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Home / Blog / FAQs / Can You Whiten Veneers?

Can You Whiten Veneers?

Medically reviewed by Dr Minoo Ghamari  / Sep 08, 2023  
Medically reviewed by Dr Minoo Ghamari  
Sep 08, 2023  
Whiten Veneers

Do you want to know how to make veneers whiter?

Thinking of having veneers? You may wonder if they can be whitened. Veneers can dramatically improve your teeth, but many people worry they can't whiten them.

At Gorgeous Smile, we understand your concerns about veneers, so we want to provide you with the most accurate information. However, the answer to the question of whether you can whiten veneers depends.

We'll go over the veneers' definition, as well as information on how to keep them white and whether whitening treatments can be used for veneers. We'll also address the query of whether or not veneers can genuinely be made whiter.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, strong shells made of porcelain or composite material that are bonded to the front of your natural teeth. You can think of them as custom-made facings for your front teeth that can change their size, shape, length, and colour.

They can provide a more symmetrical appearance to your smile and cover any discolouration or damage on the surface of the tooth underneath the natural tooth.

Since veneers are bonded to the front of exposed enamel on your teeth, they won't be affected by brushing and flossing like natural tooth enamel would be.

There are two types of veneers – porcelain and composite resin veneers. We'll explain the difference between them below.

Porcelain Veneers

The price premium for porcelain veneers over composite veneers may be slight, but it is still a worthwhile investment. Porcelain veneers reflect light similarly to natural tooth enamel, which gives them a more realistic appearance and explains why they cost more money.

A mould of your teeth must be taken by your dentist in order to apply porcelain veneers, which might take a week or more. Rest assured; however, that interim veneers will be offered.

You'll have a natural-looking smile after having your porcelain veneers created and attached to the front of your teeth. However, with proper care, it can live ten years or more.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are created out of a resin material that can transform your teeth in a snap. But did you know that there are actually two types of composite veneers? The first subtype is called direct composite veneers.

This involves applying the resin directly to your teeth and shaping it by hand. The result is a smile that looks natural and beautiful. It's a quick and relatively inexpensive process that won't leave you broke.

In addition, it is also possible to get indirect composite veneers, which are created in a dental lab. This type of veneer requires more than one visit to the dentist and also costs more money.

Do Veneers Discolour?

Dental veneers may become discoloured over time as a result of wear and tear. Porcelain veneers stain less than composite veneers, but any change in tooth colour should be monitored because it may indicate decay gum disease or illness.

Unfortunately, resin does not possess the same stain-resistance qualities as porcelain; therefore, extra caution should be used when caring for and cleaning your composite veneers. Though they won't stain as soon as your real teeth, keep in mind that with time, they could still become discoloured and stained.

Can Genuinely Whiten Veneers?

As you know what veneers are and the different types of this, and they can stain, you may be wondering whether they can really whiten your teeth. While your natural tooth enamel may respond well to regular teeth whitening, the same cannot be said for veneers.

Some tooth whitening is not recommended for composite resin or porcelain veneers, as it can damage them and leave you with an uneven colour after bleaching.

If you have discolouration, see your dentist to discuss your concerns. This way, your dentist can determine the best way to restore the colour of your veneers.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Veneers?

After knowing the answer to the question “can you whiten veneers,” you may also wonder if teeth whitening can be used on veneers. Unfortunately, some harmful whitening gel doesn't work on veneers, as it is only effective on natural teeth.

It is because, in porcelain veneers, the traditional whitening treatments did not respond well. It is also important to note that some whitening products cannot be used on resin veneers, either.

Like what we've mentioned above, you should ask your dentist first for the whitening procedures for your veneers. They may recommend additional treatments like polishing and cleaning your veneers.

How To Keep Your Veneers Clean And Avoid Stains?

Even though whitening treatments do not work on veneers, there are still ways to keep your teeth looking bright. Below are the ways you can maintain the colour and keep your veneers looking bright:

Brush and Floss Your Teeth

Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth afterwards twice a day. You must floss between your teeth and around your veneers to remove plaque.

Knowing the proper method for brushing your teeth is important. Because they are sensitive, veneers are readily harmed by overly vigorous brushing or by using a toothbrush with a harsh bristle.

After You Eat or Drink, Rinse Your Mouth With Water

You also need to rinse your mouth after eating or drinking anything, especially sugary items. This can stop bacteria from forming and help keep your teeth looking bright. Plus, it can also help prevent staining from occurring.

Additionally, eating fibrous, crunchy foods like fruits and vegetables might aid in cleaning food particles from your teeth regularly. In this manner, you can prolong the time that your teeth will stay in good condition.

Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

One thing you need to remember is that your veneers are more susceptible to staining than natural teeth. As a result, you should refrain from drinking them altogether or keep your consumption to a minimum.

Additionally, you should avoid drinking acidic drinks like citrus juices and sodas because they can eventually erode your veneers.

Don't Smoke

One of the main causes of stains and discolouration of cosmetic veneers is smoking. Make every effort to stop smoking if you want to keep your veneers looking brilliant for many years to come.

Although it is difficult, you can stop smoking permanently with the right help and assistance. If you want to keep your teeth looking their best, it is ultimately worthwhile.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Visiting your dentist regularly is still important, even if you have veneers. During regular checkups, your dentist will be able to inspect the state of your teeth and let you know if any special care is needed.

Regular visits are also excellent for preventive oral health care. This is because your dentist can detect problems early on and provide you with the necessary treatments before they become more severe.

Final Thoughts

Overall, you can maintain your veneers and keep them looking brilliant for years to come with the right care. This dental hygiene also includes refraining from smoking and a number of meals and beverages. Additionally, to make sure your teeth are healthy, you should schedule routine dental visits.

As we've mentioned, your natural teeth are different from your veneers; therefore, they need special care to brighten.

It’s important to remember that you should always obey your dentist’s instructions on how to care for your veneers. If you need any advice, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for tips.

Please consider the given information and start caring for your veneers. Small actions today can save you a lot of trouble later. Good luck!

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