Can veneers turn yellow?

June 4, 2024

A winning smile can perfectly boost your confidence, and dental veneers can help you achieve the ideal smile. But people often think, can veneers turn yellow? There is no doubt that Veneers sit above your real teeth to give you that brilliant smile. Unfortunately, this shine can diminish as the Veneers can turn yellow, just like your natural teeth.

Keep on reading to find out more: Can Veneers turn yellow? How can Veneers turn yellow? How can you whiten your Veneers?

What are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells made from porcelain or composite resin. These are specially designed to completely cover the front surface of teeth. They are used to enhance the appearance of teeth that are affected by discoloration, chips, cracks, or gaps.

Types of Dental Veneers:

Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are well known for their durability and natural appearance. They are resistant to stains and can maintain their aesthetic appeal for many years with proper care. Composite Veneers: Composite veneers provide a more affordable alternative to porcelain. They are directly applied to the teeth during a single dental visit, making them a convenient option. However, they may not be as resistant to staining and may require more frequent maintenance to preserve their appearance.

Why do Veneers turn yellow?

Veneers can turn yellow for several reasons:

Staining:

Just like natural teeth, veneers get stains from tea, red wine, coffee, and certain fruits and vegetables. With time, these stains can cause the veneers to appear yellowish.

Poor Oral Hygiene:

When you do not brush or floss your teeth, it leads to plaque buildup on the surface of veneers. Plaque can trap stains and bacteria and contribute to discoloration and yellowing of the veneers.

Smoking:

Tobacco products have tar and nicotine, which can stick to the surface of veneers and make them yellow. Smoking can also compromise oral health, leading to discoloration of both natural teeth and veneers.

Wear and Tear:

With regular use, veneers develop micro-cracks or tiny imperfections on the surface. These microscopic defects can trap stains and make the veneers appear yellow over time.

Dietary Habits:

Consuming acidic foods and beverages weakens the protective layer of veneers and makes them more prone to staining and discoloration. Also, highly pigmented foods like berries and sauces can contribute to yellowing of the veneers.

How Can I Whiten My Veneers that have turned Yellow?

Whitening veneers can be a bit tricky compared to whitening natural teeth due to the materials used in their construction. Here are some options to consider:

Professional Cleaning: Schedule regular dental cleanings with your dentist to remove surface stains and plaque buildup from your veneers. Professional cleanings can help restore the brightness of your veneers and improve their overall appearance.
Whitening Toothpaste: Use a whitening toothpaste specifically formulated for veneers. These toothpastes have mild abrasives that can help remove surface stains without damaging the veneers. However, be cautious with abrasive toothpaste, as excessive use may wear down the veneers’ surface over time.
Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash: Rinse with a hydrogen peroxide-based mouthwash to help remove surface stains from your veneers. This gentle whitening agent can effectively lift stains without causing damage to the veneers.
Professional Whitening Treatment: Consult with your dentist about professional whitening options designed specifically for veneers. Your dentist may suggest in-office whitening treatments or at-home whitening kits that are completely safe and effective for use on veneers.
Composite Bonding: If your veneers have developed significant staining or discoloration, your dentist may suggest composite bonding to cover and mask the stains. A tooth-colored resin is applied to the surface of the veneers to improve their appearance and restore their brightness.

Care and Maintenance of Dental Veneers

Proper care and maintenance of dental veneers are important to ensure they do not turn yellow. Here are some tips to help you keep your veneers looking their best:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush the teeth twice a day and floss daily to resist plaque buildup and food particles that can accumulate around your veneers. Include a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste in your routine to avoid scratching or damaging the veneers’ surface.
Use Non-Abrasive Dental Products: Avoid using abrasive toothpaste, whitening toothpaste, or abrasive dental tools on your veneers, as these can scratch or dull the surface of the veneers and compromise their appearance.
Avoid Stain-Causing Foods and Beverages: Limit the intake of foods and products that can stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sauces. While veneers are resistant to staining, prolonged exposure to these substances can still cause discoloration over time.
Quit Smoking: Smoking not only stains natural teeth but can also discolor veneers over time. It is best to quit smoking to preserve the appearance of veneers and improve your overall oral health.
Protect Your Veneers: Avoid using the teeth as a tool to open packages or bite into hard objects, as this can chip or damage the veneers.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist for timely check-ups and cleanings to assess the condition of your veneers and ensure they are properly maintained.

Conclusion

So, can veneers turn yellow? Although dental veneers do not stain compared to natural teeth, they can still turn yellow over time due to factors like poor oral hygiene, smoking, and dietary habits. It is important to practice good oral hygiene, avoid stain-causing foods and beverages, and quit smoking to prevent your veneers from turning yellow. If you are concerned about the appearance of your veneers or have questions about maintaining their brightness, contact Riverwalk Dental Jupiter, Jupiter, FL. We offer comprehensive dental care, including veneers. Book an appointment online or call us at (561) 677-2625 for existing patients and (561) 264-2467 for new patients.