Can Porcelain Veneers Stain or Turn Yellow?

I am considering having veneers placed on my teeth and want to know if they will ever stain or turn yellow?

Brenda in Toronto

Brenda-

This is a common question asked by many people and for good reason. The answer is no, porcelain veneers will not stain or turn yellow. However, the real tooth structure behind the veneer can stain over the years making your veneers appear as iftheyare getting a little darker. For those patients with teeth that stain easily, we recommend avoiding drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine. It is also advisable not to smoke. While it seems that whitening or tartar control toothpastes may help, they don’t. Refrain from these types of toothpastes because they can be very abrasive and diminish the glaze that actually keeps your veneers from being stain resistant.

It’s also a good idea to make sure the cement your dentist uses to apply your veneers will not yellow over time. Many experienced cosmetic dentists know the right kind of cement to use but it’s always a good idea to ask. Another area that can be prone to stains are the margins or edges of the veneers. Again, a talented cosmetic dentist will know how to place the margins in an area that is not noticeable.

A simple yet effective secret to keeping your veneers white and avoid staining is to rinse out your mouth with water after eating. Staining is more likely to occur the longer food or dark liquids are in contact with your teeth and rinsing with water will help to prevent that.

This post was provided by Elgin dentist Dr. Steve Sirin. Learn more about Porcelain Veneers.