I got my porcelain veneers in 2022, but they are not as bright as they used to be. I thought veneers were colorfast. I talked to my dentist about the veneers, and he asked me if I was a heavy smoker. Why blame me for the discoloration? I want to brighten my veneers. How can I do it? – Thanks. Jackie
Jackie,
Porcelain veneers are colorfast. A glaze covers them to promote stain resistance. However, damage to the glaze can cause porcelain veneers to attract stains.
Factors that may damage the glaze on porcelain veneers:
- Abrasives – Abrasive whitening toothpaste can scratch the glaze and increase the risk of staining.
- Dental cleaning or polishing techniques – Power polishing equipment, pumice paste, air-powered cleaners, or acidulated fluoride scratch porcelain veneers.
- Tobacco use – Regular tobacco use can cause surface stains on veneers.
- Heavy coffee drinking – Heavy coffee drinking may leave surface stains on porcelain veneers.
What Can You Do to Brighten Porcelain Veneers?
Whitening toothpaste or bleaching gels will not penetrate and remove the stains from porcelain veneers.
- Use toothpaste for restorative dentistry. Supersmile is a non-abrasive toothpaste that removes surface stains from cosmetic dentistry work, but it will not remove deep stains.
- See an expert cosmetic dentist. A skilled cosmetic dentist can polish porcelain veneers and restore their shine, increasing stain resistance.
A cosmetic dentist will inspect your porcelain veneers to identify the source of discoloration and explain whether polishing them can help.