Is there a chip that’s been bothering you? Or a tooth stain you’re itching to get rid of? Maybe you’ve started thinking about how to fix them. One of the most popular solutions is getting veneers, which are custom-made covers that can improve your smile into the one you’ve always wanted. Unfortunately, if you don’t look after them, your veneers can stain.
Making an investment in veneers means knowing not only how they work and which type to get, but also how to properly maintain them so they don’t stain. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about veneers and how to keep them looking in top shape for years to come.
What are veneers?
Veneers are a popular cosmetic dental procedure. They are thin, tooth-coloured shells that can cover stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth. Veneers can also change the size and length of your teeth. Most veneers are crafted from high-quality porcelain or durable composite resin. Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental lab with ceramic materials, while composite resin veneers are made of a plastic and glass material.
To determine the right colour, a dentist uses a special colour matcher to ensure the shade perfectly matches your natural teeth. Once matched and created, a veneer is then bonded to the front of your tooth using a strong dental adhesive, essentially giving you a brand-new tooth surface that hides any imperfections underneath.
One important thing to keep in mind is that, if you’re dealing with gum disease or other dental health issues, your dentist will likely want to address those first. Veneers are fantastic for aesthetics, but they’re not a health fix, so it’s important to have a solid foundation before getting them.
Do veneers stain?
Put simply: yes!
While there to enhance your smile, your veneers will stain if you continue the habits that damaged your original teeth. Heaps of patients choose to get veneers to fix years of yellow staining from poor dietary choices or chipped teeth from unkempt oral health. But if those bad habits continue with the veneers on, it can cause issues once again. Below are the main things to look out for to avoid a veneers stain:
- Diet-Related Staining – Coffee, tea, and red wine remain the primary culprits for veneer staining. While your veneers can handle these beverages much better than natural teeth, consuming them excessively can still cause problems with the bonding material that holds your veneers in place. The secret is moderation and being mindful of your consumption habits.
- Poor Oral Hygiene – Skipping your brushing routine or avoiding regular dental visits can lead to veneer staining. When plaque and bacteria build up around your veneers, they can cause discolouration at the gum line and compromise the bonding material. So don’t skip out on brushing, flossing, and regular checkups because they will make all the difference. If you’re a teeth grinder at night, invest in a quality night guard to help protect your teeth from unnecessary wear and tear.
Choosing veneers should go hand in hand with making healthier, more mindful decisions for your oral care. The last thing you want is to invest in veneers, only to have them damaged by preventable habits.
Porcelain vs. composite: which is better?
Not all veneers are the same, but understanding the difference can help you make the best choice for your needs.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are made from non-porous materials, making them naturally resistant to stains. Unlike your natural teeth, they won’t easily absorb those diet-staining drinks and food items that can be so troublesome. However, while the porcelain teeth veneer itself is stain-resistant, the bonding material used to attach it to your tooth can still stain over time, potentially creating a discoloured line around your gumline. In general, porcelain teeth veneers are typically more expensive due to the material used and the fabrication process.
Composite veneers
Now in comparison, composite veneers are made from composite resin, which is a porous material. This means they’re more prone to a veneer stain from food and drinks than porcelain veneers. While they’re often more budget-friendly upfront, they may require more frequent maintenance and replacement due to their increased staining susceptibility.
It’s best to speak with your dentist about the options and figure out which one is best for your situation.
Benefits of veneers
If you’re feeling self-conscious about your smile or frustrated with chipped or stained teeth, veneers could be what you’re looking for. Here’s what makes them so appealing:
Veneers improve confidence: They can dramatically boost your appearance by getting stained, discoloured, or chipped teeth back to their best state. Veneers can make your teeth look straighter and more uniform, giving you that picture-perfect smile you’ve always wanted. When you’re not worried about hiding your teeth in photos or covering your mouth when you laugh, it changes how you interact in social situations. Many people find that their new smile gives them a newfound confidence in both personal and professional settings.
Veneers lead to healthier teeth: Beyond aesthetics, veneers provide a protective barrier for your teeth, helping to prevent further damage. They’re also less invasive than alternatives like crowns and bridges, making them an attractive middle-ground option. Plus, with proper care, quality veneers can last 15 years or even longer, that’s a lot of confident smiles!
How to preserve your veneers and prevent stains
Preserving your veneers for the long haul comes down to being mindful of your daily habits and making smart choices.
Here are our top 4 tips to preserve your veneers:
- Pay attention to potentially damaging behaviours like teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or nail biting. These habits can cause your veneers to crack or chip, so it’s worth addressing them early. If you catch yourself doing any of these, talk to your dentist about solutions.
- Be thoughtful about your food choices. While veneers are durable, they’re not indestructible. Try to avoid extremely hard foods that could cause damage, and continue being moderate with stain-prone beverages.
- Stick to your daily oral hygiene routine religiously, and never skip those regular dental checkups. Your dentist can spot potential issues early and keep your veneers in optimal condition.
- If you’re a smoker, this is another great reason to quit. Smoking can affect the bonding material and overall health of your mouth, potentially compromising your veneer investment.
Get veneers with us today!
If you’re ready to take the next step toward your dream smile, our team at Oakleigh Dental has the expertise and experience to make it happen. Our skilled dentists can walk you through the entire veneer process and help you determine if they’re the right choice for your unique situation and goals.
Ready to get started? Contact us to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted.
