Individuals often seek to enhance the appearance of their smiles. Sometimes, professional whitening is enough to significantly improve the look of their teeth, but when chips, cracks, minor misalignment, or permanent discoloration is an issue, dental veneers can conceal these imperfections and brighten teeth at the same time. But what happens when veneers lose their luster? This comprehensive blog will review the difference between whitening natural teeth and composite or porcelain veneers and provide tips to keep them looking their best over time.
Composite vs. Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are generally made from two types of materials:
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite veneers are more affordable than porcelain veneers and can be completed in one visit. While composite veneers are durable, they stain more easily than porcelain. However, composite veneers are easier and less expensive to repair if they become discolored or damaged.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are strong, wafer-thin, custom-made ceramic shells that are bonded to the front surface of imperfect teeth. They are known to last longer than composite veneers, are more stain-resistant, and mimic natural tooth enamel better.
Can Either Type of Veneers Be Whitened?
The short answer is no—whitening gels, bleaching agents, and other products designed to lift stains from natural enamel won’t work on composite resin or porcelain veneers. This is because whitening products are formulated to penetrate the porous structure of natural teeth. Veneers are nonporous, so they don’t respond well to bleaching.
Even though you can’t whiten the veneers themselves, there are steps you can take to keep them looking fresh and prevent discoloration from setting in.
Options for Keeping Dental Veneers Bright
If you notice your veneers are looking less vibrant or the surrounding natural teeth are whiter than your veneers, here are a few options to help maintain a consistent bright smile:
Professional Cleaning and Polishing
Professional dental cleaning is essential in maintaining both natural teeth and veneers. Over time, plaque and surface stains can accumulate on veneers just like they do on natural teeth.
During your dental cleaning, a special polishing paste can be used to bring back the veneers’ original shine without damaging them.
Stain Removal Treatments
A gentle stain removal treatment may be an option for composite veneers. Certain dental polishing agents can remove stains from composite materials and keep them looking bright. The nonporous nature of porcelain makes stain removal less effective. Your dentist can recommend the best way to renew porcelain veneers.
Replacing Old or Discolored Veneers
In cases where veneers have aged or become permanently discolored, replacement may be the best option. Porcelain veneers are long-lasting but not permanent and must be replaced eventually. Composite veneers can be touched up as they age, chip, or become stained.
Whitening Natural Teeth to Match Veneers
Whitening your natural teeth to match new veneers or other ceramic restorations can provide a uniformly brighter smile. If you have had your veneers for several years and your natural teeth have become stained, you can whiten them to match the shade of the veneers.
How to Maintain Veneers for Long-Lasting Results
There are several steps you can take to keep your veneers looking vibrant:
- Proper oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing daily is essential for keeping veneers and natural teeth healthy. Good oral hygiene prevents plaque from turning into tartar, making your teeth and veneers look dull or discolored, not to mention what it can do to your gums. Use non-abrasive toothpaste, as abrasive brands can scratch veneers and make them more vulnerable to staining.
- Avoid staining foods and drinks: Some foods and beverages, like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, are notorious for staining teeth. While porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, consuming highly pigmented foods and drinks regularly can still cause discoloration. For composite veneers, the staining potential is even higher. Limit your consumption of these stain-causing items, or rinse your mouth with water afterward to help preserve the color of your veneers. Using a straw when drinking coffee, tea, dark juices, or red wine can also help.
- Drinking water throughout the day: Besides rinsing your mouth with water after drinking or eating staining beverages and food, water can help clear away other food debris and is a helpful part of proper oral hygiene.
- Stop smoking or using tobacco products: Smoking and other tobacco products can significantly discolor natural teeth and veneers. Nicotine and tar can give veneers a yellow or brown tint. Smoking cessation can prevent further staining and help keep your smile bright and healthy.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush helps protect veneers from surface damage. Hard bristled brushes can scratch your veneers and make them look dull. Be gentle when brushing, especially around the gumline, to avoid damaging your veneers and natural teeth.
Dental Bonding and Porcelain Veneers in Beverly Hills, CA
Beverly Hills celebrity dentist Dr. Kevin Sands provides the highest level of care and quality porcelain veneers in the Los Angeles, CA, area. He takes great pride in transforming a less-than-perfect smile into a spectacular one.
A porcelain veneers before and after pic.
Take a look at Dr. Sands’ before and after photos of his dental veneer patient results and call to schedule your consultation at 310.273.0111. You can also fill out our online contact form to begin the process of achieving a stunning smile.