Can You Whiten Veneers?

People who want a Hollywood smile often find it with porcelain dental veneers. These custom shells correct a host of imperfections, producing a radiant, natural appearance. Unfortunately, the radiance can fade over time, leaving some veneer wearers wondering about their whitening options. This blog will answer the question, “Can you whiten veneers?” and provide tips for keeping your porcelain veneers in top condition.  

4 Min. Read:

Table of Contents

• How to Whiten Porcelain Veneers: Is it Possible?
• Causes of Staining and Discoloration
• How to Keep Porcelain Veneers White
• Improving the Appearance of Your Veneers
• Is it Time for a Replacement?

How to Whiten Porcelain Veneers: Is it Possible?  

When patients ask if they can whiten veneers, the short answer is no, you cannot. The non-porous materials used to create porcelain veneers are great for protecting and enhancing your teeth, but not so great at absorbing the bleaching agents required for teeth whitening. In fact, whitening treatments will only serve to change the color of your natural teeth, making your stained veneers stand out even more. 

The best way to keep veneers in top condition is to prevent staining before it starts by practicing healthy oral hygiene and avoiding foods and drinks that stain. Keep in mind that although porcelain veneers are durable, they don’t last forever. When they start looking less than stellar, it may be time to consider a replacement. 

Causes of Staining and Discoloration

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, but that doesn’t mean discoloration can’t occur over time, particularly with these factors at play: 

• Erosion of the porcelain glaze that usually protects veneers
• Discoloration of the underlying tooth 
• Gum recession, which exposes the edges of the natural tooth 
• Surface staining from wine, coffee, and smoking 

Yellow dentin found in the natural teeth also becomes more visible as we age. The resulting discoloration can affect your natural teeth and your veneers. Regular dental checkups and consistent oral hygiene can help manage dentin buildup. 

How to Keep Porcelain Veneers White 

The adage an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure certainly rings true when it comes to keeping your veneers in pristine condition. These steps can help prevent unsightly staining: 

• Avoid staining food, drinks, and tobacco as much as possible.
• Brush soon after consuming staining foods or drinks.
• Always brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent damage.
• Never use toothpaste containing baking soda on veneers. 
• Use toothpaste with other, non-abrasive whitening agents.
• Brush twice a day and floss daily to keep teeth clean.
• See your dentist as recommended to maintain good oral health.

Improving the Appearance of Your Veneers

If you notice discoloration or wear on your veneers, a prompt visit to your dentist can help. A professional cleaning can refinish the porcelain glaze on your veneers, restoring your pearly whites. Your dentist can also recommend polishing compounds, which are different from whitening agents but can be effective in creating a whitening effect on porcelain veneers. 

Is it Time for a Replacement? 

Once your veneers become stained to the point that polishing is no longer effective, it may be time to consider a replacement. Porcelain veneers typically last up to 15 years. Still, some patients may find they need a replacement sooner, particularly if they experience significant changes to their natural teeth or maintain habits that lead to the erosion of their veneers. Besides discoloration, clues that it might be time for a replacement include: 

• Chips or cracks to the veneers 
• Erosion of the bonding agent 
• Gum recession, exposing the edge of the veneer 
• Natural tooth decay or loosening of the veneer

Dr. Chad Tomazin offers state-of-the-art techniques and the highest-quality materials at his Riverside office to ensure his patients achieve superior results from their veneer procedures. 

Interested in Learning More About Porcelain Veneers in Riverside, CA?

Porcelain dental veneers improve the appearance and self-confidence of patients who hide their smiles out of embarrassment or shame. Dr. Chad Tomazin’s experience and expertise ensure you receive the highest level of care and the best possible results from your cosmetic dental procedure.To learn more about porcelain veneers in Riverside, call our office today at (951) 686-3666 or complete our online contact form.