My Porcelain Veneers Don’t Look New Anymore

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My porcelain veneers are only two years old, but they are not as bright as new. My smile makeover does not look fresh anymore. I am disappointed because I thought veneers were colorfast. Although I drink coffee every morning, I never drink more than two cups. The dentist who placed the veneers asked if I smoke or am a heavy coffee drinker. I have an appointment with the dentist in two weeks, but I do not want my dentist to blame me for the discoloration of my veneers. Is there anything I can do to make them look better, or is this something only a dentist can do? – Thank you. Marcello from ATL

Marcello,

Thank you for your question. You are wise to ask how to improve your smile makeover before using products such as abrasive whitening toothpaste that will scratch the surface of your veneers.

Do Porcelain Veneers Stain?

Porcelain veneers are colorfast and covered with a glaze that helps them resist staining. But if the glaze is damaged, it can increase the risk of stains.

Factors that may damage the glaze on porcelain veneers:

  • Abrasives – Abrasive whitening toothpaste can create tiny scratches in the glaze that attract stains.
  • Dental cleaning or polishing techniques – Power polishing equipment, pumice pace, air-powered cleaners, or acidulated fluoride can etch porcelain veneer glaze and cause stains.
  • Tobacco use – Regular tobacco use can cause surface stains on veneers.
  • Heavy coffee drinking – If you are a heavy coffee drinker, it may leave surface stains on your veneers.

What Can You Do to Brighten Porcelain Veneers?

Although whitening toothpaste or bleaching gels will not whiten porcelain veneers, either of these methods will help when your veneers do not look new anymore:

  • Use toothpaste that will not harm restorative dentistry – Supersmile is non-abrasive toothpaste that removes surface stains on cosmetic dentistry work. But it will not remove deep stains.
  • See an expert cosmetic dentist – A skilled cosmetic dentist can polish porcelain veneers, restore their original shine, and refresh your smile makeover. Polishing will increase stain resistance. If the glaze on your veneers is damaged, polishing will not remove the damage, but it will improve discoloration.
Before and after porcelain veneers photos from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher

Before and After Porcelain Veneers from Dr. Brooksher

Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

Thinking About Whitening Your Veneers with Toothpaste? Three Facts You Shouldn’t Ignore Before Buying a Product

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I’m looking for a safe way to get stains off my porcelain veneers without scratching them. I’ve seen ads for Supersmile toothpaste, but I don’t want to purchase it without a recommendation. Does it get stains off veneers? How long will the whitening last? I’m wondering if it’s worth it or if I should ask my dentist to polish my veneers.  Thanks. Braelynn from Little Rock, AR

Braelynn,

Some brands of non-abrasive toothpaste, including Supersmile®, will temporarily remove stains from veneers. But the results you’ll get depend on the cause of stains on your veneers.

What Is the Source of Stains on Your Veneers?

The source of stains on your porcelain veneers determines how to treat the stains.

  • Surface stains – Protein pellicle, or a film, naturally builds up on teeth from the protein in saliva. You can minimize the stains with a non-abrasive toothpaste approved for use on porcelain veneers.
  • Stains from damaged veneers – Power polishing equipment in a dental office gives luster to natural teeth. But the equipment is abrasive on porcelain veneers and will damage the glaze and attract stains. If the glaze on your veneers is damaged, a cosmetic dentist can help, but polishing toothpaste won’t make a difference.
  • Matte veneers – If there is a matte—non-shiny—finish on your porcelain veneers, the lack of smoothness over your teeth will attract stains. A cosmetic dentist can polish your veneers and give them enough luster to resist future stains.

How Long Will Whitening Last?

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Avoid damaging your veneers with baking soda or abrasive toothpaste

If the stains on your veneers are from a buildup of protein film, daily use of the toothpaste will lighten the stain. But the stains will gradually return as protein film accumulates on your teeth. If you choose Supersmile toothpaste, use it daily.

Rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after consuming food and drink that promote stains:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Wine
  • Dark berries
  • Soda, or other acidic drinks

Keeping Your Porcelain Veneers Bright

  • Avoid smoking – Smoking also accelerates a buildup of stains on porcelain veneers and limits the effects of brushing your teeth with whitening toothpaste.
  • Avoid abrasive products – Baking soda, abrasive toothpaste, and all toothpaste not approved for use on porcelain veneers will scratch them and create more stains.
  • Schedule professional dental cleanings – Return to a cosmetic dentist and hygienist regularly for dental cleanings, exams, and veneer polishing. Ensure they are trained on how to care for veneers without damaging them.

Accredited cosmetic dentist, Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge sponsors this post.

Read our post about what to do if your dentist made your veneers the wrong color.