Your veneers will stay pearly white for a long time — if you maintain them properly.

Veneers are an inexpensive way to fill in gaps between teeth, correct misshapen teeth, or fix a chipped tooth. But did you know that the most popular reason for getting veneers is a whiter smile?

A popular alternative to dental crowns or implants, veneers are made of porcelain or composite resin material to match the shape of your natural teeth. Although veneers are stain-resistant, you must take care of them if you want to keep them gleaming. If you want to whiten your veneers, there are a few safe ways to do so. Keep reading to learn more!

But first, what are veneers?

Veneers restore teeth with a coating of either porcelain or composite resin material. Both achieve the same goal — a whiter, straighter smile — but do so in slightly different fashions. 

Porcelain veneers are secured to the tooth after a thin layer of enamel is shaved off. Unlike crowns, where most of the tooth is removed, you keep most of your natural teeth with veneers. For porcelain veneers, your dentist will make an impression of your mouth from which the veneer will be constructed. A cement seals the veneer to your teeth.

Composite resin-based veneers require less enamel removal and can be applied in one visit. You may need more than one application before the material is hardened with a light. 

Porcelain veneers are a bit more expensive but can last up to 10 years. Composite resin veneers, on the other hand, usually last between five to seven years.

Six ways to keep your veneers stain-free

Veneers are more stain-resistant than natural teeth, but that doesn’t mean they won’t ever change color. Veneers may yellow or stain over time. But with proper upkeep, you can keep them sparkling for many years.

Since veneers are typically considered a cosmetic dental procedure, they may not be covered by insurance. If you’re making an investment in veneers, you’ll want to maintain them in their pristine condition for as long as possible. Here are some tips to help you safely whiten veneers:

Use specially formulated toothpaste for veneers. Regular toothpaste and baking soda can scratch veneers. Ask your dentist to recommend a low-abrasion toothpaste for veneers, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing. 

Don’t use teeth-whitening gels. The carbamide peroxide in teeth-whitening gels penetrates porous enamel, leaving your teeth whiter. But such products won’t work on your veneers. 

Stop smoking. In addition to the health risks from smoking, cigarettes stain your teeth. Why spend money on veneers just to spoil them with a cigarette?

Avoid staining foods. Limit your intake of drinks such as coffee, tea, and wine that can stain teeth. If you drink these liquids, be sure to brush afterward to reduce any staining.

Eat stain-fighting foods. Yes, the foods you eat can affect the health and appearance of your teeth! When you bite into an apple, for instance, you’re also scrubbing away plaque- and stain-causing food debris. Celery is another good choice, but anything crunchy will work.

Get your veneers cleaned. Plaque collects on veneers just as it does on your untreated teeth, giving them a dull tinge. A twice-yearly cleaning keeps the veneers white and in good condition.

Let’s talk about veneers

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Colorado Springs location today! Our highly trained dentists are experts in veneers and can discuss with you how veneers can brighten your smile. Don’t live near our Colorado Springs office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Colorado Springs
8610 Explorer Drive #315
Colorado Springs, CO 80920