Young woman in a mirror brushing her teeth

Can You Whiten Veneers?

Your smile is your greeting card to the world, and it's so important to keep it healthy — which will also make it beautiful. Veneers are just one way to make your smile shine and boost your confidence. Over time, however, you might notice that your veneers are changing colour. And you may be wondering if you can whiten your veneers, or how to whiten your veneers. In this article, we'll explore some answers.

How do Veneers Become Discoloured?

When you first get veneers, it can be exciting to have a lovely white smile. But what happens if they start to change colour? What are some of the causes behind this change?

Veneers are made of either porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers don't become stained or discoloured, but composite resin veneers do. Surface stains may develop on your veneers after exposure to drinks like tea, coffee, or red wine.

Can You Whiten Veneers?

If you're wondering how to whiten your composite veneers, you may be tempted to try an at-home whitening treatment. Unfortunately, composite resin doesn't respond well to whitening. The South African Dental Association notes that dental restorations such as these might need to be replaced if you feel they do not match your new, whiter smile.

Even though you can't whiten composite resin veneers, that doesn't mean you can't improve the way they look. Professional dental cleanings can help remove surface stains. Consult with your dental professional to offer at-home cleaning tips and a professional dental cleaning schedule tailored to your specific needs. If your veneers are significantly discoloured, your dentist may recommend replacing them.

Caring For Your Veneers

As is often the case with dental hygiene, sustained care can make a huge difference. To prevent stains, it's essential to take care of your veneers the way you would take care of your enamel. Try to steer clear of colour-saturated foods and drinks that could lead to staining. This includes beverages like coffee and tea, and foods like curry, pasta sauce, berries, and balsamic vinegar.

That said, if you don't want to give up your daily cup of joe — mornings can be challenging, we know! — brush your teeth afterward with a toothbrush. If you're not at home and don't have access to your toothbrush, rinse with water after enjoying your beverage to help prevent stains.

We all want to do what we can to make our smiles look and feel good, and veneers can give us so much confidence. That's why it's important to take care of them. To prevent discolouration as much as possible, try to avoid food or drinks that could stain your veneers, brush your teeth regularly, and don't forget to see your dentist for professional cleanings.

Even as you follow these steps, remember to enjoy your veneers and smile proudly!

Disclaimer:

The above information is provided for informational purposes only. Colgate does not accept any liability should the above recommendations have an outcome contrary to the intended result. Always seek the advice of a qualified doctor or dental professional. Do not disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

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