While veneers can transform your smile, you might wonder how long they’ll maintain their appearance. The good news is that high-quality veneers are designed to resist stains much better than your natural teeth. At Markham Dental Smiles, we help patients understand how to protect their cosmetic dentistry investment for lasting results.
While porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant, composite veneers can absorb stains over time. The natural teeth underneath your veneers can also still develop discolouration if not properly cared for.
What Are Dental Veneers & How Do They Work?
Dental veneers are ultra-thin shells that cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. Your dentist bonds these custom-made coverings directly to your natural teeth using a special adhesive.
People choose veneers to fix chips, gaps, discolouration, or uneven teeth. They offer a quick way to achieve a uniform, bright smile without extensive dental work.
Types of Veneers & Their Stain Resistance
Porcelain Veneers
- Highly stain-resistant surface that mimics natural tooth enamel
- Non-porous material that repels most stains from food and drinks
- Can last 10-15 years with proper care and maintenance
Composite Veneers
- More porous than porcelain, making them susceptible to staining
- Can absorb stains over time from coffee, wine, and other pigmented substances
- May require more frequent touch-ups and polishing
What Can Stain Your Veneers?
Even stain-resistant veneers aren’t completely immune to discolouration. Certain foods, drinks, and habits can affect their appearance over time. These include:
- Coffee, tea, and red wine
- Berries and tomato-based sauces
- Smoking and vaping products
- Poor oral hygiene habits that allow plaque buildup
What Happens to Your Natural Teeth Under Veneers?
While applying veneers does involve some grinding down of your teeth, natural tooth structure remains underneath the veneer, and this area can still develop stains or decay. Poor oral hygiene can cause the underlying tooth to darken, which might show through thin veneers. This is why maintaining proper daily oral hygiene habits remains crucial even after getting veneers.
The edges around your veneers where they meet your natural teeth can show yellowing if you don’t maintain good oral care. This contrast becomes more noticeable as your natural teeth age and darken.
How to Keep Your Veneers Looking Their Best
Daily Care Tips
- Brush twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching
- Floss regularly around the edges of your veneers to prevent plaque buildup
- Rinse with water after consuming staining foods or drinks
Professional Maintenance
- Schedule regular dental cleanings every six months to remove stubborn stains
- Get professional polishing to maintain shine and smooth surface
- Pay attention to any chips, wear, or bonding issues
Your dental hygienist can use special tools and techniques to clean around your veneers safely. Professional cleaning procedures are designed to protect cosmetic dental work while maintaining optimal oral health.
When Veneers Need Replacement or Touch-Ups
Even well-maintained veneers eventually need attention. Signs of this include visible staining, chips, or gaps developing around the edges.
Your Markham Dental team can assess your veneers during regular visits and recommend refreshing or replacing them when needed. We’ll evaluate the condition of both the veneers and underlying teeth to develop a treatment plan.
During maintenance visits, you can expect a thorough examination, professional cleaning, and discussion about any changes you’ve noticed. We’ll help you understand your options and timeline for any needed updates.
Taking care of your veneers doesn’t have to be complicated, and regular professional care helps protect your investment in your smile. At Markham Dental Smiles, we provide thorough care for all types of cosmetic dentistry, including veneer maintenance and replacement.
Ready to learn more about keeping your veneers looking great? Contact our friendly team to book an appointment and discover how we can help maintain your beautiful smile for years to come.
