Can You Whiten Dental Veneers?

If you have veneers and noticed they became a bit stained, you might wonder if you can whiten them through professional treatment or even an over-the-counter kit.

Well, the short answer is no. Veneers can’t be whitened; in fact, it’s best to avoid applying any whitening solution over veneers.

Here’s why:

Why Teeth-Whitening and Veneers Don’t Mix

Teeth whitening products use a bleaching agent (usually peroxide) to break down the molecules on the front surface of your teeth that make up stains and lift the color of your teeth.

The results generally depend on how many sessions you have. The more whitening sessions, the whiter the teeth.

But veneers are made from porcelain, and they will not react with bleaching agents the same way your natural teeth do. So if you go ahead and try to whiten them, the veneers will not change their appearance.

And this can be a problem because your natural appearance will be whiter. This can create an uneven smile where your teeth are picture-perfect white while the veneers are yellow. Since they usually go on your front teeth, this color mismatch will be quite visible.

Can You Improve the Appearance of Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, so most patients don’t have to worry about discoloration or staining. But if you have an old set, your veneers could lose their sparkle.

Unfortunately, it’s not really possible to change the appearance of veneers after they’ve been stained or otherwise damaged. Sometimes, professional dental cleaning could remove more stubborn stains you can’t get rid of at home, and this could improve your smile’s look.

But the best way to get your picture-perfect smile back is to change your veneers.

How to Properly Care for Veneers

Veneers can last around 10 to 15 years with the right maintenance. The lifespan of your new smile directly ties into your lifestyle habits.

Here are some things you should do to prevent your veneers from chipping, cracking, or staining:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day
Floss daily
Don’t use your teeth to open packages or chew hard objects
Reduce sugar and snacking
Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables to promote saliva production
Don’t smoke, vape, or use tobacco products
Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sports
Cleanse your mouth after meals by rinsing with water, especially after consuming coffee, pasta sauces, or other staining foods and drinks

Getting Veneers in Chevy Chase

Veneers are many Chevy Chase patients’ best way to get a perfect smile. If you’re interested in veneers or have an older set that needs replacing, Eric Morrison, DDS, MAGD, is at your service.

Request a visit to Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry online and come find out if porcelain veneers are right for you.

Have more questions first? Call us at (301) 637-0719 to learn more about veneers.