Posted: August 17, 2022
Porcelain is stain-resistant. Dental veneers can, therefore, retain their bright white brilliance for several years at a time. Resistant does not mean “proof,” however. Unless you take care to prevent staining, veneers will inevitably become dingy over time.
What Stains Dental Veneers?
Porcelain veneers can be stained through repeated exposure to:
- Coffee and Tea
- Red Wine
- Cola and Sports Drinks
- Foods and Beverages with Artificial Colors
- Dark Colored Sauces (Tomato, Curry, etc.)
- Blackberries, Blueberries, Beets, and Similarly Dark Colored Foods
The risks of staining veneers can be diminished by drinking beverages through a straw. Risks may also be reduced by avoiding processed and chemically-enhanced foods. However, proper tooth care remains the most effective way to prevent staining your porcelain veneers.
How to Care for Dental Veneers
Porcelain veneers can be brushed the same way as your natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching the surface of your restorations. Just as veneers are stain resistant, they cannot be whitened. Abrasive ingredients like baking soda will not remove stains from your veneers. Some abrasive ingredients will instead damage them and hasten their discoloration.
Floss at least once a day. Flossing before you brush removes a significant amount of debris, particulate, and bacteria and can help prevent decay from forming underneath your veneers. Flossing twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, offers enhanced benefits.
Mouthwash may not be ideal for people with veneers. Alcohol-based mouthwash can damage the dental bonding used to secure veneers to the teeth. Over time, this can allow your veneers to come loose or fall out entirely. What’s more, many types of mouthwash needlessly contain artificial colors that add nothing to the formula, but can stain your teeth. We can discuss safe and effective options during your next visit if you enjoy mouthwash.
Speaking of your next visit, routine cleanings and examinations are another way to help keep your porcelain veneers bright and beautiful. These visits also allow us to inspect your veneers to determine if one or more might need to be replaced. If required, you can also schedule an appointment specifically to evaluate and replace individual veneers.
To schedule a consultation at our Manhattan office and learn more about porcelain veneers, please call NYC Smile Design at 212-452-3344 today.
