FAQs: Can Porcelain Veneers Stain Over Time?

The type of dental veneers you choose is important if you want a long-lasting bright smile.

Veneers made from composite resin, for example, tend to get tarnished by dark-coloured foods and drinks or if you smoke. This is because the plastics they’re made with are eventually susceptible to absorbing stains.

11 October 2021

The Truth is...

Porcelain veneers, though, will remain stain-resistant over time. They do the same job as the protective layer of tooth enamel but, unlike real teeth, porcelain veneers aren’t porous and therefore unlikely to develop stains.

Foods and Drinks You Can Still Enjoy with Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers will be a good choice if you want to continue to enjoy a range of foods and drinks without worrying about your veneers becoming stained. Foods and drinks that can cause other types of veneers to stain include:

Tomato-based sauces.
Curry.
Berries.
Beetroot.
Coffee.
Tea.
Red wine.
Cola.
Fruit juices.

Some of these foods and drinks contain minerals and vitamins that are good for you, and with porcelain veneers you don’t have to cut them out of your diet.

On the other hand, you shouldn’t overdo it. While porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, your other teeth aren’t. Limiting substances that stain teeth will prevent noticeable discrepancies in colour between your veneers and your natural teeth.

Keeping Your Porcelain Veneers Free from Stains

The tooth behind a porcelain veneer can still become discoloured, and veneers are so thin that they can occasionally become tarnished if the underlying tooth sustains significant staining.

This is why you should continue to be diligent about brushing and flossing, and maintain regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings. This will not only reduce teeth staining but also help to preserve the veneer bond and the appearance of your veneers.

While veneers cover the front of teeth, the back and side surfaces still need regular cleaning to prevent accumulation of plaque and tartar, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Do Porcelain Veneers Look Natural and Can They Damage My Teeth?

If porcelain veneers seem to magically resist staining, you may be wondering whether they will look natural. You may also have concerns that veneers might damage your teeth.

The translucent properties of porcelain veneers are designed to mimic the light-reflecting properties of dental enamel. So, in the hands of a skilled cosmetic dentist, your veneers will be 100 percent natural-looking.

Far from damaging your teeth, porcelain veneers provide an extra layer of protection as well as transforming your smile by concealing dental flaws like chipping and staining. In fact, people with veneers get less tooth decay. And advances in technology mean that only a tiny amount of enamel needs to be removed in order to place the veneers.

Need to Know More About Porcelain Veneers?

If your teeth are basically healthy but showing signs of wear and tear, porcelain veneers can give you a great smile that will last for many years as your veneers continue to repel stains. Porcelain veneers are also better than real teeth in another way – they won’t decay.

Contact Porcelain Veneers Sydney if you’d like to know more about how stain-resilient porcelain veneers can give you a picture-perfect smile.