Porcelain veneers are becoming popular for those seeking an aesthetic improvement to their smile. They are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured material perfectly designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their shape, size, colour, and overall look. But one common question people have about porcelain veneers is whether or not they can stain over time. Now, let’s delve deeper into what you need to understand regarding staining and porcelain veneers.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that offers dramatic results in just a few visits! Composed of porcelain, they are laminated to the surface of the existing teeth like a custom-made false fingernail.
Porcelain veneers can solve many aesthetic concerns, such as chips, cracks, gaps, and discolouration.
They are made with porcelain, a very strong and durable material that will last years. In contrast, composite veneers tend to chip more easily and often don’t look natural.
The porcelain is safe and does not interfere with enamel or gum health.
It has been carefully crafted to provide your smile with an incredibly natural look and feel.
Who Needs Porcelain Veneers?
- People who want to improve the appearance of their teeth
Veneers can cover any cosmetic problem, such as gaps, broken teeth, cavities from tooth decay or teeth staining. - People who want to protect their teeth from further damage
Veneers cover teeth that are exposed to cavities or worn down from continuous grinding. - People who have sensitive teeth
Veneers cover their tooth enamel and protect them from triggering exposure. - People who have had previous dental work
Veneers can cover mismatched colours and shapes of prior dental work, such as crowns, making it less noticeable. - People who want a quick fix for their smile
Veneers are a rapid procedure that takes only two visits to give you that perfect smile.
Why Are Porcelain Veneers an Optimal Choice For Your Smile?
Porcelain veneers are the preferred veneer option for many reasons. Crafted from porcelain and closely resembling natural teeth in shape, colour and luminosity, porcelain veneers are exceptionally well suited for restoring the look of a healthy smile. Moreover, porcelain is incredibly durable and resistant to staining, which ensures porcelain veneers can last many years with proper care. Also, porcelain provides excellent insulation that protects the remaining dental structures beneath the porcelain veneers from temperature changes and wear. Finally, porcelain reflects light like enamel making porcelain veneers appear very natural compared to composite materials commonly used for other veneers.
Do Porcelain Veneers Stain?
The good news is that dental porcelain veneers don’t stain as easily as natural teeth do. This is because porcelain is a nonporous material, meaning it doesn’t absorb dye from foods and drinks like natural teeth can. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t ever stain – they can still discolour over time due to ageing or wear and tear. That being said, regular brushing, flossing, and regular checkups with your dentist will help keep them looking their best for much longer.
What Factors Affect the Lifespan of Porcelain Veneers?
The lifespan of porcelain veneers can vary depending on several factors. They are usually long-lasting and durable; however, the amount of wear and tear you put them through will also affect their longevity. This includes habits such as grinding or clenching the teeth, which can cause them to chip or break. Additionally, drinking coffee, tea, and other staining beverages regularly can also contribute to discolouration over time.
8 tips for caring for your veneers
1. Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects
Hard objects include ice, hard candy, and even your fingernails. Chewing on hard objects can put unnecessary stress on your veneers and potentially damage them.
2. Be Careful with Your Teeth Whitening Products
Avoid using whitening toothpaste that contains harsh chemicals to remove surface stains, as this can damage your veneers. Consult your dentist to recommend suitable veneer products.
3. Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools
Another important tip for caring for your veneers is to avoid using your teeth as tools, such as opening bottles and cans. This can cause your veneers to loosen over time or even fall out.
4. Brush and Floss Regularly
Veneers don’t prevent plaques and Tatars from building up on your teeth, so use a soft bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth and floss twice daily to avoid these problems.
5. Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages
Some certain foods and beverages can lead to discoloured teeth as well as veneers. This includes coffee, tea, red wine, dark soda, berries, soy sauce, and curry sauce. If you do have any of these foods and beverages, make sure to wash your mouth immediately afterwards to remove any residue that may cause staining.
6. Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
Make sure to wear a protective mouth guard if you’re playing violent types of sports to protect your veneers from damage.
7. Quit smoking
Smoking is one of the major causes of veneer staining and gum disease, so it’s better to quit smoking for your smile and overall health.
8. See Your Dentist Regularly
It’s important to regularly check with your doctors for any problem that may arise with your veneers.
Do You Ever Need to Whiten Your Veneers?
Do You Ever Need to Whiten Your Veneers?Surprisingly, porcelain veneers rarely stain beyond their initially delivered shade. They don’t respond to the same whitening products that work on natural tooth enamel. In most cases, they don’t require regular whitening like natural teeth. However, if you notice any discolouration in the porcelain veneers, it can usually be corrected quickly by your cosmetic dentist during an office visit.
Do You Need to Replace Your Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers can last from 10 to 15 years with proper care, but there may come a time when they need to be replaced. If your porcelain veneer is broken or chipped, it is best to have it replaced right away — not only for aesthetic reasons but also because if the porcelain veneer is not replaced promptly, it may cause further damage to your teeth. Smaller chips can be repaired in-office with composite resin bonding. However, larger or more severe damage will require the replacement of the porcelain veneer.
If you’re considering porcelain veneer replacement, the first step is to consult your dentist to see if the porcelain needs replacing or evaluation. The dentist will consider the amount of dental wear and tear, any existing damage, and the severity of discolouration when determining whether replacing them is necessary.
Experience an Instant Smile Transformation with Porcelain Veneers!
At Boutique Dental Care, porcelain veneers can be the perfect way to improve your smile instantly. Our highly-trained cosmetic dentists will work with you to custom-design porcelain veneers that enhance your unique facial structure, creating a beautiful look you’ll love. Contact us at (02) 9054 5281 and see for yourself the amazing transformations these porcelain veneers can make. Your teeth will look amazing, and your confidence will shine through!
References
The Success of Dental Veneers According To Preparation Design and Material Type
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311473/
Veneers
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23522-dental-veneers