Whitening Your Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin layers of white porcelain that are placed on the front of a person’s teeth to improve the look of your smile. When maintained properly, veneers are long-lasting and can be kept for many years. While porcelain veneers are extremely durable and stain-resistant, over time the glaze that covers the veneer can wear off and allow the veneer to stain. Veneers can also acquire stains to the sides as the porcelain ages. While it is not possible to whiten veneers with professional teeth whitening like you can natural teeth, there are some options for lightening darkened veneers:

  • If you have translucent porcelain veneers, it is possible to whiten the back of your teeth. This process will lighten your natural teeth, which will then reflect through the veneer making them appear whiter.
  • Brush your teeth with a special polishing toothbrush intended to remove the composite that causes stained veneers. This type of polish works well on the stains that appear around the edges of veneers, giving them a whiter appearance. Your dentist can recommend the type of polishing toothpaste that would best suit your needs.
  • A cosmetic dentist can professionally clean veneers that have lost their luster due to worn off glaze. If they are unable to restore the veneers to the whiteness you desire, your cosmetic dentist could replace the veneers with a bright, new set.

Porcelain veneers do not stain easily. However, as they age if you find they have not maintained their brightness, consider trying some of the above methods to return them to their original beauty. If you find your porcelain veneers have darkened with wear and age, consult with your dentist about options to whiten and brighten your veneers and improve your smile.

Our dental office is located in Conyers