High-quality veneers are an excellent way to significantly enhance your smile in multiple ways, making your teeth appear whiter and straighter. Veneers can also be used to change the size and shape of your teeth. To preserve the look of your new veneers for as long as possible, we recommend following the easy tips listed in this article and avoiding the top foods that stain veneers.

Can Veneers Get Stained?

Dental veneers are typically made of stain-resistant materials. Some materials, like porcelain and zirconium, are more stain-resistant than others, like resin-composite. Most veneer materials are less porous than the enamel of our natural teeth, which means that they are less absorbent. However, dental veneers are not invincible, and some staining and discoloration might still appear on them over time.

If your veneers are constantly exposed to highly staining foods and drinks, surface staining can develop. In addition, improper care and insufficient oral hygiene can worsen the condition of your veneers.

Top Foods That Stain Veneers

Habitual consumption of staining foods and beverages might change the appearance of your veneers over time, especially if you do not brush your teeth right after the meal. These foods and beverages include:

• Brightly colored berries and fruit
• Curry and other highly pigmented spices
• Red wine
• Coffee and black tee
• Fruit juices
• Drinks and candies that contain dye (for example, Cola)
• Balsamic vinegar and soy sauce
• Tomato sauces and juices
• Beetroot

If you consume these foods and drinks from time to time, remember to brush your teeth right after. To maximize the results, consider using a water flosser.

Other Reasons Your Veneers Can Change Color

Staining food is not the only reason for dental veneers to change their color. Here, we listed other reasons for discoloration or stains on your veneers.

• Tobacco consumption and smoking remain one of the most common reasons for veneer staining and discoloration.
• Your veneers are more than 10 years old. On average, porcelain veneers are supposed to last for 10 to 15 years, and the older they are, the more likely staining and discoloration are. Composite veneers tend to last for about 7 years and might appear discolored sooner than porcelain veneers.
• The gum recession that happens as we age can make your veneers appear stained as well. When the gum recedes, the top part of the veneers and darker spots along the gumline become exposed.
• If the adhesive seal between the tooth and the veneer is broken, your veneers might appear stained or discolored.
• Micro scratches on the surface of your veneers can trap food residue and bacteria and absorb staining pigments, leading to veneer discolored. Such micro scratches can be caused by using hard-bristled toothbrushes and abrasive toothpaste.
• If the tooth underneath the veneer gets a cavity, decays, or becomes discolored, the veneer might look stained because it is slightly translucent.
• If your veneers are too old or worn down, the glazing on them might become worn off, making your veneer more prone to discoloration and staining.

If your veneers have become discolored, make an appointment with your dentist to determine the cause of the issue. If no other dental health-related issues are present, your dentist can clean and polish your veneers. In other cases, especially if the teeth underneath the veneers have cavities, your veneers will most likely need to be replaced.

Top Veneer Care Tips

• Maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine will provide the most results. Brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day, floss daily, and use a water flosser to remove bacteria and food residue along the gum line.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid creating micro-abrasions on veneers.
• Ask your dentist to recommend you a special cleaner for dental veneers.
• Do not use over-the-counter whitening solutions or whitening toothpaste on your veneers. These products are designed for the natural enamel and are not compatible with the veneers’ material.
• Choose a non-alcoholic transparent mouthwash.
• Schedule regular appointments with your dentist—every 6 to 12 months— for professional cleanings and check-ups. Cleanings can remove surface stains from your veneers and teeth and help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Make an Appointment Today

If you want to get high-quality dental veneers, make an appointment with a friendly local family dentist at Smile Studio. We will help you choose the right shape and shade of your new veneers to enhance your smile. Our dental veneer specialists are looking forward to welcoming you and your family to our office. And remember to watch out for these top foods that stain veneers.