Porcelain veneers are a popular option for restoring a faded smile. Despite this, some people hesitate to get veneers because of fears that they will stain over time. Does that sound like you? If so, then you should know that porcelain veneers will never stain as long as you follow your dentist’s recommendations. These include brushing and flossing, eating a sensible diet, and seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings.
Three Reasons Why Porcelain Veneers Are the Stain-Proof Solution
In creating modern porcelain veneers, dental experts carefully chose the best materials and combined them with state-of-the-art medical manufacturing technology. The result is that properly placed veneers will never stain as long as you follow your dentist’s recommendations. Here are three reasons why:
- Stains are essentially tiny bits of color that find their way into an object’s pores. Scientist called this characteristic the object’s porosity. The porcelain used to craft dental veneers has an extremely low level of porosity, making it exceptionally stain resistant. In fact, it’s far less porous than the enamel on your teeth.
- The dental lab that crafts your veneers will add a clear, non-toxic, anti-stain coating for further protection. This layer will in no way affect the porcelain’s appearance.
- Your dentist will create high-definition digital images of your gums and mouth tissues. The lab will use this information to give your veneers just the right touch of color to match your tones precisely. This means your veneers will not only look perfect, they will also look perfectly natural.
How to Care for Your New Veneers
Your dentist will recommend ways to keep your veneers looking their best over the long term. These include:
- Brushing 2-3 times a day using a soft bristle toothbrush and a nonabrasive brand of toothpaste. It’s important to brush gently, not only for the sake of your veneers but to avoid damaging the natural enamel on your teeth.
- Eating a sensible diet. This means getting plenty of lean protein, calcium, and vitamins, limiting your consumption of acidic beverages, and enjoying sugary desserts only as an occasional treat. Of course, these tips apply to anyone looking to protect their dental health, not just those with veneers.
- Avoiding all forms of tobacco. Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, vaping devices, etc. can have devastating effects, not only on your teeth but on your overall health. Ask your dentist about new medications that can help you to snuff out the habit for good.
- Seeing your dentist for periodic exams and cleanings. Left untreated, plaque and tartar will build up and cause cavities.
- Never biting down on ice or other hard objects. Not only can this damage your veneers, it can cause chips and cracks to your natural teeth as well.
- Living a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate rest, plenty of non-strenuous physical activity, and wise stress management.
Talk to your cosmetic dentist about veneers and other restoration options during your next appointment. In time you’ll look back on the decision with plenty of reason to smile.
About the Author
Dr. Keven Dann has been practicing dentistry for more than 40 years. He earned his DDS degree from the University of Toronto in 1978. You can reach his office online or by calling 1 647-559-3176.
