Can Veneers Lose Their Shine?
We all want a sparkling white smile, but daily habits like drinking coffee, wine, and medication can all take their toll on our teeth. Veneers are a popular choice for rectifying discolouration as well as covering imperfections to get our smile back on track. A huge benefit is that they can provide years of stain-free smiles. However, to achieve that, you need to make sure that you get the right type of veneers and you have to look after them.
What Are Veneers Made From?
Tooth enamel is made of microscopic openings, or pores. This enables substances to interact with a tooth’s layers so we can tell if food is hard or soft, hot or cold. However, while this forms a vital function, it also enables pigments from food and drinks to infiltrate the teeth and lead to stains.
Veneers can either be made of composite resin or porcelain. Composite resin is much more likely to stain than porcelain. Toothpaste can scratch it, and alcohol can soften it and make it more prone to being scratched. Porcelain, on the other hand, is a non-porous substance. This means that things like coffee and red wine are unable to permeate it and cause it to become discoloured.
How to Find Affordable Porcelain Veneers
Choosing the right cosmetic dentist in Canberra is vital if you’re thinking about getting white teeth veneers, especially if you want them to fit well and retain their shine. An experienced and professional cosmetic dentist will carefully craft, make and fit your veneers, ensuring they’re the perfect colour match to your existing teeth to give you a bright yet natural smile.
By visiting a professional cosmetic dentist, you can discuss what your veneers will be made of and ensure it is porcelain rather than dental composite. What’s more, your cosmetic dentist is the first port of call if your veneers have lost their shine. They might be able to polish them to improve their appearance and can advise you as to how to look after them moving forward.
Looking After Your Veneer Teeth
While veneers can’t stain as such, they can start to lose their shine over time. The key is knowing what you can do to look after them and keep them looking like new. Fortunately, there are ways to stop those pesky pigments from permeating and to protect your veneers:
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste – many types of toothpaste are slightly abrasive in nature, and whitening toothpaste, in particular, is prone to scratching the surface of veneers. Look out for toothpaste that says it is suitable for veneers or ask your cosmetic dentist to recommend one. Meanwhile, avoid alcohol-based mouthwash as it can loosen the bonding agent used to hold your veneers in place.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush – hard bristles can be too abrasive for the surface of the veneer and can cause damage over time. While electric toothbrushes are fine, sonic toothbrushes use overly strong vibrations that could damage the bond between your veneers and your tooth. Again, if in doubt, ask advice from your cosmetic dentist.
- Consider your lifestyle – while tobacco isn’t able to stain porcelain itself, it can discolour the bonding material that attaches the porcelain to your teeth, which could take the edge off your shiny smile.
- Protect your veneers – just like your natural teeth, veneers can break if they are misused or you have an accident. Be careful not to chew on ice or really hard objects and always wear a mouthguard if you play sports.
- Visit your cosmetic dentist – regular professional checkups and cleanings with your Woden dentist will ensure your veneers continue to sparkle. Your dentist will polish them like your normal teeth and will help you to keep them as bright as possible.
Ultimately, with the right regular care and maintenance, your veneers shouldn’t lose their shine. If you look after your veneers, your smile will stay beautiful for years to come.
If you would like to explore whether dental veneers are the right choice for you, why not book a free cosmetic consultation at our Canberra dental clinic in Woden. Simply call today on (02) 6281 2222.
