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A veneer is a thin shell made of tooth-colored material that can be placed over a tooth to improve its color and shape. At Osuna Dental Care, the dentist must file down the tooth's enamel so the veneer can be bonded into place. Dental veneers are an increasingly popular option because they are relatively easy to apply and provide natural-looking results.

If a patient is interested in getting dental veneers, the dentist will take X-rays and examine their mouth. Once the teeth have been prepared, and the veneer is ready to be placed, the bonding process will begin. A special dental cement will permanently secure the tooth's veneer and be polished for a seamless finish.

Why Do Dental Veneers Stain?

While porcelain veneers are hard, durable, and made to last for years, they are not invincible to staining and discoloration. The enamel on your teeth is naturally white, so anything you eat or drink that is dark or brightly colored can alter the color of your smile over time. This is why we highly recommend patients protect their smiles with professional-grade teeth-whitening products before their veneers are placed.

Dental veneers are so thin and lightweight that adding a dark substance can discolor the entire smile quickly. This is typically more noticeable when the right foods and beverages are consumed frequently. For example, coffee is dark and can permeate through tooth-colored restorations like dental veneers.

How to Prevent Stains on Dental Veneers?

If you are concerned about staining your porcelain veneers, you can try a few things. First, avoid or limit foods that can stain your teeth, like coffee, red wine, and berries. It would help if you also were careful about smoking as it can yellow the teeth over time. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing at least once is essential. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash can also help to kill bacteria and wash away food particles that can cause staining.

If you’ve noticed that you are developing stains on your porcelain veneers, you should schedule another appointment with your cosmetic dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist may recommend an effective whitening treatment to help remove surface stains from your dental veneers and restore their original color. In most cases, teeth whitening will be effective, but if your veneers are severely discolored, you may need to replace them.

If you are interested in preventing stains on dental veneers, contact Osuna Dental Care at 5900 Cubero Dr NE suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109, or call (505) 884-1989. Our dentists can examine the condition of your porcelain veneers and give you personalized recommendations for improving your oral hygiene practices and addressing any oral health issues that you may have.