New veneers are white, shiny and beautiful. However, over time, veneers can develop stains that make your smile look dull. If you're considering getting veneers, follow these tips to protect them from stains and keep them looking perfect.
1. Choose Porcelain Veneers
Veneers can be made from porcelain or from a composite material. Porcelain veneers are typically more expensive than composite veneers, but they are much more resistant to staining. If you are worried about your new smile losing its sheen, ask your dentist whether porcelain veneers could be a better option for you than composite veneers.
2. Don't Smoke
Cigarette smoke can permeate into composite veneers, causing them to turn a dull shade of pale yellow. Porcelain veneers resist stains from cigarette smoke, but your natural teeth will turn yellow, leading to a noticeable mismatch. Quitting smoking is the best option for the health and appearance of your teeth.
3. Avoid Foods and Drinks that Cause Staining
Richly coloured foods and drinks, such as tea, coffee, dark berries and red wine, can stain natural teeth and veneers. To keep your smile white, try to stay away from these common causes of teeth staining, or at least rinse your mouth with water after you indulge.
4. Drink Staining Beverages Through a Straw
You might feel a bit silly drinking your red wine through a straw, but it's an effective method of preventing stains on your veneers. Drinking through a straw allows wine, tea or coffee to enter your mouth without touching the front teeth, reducing the risk of staining.
5. Don't Use Whitening Toothpaste
You might think that whitening toothpaste will keep your veneers white, but, unfortunately, veneers don't respond to this kind of toothpaste in the same way as natural teeth. Whitening toothpastes contain tiny abrasive particles, which are designed to scrub stains away from teeth. These abrasives scratch the surfaces of veneers, causing them to lose their beautiful shine. Use a non-whitening fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
5. Have Regular Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings can remove plaque and debris from your teeth, helping them to remain clean and white. When you visit a dentist or hygienist to have your teeth professionally cleaned, be sure to let them know that you have veneers, particularly if they are made from porcelain. The standard polish that many dentists use to clean teeth can dull the sheen of porcelain veneers, but they can use a special non-abrasive polish instead to bring your veneers to a shine.
