Can You Whiten Veneers? Explaining Everything You Need To Know

Whether you’ve already got veneers or you’re thinking about getting veneers in Mukilteo, WA, you may be wondering if they can be whitened. What if they change color? Is it possible to brighten your veneers and keep your smile looking great? In this blog from Driftwood Dental Studio, we’ll give you some helpful information and bust a few myths about veneers and teeth whitening. Let’s get into it!

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Why Your Veneers Might Change Color

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Normally, veneers do not change color. Your veneers are made of non-porous ceramic materials that are invulnerable to stains. However, there are a few things that could happen which may make your veneers look a bit different, or like they’ve changed color:

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Improper cleaning and polishing – If a dental hygienist accidentally polishes your veneers improperly, they could strip the non-porous glaze, which may cause the veneers to lose their sheen and even attract stains over time.
Your teeth are not healthy – If the underlying teeth are decayed or infected, they could show through the white veneer, making the veneer look discolored. This is not a problem with the veneer itself, but with the health of the remaining tooth structure. If you think this is your issue, you should get help right away. Dr. Rebecca Butler will likely have to remove the veneer, treat the tooth, then build and apply a new veneer.
Your veneers are not made of porcelain – This is more rare, since composite veneers are very rarely used today. Composite veneers are made of dental resin that is more prone to breakage and can be stained, unlike porcelain veneers.
The underlying tooth is stained – If your veneers don’t change color, but you notice some stains near the border near your natural tooth enamel, it’s possible that your underlying tooth has become stained. Whitening your teeth will solve the issue, and restore your beautiful, bright smile.

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‍Can You Whiten Your Veneers? The Answer Is “No!”

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Veneers do not become stained, because they're completely non-porous. But this also means that they cannot react to the chemicals that are used for teeth whitening, either. Once your veneers are placed, they’ll stay the same color forever. There’s no way to whiten them or change their color, besides removing and replacing them.

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This is one of the reasons that Dr. Butler often recommends teeth whitening before you get veneers. After you have your teeth whitened, Dr. Butler can match your veneers to their bright, white shade. This provides you with an even and beautiful smile that will last for years to come.

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And if you already have veneers, you may also want to consider getting the occasional teeth whitening touch-up. Over time, your other teeth could become stained, but your veneers won’t be stained. This may lead to an uneven appearance. When you get teeth whitening at our office, Dr. Butler will always make sure that your real teeth match your dental work, such as veneers and crowns.

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Interested In Veneers in Mukilteo? Contact Us For A Cosmetic Consultation!

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At Driftwood Dental Studio, Dr. Butler specializes in cosmetic dentistry. If you’re not happy with your smile, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a cosmetic consultation. Dr. Butler can discuss all of your options including teeth whitening, veneers, and more, and help you take the first steps toward the smile you’ve always wanted.

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Can You Whiten Veneers? Explaining Everything You Need To Know