I got porcelain veneers in June of 2013. I really like the way they feel and they are so comfortable that I forget they are on my teeth. In March of this year I noticed a stain on a left incisor. My regular cleaning appointment at the dentist was in June so I brought the stain to the attention of my hygienist and she cleaned it off with n problem. By august another veneer had stained. I called the office and they asked me questions about what I was eating or drinking but nothing points to the reason for the stains. So I went back to the office and had the stained removed. Last week I noticed that the first veneer that I had the stain cleaned off is stained again but in a different location. I am keep my teeth cleaned and flossed but these stains keep popping up. I have asked my hygienist about it and she only questions me about what I am eating, but I am certain that is not the problem. Why are the stains recurring? Thanks. Mylan
Mylan,
Porcelain veneers generally don’t stain. Porcelain is durable and virtually stain resistant. But it is possible for the outer layer of the veneers to be get microscopic scratches on it and attract stains.
Extra care must be taken when you receive a dental cleaning and polishing at the dentist’s office. Certain polishing pastes and dental tools can scratch the surface of your veneers. When that happens, debris from food and drink can build up in the tiny scratches and cause stains. Ensure that your dentist and hygienist have been trained in how to properly clean veneers.
Certain types of toothpaste can also cause stains. If you use whitening toothpaste or other types of abrasive toothpaste, fine scratches can be left in the veneers. Whitening toothpaste won’t brighten your veneers, but it will scratch them. Your porcelain veneers need to be closely examined for microscopic scratches. If your veneers are scratched, they will need to be replaced.
Sometimes avid coffee or tea drinkers, or avid smokers, get stains on the surface of their veneers. If the stains on your veneers are only on the surface, a skilled cosmetic dentist will be able to polish your veneers to remove the stains. Ask your dentist to examine your veneers to determine if there are scratches on them or if the stains are only on the surface. You also have the option of visiting an experienced cosmetic dentist for the examination and a second opinion.
This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
