Do veneers stain

Do veneers stain

Are you one of the 43% of Brits who would choose to have veneers? With many Hollywood stars and social media influencers opting for the quick fix that creates the perfect smile, the cosmetic procedure has grown in popularity throughout recent years.

As cosmetic dentistry experts, a question we commonly get asked is whether veneers stain. In this article, we will explore this topic by looking at whether you can whiten veneers or if that is not something you need to be concerned with when opting for this smile corrective treatment. We will also share some tips for how to maintain veneers, plus let you know more about the service we offer at The Eye and Dental Clinic.

Keep reading if you want to understand how to keep a celebrity smile in perfect condition!

What are veneers made from?

One reason the question of veneer staining is common is the different materials used to create dazzling smiles. When you select veneers, you will have two options available: composite and porcelain. The one you choose will be based on factors such as budget, condition of the original teeth, and desired finish.

Composite veneers are made from a type of resin that is adhered to the tooth to change its shape. The procedure, which is also known as composite or dental bonding, is less invasive than porcelain veneers but, as such, lasts less time before maintenance work is required. The cost of composite veneers is also lower to reflect this.

Porcelain veneers are complete covers applied to teeth, which means that some shaving of the original ones is required. However, this does not need to be done excessively to deliver professional results. The amount will depend on the treatment. Porcelain veneers are designed to be longer-lasting and stronger, which means they do cost more.

Is it possible for veneers to stain?

The answer to this question depends on which type of veneer you have.

Composite veneers are likely to stain over time, especially if they are either not cared for well or exposed to staining matters such as nicotine or coffee. This happens as the resin breaks down over time and can absorb colours. Anyone with composite bonding should treat the dental addition the same as their regular teeth, as the material mimics the effects they will show should staining occur. However, it should also be considered that, as the resin is not permanent and only lasts between three and ten years, it can also discolour more quickly than regular teeth. This means the staining could leave an uneven appearance.

If you are searching for a veneer option that will not stain, porcelain caps are ideal. Porcelain veneers only tend to discolour slightly in extreme situations, such as very poor dental hygiene or excessive exposure to known materials that cause staining, such as red wine. However, this is rare as porcelain is a type of ceramic that is similar to glass, meaning it’s not porous. Although discolouration is possible, this is not a form of permanent staining, meaning that with proper treatment, they can be restored to their original condition, as we cover in the next section.

What are the best methods of keeping veneers in their original condition?

Some of the main reasons for veneers staining or becoming discoloured are as follows:

• If veneers are starting to age, they can lose their original shine. This is much more likely for composite options, but even porcelain ones can become duller if they are older and have not been properly cared for.
• Known offenders of staining are substances including nicotine, beetroot, red wine, coffee and tea, meaning if you regularly enjoy any of these, stains are more likely. They can permanently affect composites and leave unwanted dullness on porcelain products, which may need a professional clean to remove.
• Poor dental hygiene is a common cause. Even if you have porcelain caps, a thorough cleaning is required to keep the mouth fresh and in good condition.

While the way you have chosen to have veneers fitted will impact how they may stain, there are some common methods of resolving the problem that apply to both composite and porcelain products.

Attend regular professional cleanings from a dental professional

Another common misconception is that if you have a form of veneers, they don’t need to be treated as regularly by a dental professional. This is simply not true.

You should still attend regular dental check-ups and hygienist appointments to ensure that everything is healthy. This will also include deep cleaning and advice on how to better maintain the veneers should unwanted marks start to occur.

Not all dentists will specialise in these forms of cosmetic procedures, so you may find it difficult to find a practice that can support you, especially if you have had the teeth worked on abroad initially. At The Eye and Dental Clinic, we are pleased to confirm we can help in these situations, as our expert team covers all forms of cosmetic dentistry and hygiene.

Budget to have veneers replaced after the recommended period of time

Veneers are permanent in the sense that they are fitted with the intention of staying on your original teeth until a dentist does further work on them. However, both composite and porcelain options will need to be replaced after a certain amount of time.

For composite veneers, this will sometimes be the only option for getting rid of staining if the resin has absorbed a large amount of matter; the best way to treat it is to remove it and start again. If you want to understand more about what this includes, you can click this link to find out how much veneers cost in the UK. We always recommend that patients understand the long-term treatments and financial commitments before proceeding with any type of veneer.

Use suitable cleaning products at home

Another proven way to keep veneers looking their best is to use professional cleaning products at home that your dentist recommends. For any type of veneers, you will likely need to source specialist toothpastes, mouthwashes and cleaning tools to keep them healthy. Not using recommended products could lead to damage plus may mean that any staining or marks can only be removed using professional intervention.

What veneer services are available from Eye and Dental Clinic?

Do veneers stain? If you have composite bonding, yes, but this is not likely with porcelain veneers. However, as we have covered, any type of veneer can be susceptible to damage or unsightly appearances if it is not properly looked after.

At The Eye and Dental Clinic, we specialise in fitting quality veneers to help our patients achieve the smile of their dreams. Our experts know everything there is to understand about this cosmetic treatment, meaning whether you want to get veneers with missing teeth, would like treatment even with known gum disease, or if you are concerned about whether getting veneers is painful, we can help you.

Our practice is not just known for providing excellent veneer services but also for offering wider support for a range of dental concerns. Offering appointments for everything from regular check-ups to emergency dental care, our aim is to provide an elevated type of care which puts patients at ease. This is ideal if you are not a regular visitor or have a fear of dental work.

To learn more about our services, read our complaints procedures and our missed appointments policy. Alternatively, if you want to visit us to discuss veneers or any other dental concerns, click here to book an appointment.

Do you want to learn more about our veneer services? Check out these articles:

Can you get veneers with crooked teeth?

How much is a full set of veneers?

Can you go to urgent care for a dental emergency?

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