Dental veneers are a modern method of instant smile enhancement. Veneers allow dentists to solve a variety of dental issues, such as tooth staining and discoloration, gaps between teeth, misshapen teeth, and chipped and cracked teeth, among others. Once you get a set of new pearly white veneers, you will probably want to know how to keep your veneers stain-free. In this article, we talk about the most essential rules to follow that will help you preserve the original appearance of your veneers for years to come.
How to Keep Your Veneers Stain-Free
There are two main types of dental veneers: resin composite veneers and porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant compared to resin composite veneers, and you might find it easier to maintain their original appearance for a longer time. Still, regardless of the material you choose for your dental veneers, there are some universal rules we recommend following if you want to keep them stain-free.
Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages
Some foods are more likely to stain your veneers and should, therefore, be avoided. The list of staining foods and beverages includes:
- Black coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Juices (grape, cherry, pomegranate, carrot, etc.)
- Berries
- Brightly colored spices (curry, paprika, etc.)
- Brightly colored vegetables (carrots, beetroot, sweet potatoes, etc.)
- Soda and other drinks that contain artificial or natural dye
- Candies and ice cream that contain artificial or natural dye
If you consume staining foods and beverages, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth immediately after the meal to prevent the staining agents from lingering on your veneers.
Abstain from Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of dental veneer staining and discoloration. We recommend abstaining from smoking if you want to preserve the appearance of your veneers. On top of that, smoking is a risk factor for gum disease—a chronic inflammatory condition that might prevent you from getting veneers in the first place.
Stay on Top of Your Oral Hygiene
Plaque that accumulates on the teeth over time can turn into tartar if not removed regularly. Both plaque and tartar can make dental veneers and your natural teeth appear discolored or stained. Additionally, food residue that contains coloring agents can get trapped in the sticky film on your veneers, adding to their discolored appearance.
Because of these factors, it is crucial to maintain thorough oral hygiene and brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. You should carefully brush your teeth on both sides and along the chewing surface. Also, take special care when brushing along the gum line.
Do not neglect to floss your teeth every evening, as well. You may also benefit from adding a water flosser to your daily routine. A water flosser is most effective if used as the first step before flossing and brushing.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Often, professional cleaning at a dental office can solve the issue of stained or discolored veneers by effectively removing plaque and tartar. Your dentist will use specialized tools and products to thoroughly clean your veneers, revealing their original appearance. Additionally, your dentist might suggest other procedures to return the original tint to your veneers.
On top of that, regular professional cleanings significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay underneath veneers. Tooth decay can also lead your veneers to appear stained as porcelain is slightly translucent, and teeth, darkened by cavities, can show through your veneers.
Do Not Use Over-the-counter Whitening Solutions
Keep in mind that other-the-counter whitening solutions are not compatible with dental veneers. Such products are designed for the enamel of our natural teeth, which is more porous than porcelain or resin composite. In the best-case scenario, whitening kits will not produce any results. In the worst-case scenario, they will damage your veneers.
Similarly, we do not recommend using abrasive toothpaste (charcoal or soda-containing toothpaste) on your veneers. Such toothpaste can create micro scratches on the surface of your veneers, allowing the food particles to get trapped there and making your veneers appear stained. Instead, opt for a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is proven to strengthen the enamel of your teeth and help reduce bacteria in the mouth, protecting you from tooth decay and gum disease.
Make an Appointment at Dentist Mission Viejo
If you are considering dental veneers or require veneer care services, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Dentist Mission Viejo today. In our dental clinic, we use high-quality materials and state-of-the-art techniques to deliver stunning results to our patients. Our dental veneer specialists look forward to your visit.