Veneers are a popular solution for achieving a bright, beautiful smile. Made from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin, veneers are designed to resist staining and maintain a natural, luminous appearance.
However, many people ask us if traditional teeth whitening methods can be used on veneers and whether it’s possible to restore their original brightness if they begin to look dull. In this article, we’ll address these questions, exploring the safety and effectiveness of teeth whitening for veneers and how to maintain your veneers’ appearance over time.
Can you whiten veneers?
The short answer is that veneers themselves cannot be whitened unlike natural teeth. Traditional teeth whitening treatments are designed to work on the enamel of natural teeth and do not affect porcelain or composite resin materials. This is because the whitening agents in these products target the organic compounds in natural tooth enamel, while veneers are non-porous and resist the whitening agents.
That said, if your veneers look less vibrant than they once did, there are ways to improve their appearance and keep them looking as good as new.
Why veneers don’t respond to whitening treatments
Porcelain and composite veneers are designed to mimic the translucency of natural teeth. However, unlike natural enamel, which is porous and can absorb stains, veneers are non-porous and less susceptible to discolouration from foods and beverages.
This resistance to staining is one of the many reasons veneers are a popular choice for achieving a long-lasting, white smile. However, it also means that the most common whitening agents (such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) cannot penetrate the surface of veneers to change their colour.
If you try to use a whitening treatment on veneers, it will only affect your surrounding natural teeth, which is why we will always suggest whitening your teeth before having veneer treatment so we can match the veneers to your whitened teeth.
What causes veneers to look discoloured?
Although veneers are highly resistant to staining, they are not completely immune! Over time, certain factors can cause them to lose some of their original brightness:
- Surface build-up: Plaque and tartar can accumulate on veneers, causing them to appear dull.
- Staining at the edges: The edges where the veneers meet the natural teeth can sometimes develop discolouration. This is why ensuring the fit of the veneers are perfect to avoid staining in the longterm.
- Natural teeth discolouration: If your natural teeth become stained or discoloured, it may make your veneers appear bright by comparison.
How to clean veneers and maintain their shine
While traditional whitening methods aren’t effective on veneers, there are still ways to keep them looking bright and polished!
One of the best ways to maintain the appearance of your veneers is through consistent and thorough oral hygiene. Brush twice daily using a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Abrasive toothpastes may wear down the glaze on your veneers over time, which can make them more susceptible to surface stains. You should use a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush with a gentle mode to prevent any scratches or abrasions on your veneers. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors are ideal, as they help you avoid brushing too hard!
Although veneers are resistant to staining, it’s still a good idea to limit foods and drinks that are known to cause discolouration, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. When you do indulge, rinsing your mouth with water afterwards can help reduce the likelihood of staining.
Finally, professional cleanings are one of the most effective ways to remove plaque and tartar that can make veneers look dull. Dentists have the tools and expertise needed to clean veneers without damaging them, and a cleaning every six months is usually recommended.
Professional options for whitening veneers
If you’re still unhappy with the appearance of your veneers despite a good oral hygiene routine, there are a few professional options available:
Polishing veneers
Dentists can use special polishing tools to restore the shine to porcelain or composite veneers. This polishing process can remove any surface stains or build-up and make veneers appear more vibrant. Polishing is safe and effective when done by a qualified cosmetic dentist.
Replacing or re-shading
In some cases, the best way to address significant discolouration is to simply replace your veneers. If your veneers are over a decade old or have sustained damage, replacing them could be the most effective option. Some patients opt for “re-shading” or “re-surfacing” of their veneers, where a thin layer of material is added to restore brightness. It is important to note this can only be done with composite veneers.
Teeth whitening for surrounding natural teeth
While veneers cannot be whitened, teeth whitening is still possible for your natural teeth. A common practice is to whiten your natural teeth to match your veneers if the surrounding teeth begin to look discoloured over time. This can create a more uniform look and reduce any contrast between your veneers and natural teeth.
How to whiten veneers naturally: is it possible?
If you’re looking for ways to brighten your smile naturally, you may be wondering if any at-home remedies could help. While natural methods like brushing with baking soda or using activated charcoal are popular online, these should be avoided for veneers. Baking soda and charcoal are abrasive and can damage the surface of veneers, leading to more harm than good. Stick to a gentle cleaning routine and consult your dentist if you have any concerns about discolouration.
Common questions we’re asked about veneer whitening:
Do you have to brush veneers?
Yes, just as with natural teeth, it’s essential to brush and care for your veneers! Brushing keeps plaque and tartar at bay and prevents staining along the edges of the veneers. Regular brushing also maintains gum health, which is crucial for the long-term stability of your veneers.
Can you use whitening toothpaste on veneers?
Most whitening toothpastes are abrasive and may damage veneers over time. It’s safer to use a non-abrasive toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, which provides a thorough clean without risking scratches on your veneers.
How often should you clean your veneers?
Brush your veneers twice daily and floss once daily to keep your smile healthy. Visiting your dentist for a professional cleaning every six months is also recommended to keep veneers looking bright. Professional cleanings help remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains that brushing at home may miss.
How to keep your veneers looking their best
Veneers are a long-term investment in your smile, and maintaining their bright, natural look is possible with the right care. While traditional teeth whitening treatments do not work on veneers, there are still plenty of ways to keep them looking their best:
- Follow a diligent oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and polishings.
- Avoid abrasive products and staining foods to reduce the risk of dulling or discolouring your veneers.
- Consider replacing older veneers if they no longer meet your desired appearance or have sustained damage over time.
For more information on caring for your veneers or to book a professional cleaning, contact Bespoke Smile. Our team is here to help you maintain your beautiful smile for years to come!