Veneers are a great investment because you can achieve the smile of your dreams using one procedure. Stains, chips, and gaps are hidden instantly, creating a bright, beautiful smile that can last for a decade or more with the right maintenance, like watching what you eat and drink. Drinking too much coffee or eating blueberries can tarnish your pearly whites. Although veneers are considered stain-resistant, that doesn’t mean your radiant smile can’t lose its shine. If you can’t skip a cup of coffee in the morning, here’s what you need to know to keep stains at bay.
Can Veneers Stain?
Enamel is porous, which means darkly pigmented foods and drinks can seep into the small holes, staining your teeth. Veneers differ because they don’t have any pores. Not to mention, the thin shells are made of porcelain, which is resistant to staining. However, they only cover the front surfaces of your teeth. As a result, your underlying teeth can still discolor, which can make veneers look darker over time.
Besides stain-causing foods and drinks, like coffee, veneers can also look discolored from using the wrong dental products. Hard-bristled toothbrushes and abrasive toothpaste can scratch the surfaces of veneers. Food particles and plaque can get trapped in the small crevasses, which can tarnish the vibrancy of your smile.
You don’t want to turn to whitening products to restore your smile because they won’t have any effect on the veneers. The whitening agents can also weaken the bonding material. You don’t have to risk losing your veneers or giving up coffee to safeguard your smile.
Can You Drink Coffee with Veneers?
If you need coffee to kick start your day, your cosmetic dentist has a few tips to protect your investment:
- Moderation is Essential: You’ve heard too much of a good thing can be bad for you, which is true when it comes to stain-causing foods and drinks.
- Limit Contact: Drinking through a straw can limit your smile’s exposure to dark beverages
- Non-Abrasive Dental Products: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your teeth.
- Commit to Your Oral Health: Brush your teeth twice daily and floss at night. Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup
- Drink Plenty of Water: Stay hydrated throughout the day to keep your mouth moist to reduce bacteria growth. Drinking a glass of water will also cleanse your teeth between brushing and flossing.
Enjoy a Stunning Smile that Lasts
Veneers are designed to serve as a long-term solution. Your investment can last a decade or more with the right care, like committing to your oral hygiene and watching what you eat and drink.
About Dr. Spiro SaatiDr. Saati earned his dental degree at Boston University Goldman School of Dentistry and regularly pursues advanced training in many specialties. He is a member of various professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. If you are interested in veneers, contact our office today to request your consultation for an attractive smile.