Porcelain veneers are much harder to stain than your natural enamel, but years of drinking staining beverages without proper dental hygiene will eventually cause discoloration.
Can Veneers Be Whitened?
Unfortunately, porcelain does not respond to traditional whitening treatments in the same way that natural enamel does, so it is not recommended that you try to whiten them. Instead, you can talk to your dentist about the cleaning options available to you and the steps that are necessary to prevent restaining in the future.
How To Maintain Their Original Color
The peroxides that are used as the active ingredient in practically all whitening substances contain volatile oxygen molecules. These molecules can penetrate the porous surface of your teeth, coming into contact with the surface stains in your enamel. Upon contact, these oxygen molecules break apart the bonds that hold those stains in place, effectively removing them.
Unfortunately, porcelain veneers are specifically made to resist staining. They’re made to be non-porous. This way, the majority of staining beverages and foods do not have an opportunity to take hold. This proves great for patients who maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine. Also for those who use basic precautions to reduce staining. Why? It means that their veneers are likely to maintain their original color until ready to be replaced. Sadly, it also means that traditional whitening will not work on your veneers.
Cleaning Options
Whitening treatments may not work, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that your dentist in Woodland Hills won’t be able to reduce or eradicate the staining on your veneers. Professional cleaning is usually all it takes to mitigate early signs of staining. During your visit, your dentist will carefully clean and polish your natural teeth and veneers to give you the best results possible.
Unfortunately, if you haven’t been attending your professional cleanings every six months, then it is possible for the staining to get out of hand. If you have serious stains as a result of years of irregular dental care, then your veneers may require replacement. This may also be true if your veneers are older, made from an inferior material like resin, or if your gums have begun to recede.
Preventing Restaining By Brushing
When it comes to keeping your teeth as white as they were when you first got your porcelain veneers in Woodland Hills, prevention is key. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day. This is especially important if you have a fondness for staining foods or beverages such as beets, turmeric, coffee, dark sodas, or red wine.
The truth is it’s actually best to brush directly after consuming staining food or drink. The one caveat to that is you don’t want to immediately brush after consuming something acidic. Have you had coffee or wine, for example? Then you should always rinse your mouth with water and wait a few minutes before brushing. Brushing your teeth with the acidic substance still in your mouth could actually damage your enamel further. This proves due to its weakened state.
Other Prevention Tools
In addition to brushing frequently, you can also reduce staining by limiting direct contact between staining drinks and your teeth. Reusable straws can be quite useful in this case. However, you should be aware that it isn’t advisable to drink hot beverages through a straw. It could result in burns to your hard palate, tongue, and esophagus.
If you’re drinking a hot, staining beverage while on the move, try keeping sugar-free gum on your person. It isn’t perfect, but sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production to reduce the chance of staining. This preventative measure can help give you more time until your next brushing.
If you are looking for a general and cosmetic dentist in Woodland Hills, CA, look no further than West Valley Dental. If you suspect you have a cavity, we can help restore your smile with a dental filling that is both durable and aesthetically-pleasing. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
