Do Porcelain Veneers Stain?
Dental veneers San Diego are an affordable option for improving the aesthetics of your smile, but they’re still an investment. One of the questions we get asked the most often about porcelain veneers is whether they will stain. The short answer is no. But as with any investment, it’s important to learn as much as you can about dental veneers before you take the plunge. Here’s a brief overview of dental veneers and why they’re a great way to restore your smile and boost your confidence:
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells made of natural-looking porcelain. Veneers are designed to cover the surface of the tooth to hide discoloration, cracks, chips, gaps, mild misalignment and misshapen teeth. The dental veneer procedure involves filing off a small portion of the tooth’s enamel to accommodate the veneer. Veneers are a permanent solution, but they can be easily replaced if needed.
Why don’t porcelain veneers stain?
Natural teeth are very porous, so they easily absorb stains from coffee, tea, soda, red wine, berries, tomato sauce and many other foods and beverages. Dental veneers, however, are made from dental-grade porcelain, which is completely smooth and able to deflect any potential stains.
There is the potential for staining where the veneers meet the edges of your teeth, but it’s important to not use whitening toothpaste to address it. Whitening toothpastes can scratch the surface of dental veneers, so talk to Dr. Hage about alternative whitening options. Also, because veneers are color-matched to your natural teeth, you might notice a gradual contrast as your natural teeth stain while the veneers remain white. There are several ways to restore uniform color to your teeth. Dr. Hage will help you understand your options.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
With proper care and oral hygiene, porcelain dental veneers can last up to 20 years or more. While replacing a veneer is a much simpler process than getting one initially, there are several things you can do to ensure your veneers last for decades:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing and twice-yearly checkups at the dentist
- Avoid biting directly into hard or crunchy foods, which can loosen or crack the veneer
- Wear a mouthguard while playing contact sports or at night if you grind your teeth while you sleep
- See your dentist as soon as possible if you notice anything amiss with the veneers, such as looseness, cracking or chipping
What are some other benefits of dental veneers?
In addition to their superior stain-resistance, porcelain dental veneers also allow you to address multiple dental imperfections in one treatment, rather than treating discoloration, misalignment, or cracks or chips separately with expensive procedures. Additionally, the procedure for getting dental veneers is the least-invasive of all smile restoration options. And if you opt for Lumineers (ask us!), you may even be able to skp the tooth preparation step!
Porcelain veneers in San Diego
If you’re ready to restore your smile and your confidence, Smile Designers in San Diego offers several options to address a wide variety of aesthetic dental issues. For more information about dental veneers or other procedures, give us a call at (619) 222-6000 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hage today.