign

Can Porcelain Veneers Get Stained?

porcelain veneers

There are a few different cosmetic dentistry treatments that can help transform your smile, with porcelain veneers leading the way. It’s important to properly maintain your veneers to keep them looking white, bright, and as beautiful as possible. Dr. Vlahos and his team are proud to provide patients with achievable solutions to restore their smile with custom porcelain veneers. In this article we breakdown the durability and longevity of veneers and whether or not veneers can become stained.

Who is a candidate for dental veneers?

In the majority of cases, porcelain veneers are used to improve or conceal cosmetic dental concerns, including:

  • Chipped tooth
  • Broken tooth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Short teeth
  • Small teeth
  • Dull teeth
  • Yellow teeth
  • Stained teeth
  • Thin teeth
  • Sensitive teeth

Before dental veneers can be placed, Dr. Vlahos will evaluate the patient’s overall dental and oral health. If there’s an indication that the patient has tooth decay, cavities, periodontal disease, or other dental problems, patients will be treated for it first and foremost. Only then veneers can be safely and successfully fitted over the tooth/teeth.

Can veneers get stained?

Most of us are well aware of the impact that coffee, tea, red wine, and other foods or beverages can have on our teeth. Smoking is also a well-known cause of yellow or stained teeth. The good news is, porcelain dental veneers are extremely durable and stain-resistant compared to natural teeth, meaning even daily coffee drinkers can enjoy themselves while sustaining a whiter and brighter smile. However, it is important for patients to know that dental veneers are not entirely stain-proof. Over time, certain pigmented foods and beverages, including coffee, can stain or dull a patient’s veneers. To prevent veneers from staining, patients should practice proper dental hygiene and restrict certain behaviours. Caring for your porcelain veneers will likely mean:

  • Minimizing your consumption of coffee, tea, and red wine
  • Brushing and flossing twice daily
  • Not smoking
  • Visiting the dentist for regular dental cleanings and exams

What to do if my porcelain veneers get stained?

While veneers are stain-resistant for the most-part, it is still possible for their tone and sheen to diminish over time, especially for smokers or coffee drinkers. Fortunately, the majority of patients with porcelain veneers do not develop noticeable staining within the lifespan of their veneers.

Although traditional teeth whitening treatments are not typically appropriate or effective for porcelain veneers, we can recommend other solutions for stained veneers, including:

  • Professional dental cleaning
  • Specialized toothpastes
  • Veneer polishing
  • Reglazing veneers
  • Replacing porcelain veneers

With proper care and behavioural modifications, you can enjoy the benefits of porcelain veneers for many years to come. At Dr. Vlahos Family Dentistry, we’re here to provide you with a free consultation call to determine if porcelain veneers are right for you. Call us today!