Can You Whiten Your Composite Veneers?

Many people choose composite veneers to achieve a bright white smile; however, maintaining their whiteness as time passes is difficult. This is because, unlike natural teeth, composite veneers do not respond positively to regular whitening treatments. Let’s find out why. 

What Are Composite Veneers?

Composite veneers are thin shells made of ceramic and acrylic resin. They are meant to be applied directly to the tooth surface to improve its aesthetic appearance. Composite veneers are minimally invasive and an effective solution for making your smile look better. They cover multiple defects such as discoloration, gaps, shape or size issues, and other imperfections. 

The good news is that composite veneers not only look but feel exactly like your natural teeth and are custom-made to fit comfortably over the existing ones. Composite veneers are quite practical for not too severe of dental imperfections and are a cost-effective option for smile enhancement.

Why Can You Not Whiten Composite Veneers?

Now, addressing the burning question, why can you not whiten composite veneers like your natural teeth? The resin does not respond to whitening agents. You must note that veneers are quite strong in resisting stains; however, with time, your surrounding teeth may change shades making your smile uneven. Although you can keep up with professional dental cleaning for clean and bright teeth. 

Other Than Whitening, What Options Do You Have?

1. Professional dental cleaning: Since whitening does not work, professional cleanings remove surface stains and discoloration on composite veneers quite effectively to maintain the brightness of composite veneers. 

2. Using whitening toothpaste for composite materials: There are certain variants of whitening toothpaste specifically made to be safe for use on composite veneers. They help protect veneers from staining substances. 

3. Avoiding eating or drinking staining foods and drinks: Limiting your consumption of beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and any other foods that can cause staining, like berries, to keep composite veneers looking their best.

4. Replacing old composite veneers: While you cannot whiten composite, you certainly can replace them with fresh new ones. If your composite veneers are very old, consider replacing them. 

How To Care For Veneers?

If whitening is not something that cannot work, here’s what you can do: 

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

• Brush your teeth at least two times a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride.
• Floss daily once to get rid of plaque and food particles.
• Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid damaging the bonding agent.
• Do not skip your regular dental appointments for checkups and cleanings at least every 6 months. 

Avoid Damaging Habits

• Steer clear of chewing on hard foods such as ice, or use your teeth as tools, as they can chip or crack the veneers.
• If you have the habit of teeth grinding or clenching, wear a mouthguard.
• Limit consumption of staining foods and drinks. 
• Quit smoking, as cigarette smoke can stain veneers.

Use Proper Dental Products

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and skip abrasive toothpaste.  
• Get a fluoride mouth rinse daily to strengthen enamel.
• Be cautious with at-home whitening products, as they can damage the material.

Closing Note 

You must remember that composite veneers do not respond well to whitening treatments like natural teeth. This means that if you try, the result may be uneven coloration. What you can do is maintain good oral hygiene, not skip checkups, and avoid staining substances to keep your veneers looking their best. If you have more questions about veneers or their upkeep, get in touch with our specialist at Riverside Family Dental for help and treatments we have to offer you. Give us a call at (586) 468-0983 to schedule an appointment.