If porcelain veneers are stain resistant, why are there stains around mine? I got the veneers in October 2019 and will finish paying for them in October 2022. They will be yellow before I finish my payments. What can my dentist do to stop the staining? Please don’t say that I will need new veneers. Thank you. Ariel from Erie, PA
Ariel
Intact porcelain veneers do not stain
Yes, intact porcelain veneers are stain resistant. Dr. Cha would need to examine your veneers or see pictures of them to determine what may be causing the stains. But we can explain a few possibilities.
Three Reasons that Porcelain Veneers Might Stain
Porcelain veneers may stain if there is damage to the glazed surface, a gap exists where the veneer and tooth meet, or excess composite bonding is around your gumline.
- Damage to the glazed surface – Power polishing equipment or acidulated fluoride can damage your veneers. If a dental hygienist mistakenly used either on your tooth and damaged the glaze, you can see stains across the surface of your porcelain veneers.
- Gap between the porcelain and your teeth – If a dentist left a gap between the porcelain and your teeth, it could allow bacteria to leak in and stain your teeth.
- Excess composite bonding – Sometimes, a dentist does not clean the composite around your teeth thoroughly, and that can cause staining.
How to Remove Stains from Your New Veneers
A skilled cosmetic dentist can polish your veneers if you have porcelain veneers. For regular polishing, a hygienist can use ultra-fine polishing strips and paste to remove plaque and keep your veneers smooth and stain resistant.
Regular maintaining can prolong the life of your veneers. You may want to schedule a second opinion skilled cosmetic dentist to examine your veneers and determine why they are staining. Then you can decide whether you want your current dentist to polish them or find another provider.
Dr. Jerome Cha, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Tulsa, Oklahoma, sponsors this post.
