Veneers are premium coverings that you can get over your natural teeth for a bright, beautiful smile. However, over time, the brilliance of your veneers may fade as they, like natural teeth, can gradually develop a yellowish tint instead of staying white.
This can occur for a number of reasons, but the good news is that there are effective ways to prevent it or restore the whiteness of your veneers.
In this article, we’ll explore the causes behind the yellowing of veneers and provide tips on how to prevent it, along with lifestyle changes that can help keep your veneers looking white for longer.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells applied to damaged teeth to fix or conceal imperfections. They effectively address issues such as cracks, misalignments, gaps, uneven shapes, chips, and discoloration.
But Can Veneers Turn Yellow?
Yes, veneers can turn yellow over time, although they are designed to resist staining. Factors such as poor oral hygiene, exposure to staining foods and drinks, and natural wear and tear can contribute to discoloration, especially for composite veneers.
How Can Veneers Turn Yellow?
While veneers are designed to resist staining, certain habits and lifestyle choices can still lead to discoloration over time. Let’s take a look at some common factors that may cause staining on your veneers.
Smoking Cigarettes & Tobacco Products
Tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco contain tar and nicotine, which can result in significant staining. These substances can adhere to the surface of veneers, leading to a yellow or brown tint over time.
Drinking Coffee
Coffee is notorious for staining veneers. Its dark pigments can build up on the surface, causing yellow or brown discoloration. Although you don’t have to cut out coffee entirely, rinsing your mouth with water after drinking can help prevent stains.
Consuming Red Wine
Red wine, similar to coffee, has dark pigments that can stain veneers. The acidity in wine can also wear down the protective glaze, making the veneers more prone to discoloration.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Failing to brush and floss your teeth properly can result in plaque and tartar buildup around the veneers, which may lead to discoloration.
Not Limiting Soda Consumption
Consuming too much sugar, particularly from soda and fizzy drinks, can contribute to discoloration. While veneers protect your teeth, excessive soda intake can lead to tooth decay, causing your natural teeth to yellow, which may become visible beneath the veneers.
Neglecting Regular Professional Cleanings
After getting veneers, it’s important to schedule professional check-ups and cleanings every 4-6 months. Skipping these appointments can result in inadequate oral care, potentially leading to discoloration due to neglect.
Wear and Tear
As time passes, the thin layer of material on the veneers can gradually wear away, revealing the underlying surface, which may be more susceptible to staining. Moreover, small cracks or chips in the veneers can trap food particles and bacteria, contributing to discoloration.
How to Prevent Your Veneers from Turning Yellow
- Brush and floss regularly: Brushing and flossing remove food particles and debris from the surfaces of your teeth. After getting veneers, it’s important to brush and floss after meals or at least twice a day to maintain their appearance.
- Avoid tobacco products and excessive alcohol: Tobacco can lead to deep, stubborn stains on both your teeth and veneers. If you smoke, make sure to brush your teeth afterward. Excessive alcohol can soften veneers, making them more vulnerable to stains and damage.
- Limit or avoid staining foods: While veneers are resistant to staining, frequent consumption of dark and acidic foods can dull their appearance or cause staining. If you regularly consume coffee, tea, red wine, dark chocolate, soda, or other highly pigmented items, make sure to brush or rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward.
- Avoid abrasive oral products: Strong, abrasive oral products may seem effective at removing stains, but they can wear down and discolor your veneers over time.
- Wear a mouthguard: Sports injuries and frequent teeth grinding or clenching can wear down or damage your veneers over time, so wearing a mouthguard can help protect them.
How to Whiten Your Yellow Veneers
Professional Cleaning
A dentist can perform a professional cleaning to remove surface stains and plaque buildup, helping to restore the brightness of your veneers.
Veneer Polishing
If your veneers have yellowed, your dentist may be able to polish them to remove discoloration and restore their original shine.
Whitening Treatments for Composite Veneers
For composite veneers, your dentist may apply a specialized whitening treatment or reapply a fresh layer of composite material to restore the whiteness.
Replacing Old Veneers
If the yellowing is significant and can’t be improved through cleaning or polishing, replacing the old veneers with new ones may be the best option to achieve a bright, white smile.
Conclusion
While veneers are designed to resist staining and discoloration, they can still turn yellow over time due to factors such as poor oral hygiene, diet, tobacco use, and natural wear. However, with proper care—including regular brushing, avoiding staining foods and drinks, and scheduling professional cleanings—you can help maintain the whiteness of your veneers.
If discoloration does occur, options such as professional cleaning, polishing, or replacing the veneers can restore their original brightness.
Get the Solution for Your Yellow Veneers at Smile Boutique
If you’re worried about the color of your veneers, feel free to contact our team at Smile Boutique. In a consultation, we can evaluate the condition of your veneers, talk about your smile goals, and suggest the most effective treatment options.
Book your appointment today.
FAQs
Yes, porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining and discoloration compared to composite veneers, which tend to absorb stains more easily.
No, traditional teeth whitening products don’t work on veneers, as they only whiten natural teeth. Professional treatments from your dentist are the best option for restoring the brightness of veneers.
