If you have veneers but are starting to get unhappy with their color, you may wonder if you can whiten them.
The short answer is that whitening veneers is not possible. Keep reading to find out why and what you can do instead.
Teeth whitening is a simple process that you can do either at home or in the dentist's office. In most cases, the dentist or you will use a bleaching gel that contains hydrogen peroxide. This gel is applied to the teeth and then activated with a UV light. The active ingredient in the gel removes the stains on the teeth and whitens them.
Things are a bit different when it comes to veneers. That's because veneers are made of porcelain or composite resin, materials that do not respond to bleaching agents in the same way that natural teeth do.
If you have veneers and try to whiten your teeth, you will get uneven results. The bleaching agent will remove the stains from your natural teeth, but not from the veneers.
So, what can you do if your veneers are discolored?
Well, one option is to have the veneers replaced. This can be costly and time-consuming, but it will give you a brand-new, white smile. This option is actually recommended if your veneers are old and approaching the end of their lifespan.
Another option is to have your veneers resurfaced. This process involves removing a small amount of the veneer material, and then polishing and glazing the surface to improve its appearance. However, the veneer surface can only be lightened a certain amount and not to the same degree as natural teeth whitening.
But, the best and most effective way of whitening veneers is to make sure they don't get stained in the first place.
Practice good oral hygiene, avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth (such as coffee, tea, red wine, tomatoes, curry, etc.), and do not smoke.
It's also important to schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist. Your dentist can remove surface stains from your veneers, and check for any issues that may be affecting their appearance.
While veneers can't be whitened like natural teeth, you have other ways to restore the appearance of your smile. At Mary Qian Dental Group, we can help you determine the best treatment for your case. We will make sure that you will leave our office with a healthy and happy smile.
Getting in touch with us is extremely easy too. You can fill out the online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Or you can call us at (650) 327-3172 and tell us what you need.
