For many patients who are looking to get a whiter smile, veneers offer an attractive solution. They provide the long-term benefits of something like a dental implant without the cost, surgery and recovery time that comes with it.
With that said, many are still skeptical to go ahead with the procedure. Because while they may indeed be cheaper than implants, they are still a major investment.
Those who are skeptical may not only be worried that they won’t look good once they go on, but that they’ll fade and lose their color over time.
When it comes to whether or not they’ll look amazing when they first go on your teeth, technology has you covered - thanks to advanced computer imaging, a dentist near you can show you exactly what your smile will look like before and after you go ahead with veneers.
But how will they hold up? And can porcelain veneers actually change color over time?
Why Real Teeth Get Stained
Let’s start by talking about why your real teeth change color to begin with.
Basically, your teeth are composed of a number of different layers. The outermost layer is referred to as the enamel. Enamel is made up of various minerals, and is actually the hardest tissue in the human body.
Unfortunately, while it may be extremely hard and durable, it’s also quite porous. Various colors pigments from all the food and beverages you consume over the course of your life can sneak in and change the color of your teeth over time.
Can Porcelain Veneers Be Stained?
Porcelain veneers are placed over the natural tooth enamel. They act in a similar way, but with one key difference - porcelain is not porous. It’s much more similar glass in that it doesn’t allow pigments to get trapped underneath, and it will not stain (regardless of how much red wine and coffee you drink).
What Can Make My Veneers Change Color?
With all of this said, just because porcelain doesn’t stain doesn’t mean that the appearance of your veneers can’t change over time.
One of the reasons for this isn’t the actual porcelain itself, but the cement that’s used to attach the veneers to your teeth. Over time, this cement can change color, and this is what leads to the appearance of darker teeth in some patients.
Another reason is the fact that, like glass, porcelain can be scratched. These small scratches can trap pigment and debris from food. So while the porcelain isn’t technically being stained, it can look like it’s stained in certain areas.
Finally, you may find that over time your gums recede to the point that the base of your real teeth is starting show. When this happens, it will reveal the line of cement that was used to attach your veneers when they first went on.
What Can I Do If My Veneers Change Color?
The good news is that, for the vast majority of patients, these changes won’t happen overnight. With proper care and maintenance, veneers can last 10, 15 and even 20 years before you start to notice a difference.
With that said, if you notice down the line that they’re starting to look a little rundown, replacing them is a fairly easy process.
If you currently have a set of veneers that aren’t looking as white as they used to, be sure to visit a dental office in Flagstaff. You’ll be able to get a qualified opinion on why they’re not looking as great as you’d like and the best course of action for getting a new set.
