Are you a regular coffee fiend? Does that daily cup (or pot) of Joe fuel you throughout all of your adventures? Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages on the planet—but as popular and beloved as it is, it’s also notorious for staining teeth! That said, you might be wondering if your favorite drink will stain your new porcelain veneers. Keep reading to learn more about how veneers aren’t entirely resistant to coffee staining, along with some tips for preventing it.
Can Veneers Become Stained?
The short answer here is yes—although porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining than your natural teeth, they can still become discolored! Items like coffee, tea, wine, red sauces, berries, and more contain certain pigments that can stain your veneers the same way that they stain your natural teeth. It’s also worth noting that poor oral habits, specifically smoking and using tobacco products, are also linked to staining in both natural teeth and porcelain veneers. Realistically, anything that can affect your natural teeth has the possibility of affecting your veneers too.
How Can I Address Stained Veneers?
If you continue to drink coffee and your veneers become stained, don’t fret; help is available! Although most patients don’t develop noticeable staining within the lifespan of their veneers, especially if they take good care of them, there are solutions for when it happens.
Your dentist can clean and whiten your veneers using many different methods including specialized toothpastes, veneer polishing, and more. In some cases, the veneers might need to be replaced if they aren’t able to be effectively whitened. It’s important to note that veneers don’t respond well to typical whitening treatments, meaning that your average, store-bought product won’t do the trick.
Tips for Preventing Additional Staining
Fortunately, there are many measures you can take to keep your veneers white and bright for the foreseeable future:
- Brush your teeth twice daily and also use dental floss and an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Avoid poor oral habits like smoking and using tobacco products.
- Be mindful of foods and drinks that contain staining agents.
- Consider using a drinking straw to minimize contact between liquids and your veneers.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
If you have veneers, it doesn’t mean that your coffee drinking days are over—although, cutting back and following these tips can go a long way. Your veneers can only stay dazzling white and bright if you take good care of them!
About the Author
Dr. Mark Brodhagen brings almost 50 years of experience to his practice in the Green Bay, WI area. Dr. Brodhagen received his dental doctorate from Marquette University in Milwaukee and is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. His practice is proud to offer many available services including cosmetic options like porcelain veneers. If you’d like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice’s website or give them a call at (920) 499-2121.