Many people in East Kelowna and across British Columbia get dental veneers to create a bright smile. Veneers are thin sheets of porcelain or composite material. These go over your teeth to cover your imperfections, such as stains, chips, or gaps, giving you a more confident look. However, your veneers may lose their shine over time and even develop a yellowish stain.
Many people wonder if they can get teeth whitening for their veneers. In order to keep your veneers in good shape, it is important to understand how they work. This also includes knowing how they can get stained. Veneers are generally made to be resistant to stains, but they are not completely stain-proof. Drinking coffee, red wine, smoking, or aging can cause discoloration.
Sometimes, the dental cement that is used to bond the veneers to your teeth can stain over time. Therefore, your teeth might appear yellow. However, do not make the mistake of trying to whiten your veneers on your own. If you are dealing with discolored veneers, it is best to talk to a dentist for Dental Veneers in East Kelowna, BC.
Why traditional whitening methods will not work
Porcelain veneers are made of materials that can resist stains, but they can still become discolored with time. If you try to use traditional teeth whitening methods on them, they will not work the same as they do on natural teeth.
This is because porcelain is made of non-porous material, while your teeth are porous. The whitening products will not be able to seep inside the material to change its color.
Other than that, whitening products from the store or using toothpaste with harsh abrasives like baking soda can end up harming your veneers. These DIY methods might make them lose worse instead of better.
Then, what actually works?
The best way to bring back the shine of your dental veneers is through professional cleaning and care. When you regularly visit your dentist, it allows your dentist to check on your veneers. They can use special cleaning methods to remove surface stains. They can also polish your veneers to restore their shine and fix any appearance issues.
However, in some cases, you may need to replace your veneers. This is when they become extremely discolored or old. It is best to consult your dentist about this.
How you can fight stains before they occur
The best way to keep your veneers bright is to prevent discoloration. This can happen only when you follow a strict oral hygiene routine and use the right tools and products. Make sure to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and buy a toothpaste that is specially designed for veneers.
On top of that, you have to avoid highly pigmented drinks and foods, as these can easily cause stains. Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, etc., are some of them. If you often drink beverages that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, using a straw can help protect your veneers. This will limit your teeth from coming in contact with the drink.
When replacement might be the best option
Sometimes, especially with older veneers or those that are very discolored, replacing them might be the best option. Porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years if you take good care of them. But if you got your veneers a long time ago, they may not be as strong as the ones available today. There are better and more durable options available now.
If you are not happy with your veneers, talking to your dentist can help. They can help you decide whether you should get new veneers or revive the old ones.
Get your veneers looking like new!
Are you worried about your yellowing veneers? You can bring back that sparkle! Schedule a visit with a dentist in East Kelowna today.