Can You Whiten Your Teeth After Getting Porcelain Veneers?
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Having porcelain veneers placed on your teeth is one of the most convenient, effective, and beautiful ways to transform your smile, and with proper care, veneers can keep your teeth looking their best for up to a decade or longer. Still, there are some things to know about how to maintain your veneers. One of the most common questions patients ask about getting porcelain veneers is whether or not they can be whitened with at-home or in-office teeth whitening treatments. Here, Plano, TX, dentist Dr. Tim Nguyen and the dedicated team at Parker West Dental Associates answer this question and other porcelain veneer FAQs to help you better understand what to expect with veneers, how to maintain your veneers, and more.
What do dental veneers do for your teeth?
Dental veneers are thin, shell-like restorations made of porcelain that are applied to the visible face of your tooth. There are a number of cosmetic imperfections that can be dramatically improved or even concealed with porcelain veneers. Some of the most popular concerns that can be addressed with porcelain veneers include:
- Chipped tooth
- Cracked tooth
- Uneven tooth length
- Short teeth
- Small teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Yellow teeth
- Stained teeth
- Dull smile
How long do porcelain veneers last?
High-quality porcelain veneers that are applied by an experienced dentist and properly cared for can last for up to 10 – 15 years or even longer in some cases before they may need repairing or replacing. Important care tips for porcelain veneers include:
- Brush and floss twice daily
- Rinse with mouthwash as directed
- Attend your regular dental exams and cleanings as scheduled
- Do not bite your fingernails
- Do not chew ice
- Do not smoke
- Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, and gummy foods
- Avoid staining foods and beverages, like red wine, coffee, and tea
Can porcelain veneers stain?
While porcelain veneers are highly stain resistant, they still can become stained or discolored over time, making it critical that patients practice proper dental hygiene and avoid behaviors that can lead to staining, including smoking and drinking dark, staining beverages.
Can you get teeth whitening with veneers?
Porcelain veneers cannot be whitened with at-home or in-office teeth whitening solutions, making it even more important to adhere to proper veneer maintenance instructions. Again, however, porcelain veneers are typically more resistant to stains than natural teeth, helping patients to enjoy a beautiful, white smile for years. For patients who want a brighter smile, it may be recommended that they undergo teeth whitening prior to having their veneers placed. This way, Dr. Nguyen can match the shade of the veneers to the newly whitened natural teeth for a seamless and beautiful smile. Additionally, patients who may experience staining or dullness of their veneers over time can consider having their veneers replaced at some point in the future to help restore the whiter, brighter smile they desire.
Give your smile a glow-up with porcelain veneers in Plano, TX
If you are self-conscious about chips, gaps, stains, or other issues with your teeth and want a long-lasting solution for achieving the smile of your dreams, we are here to help. Take the first step toward the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted by calling Parker West Dental Associates —conveniently serving Plano, Richardson, Frisco, and the surrounding areas — to schedule your porcelain veneer consultation with Dr. Tim Nguyen today.