Isn’t there something alluring about a glistening smile? Bright white teeth. Perfect alignment. These features can light up a room. Having a balanced and pearly white smile can make you feel more confident and comfortable in your skin, giving you a reason to smile more. Plus, the act of smiling can make you happier. However, many people conceal their smiles because of cosmetic imperfections, like discoloration or stains. In such situations, some patients look to veneers as a solution, and they have many questions: Is whitening veneers necessary? What if they get stained? How long do they last?
Our experienced team of cosmetic dentists at the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry can answer these questions, given that they’ve provided many patients like you with the gorgeous smile of their dreams.
Do Whitening Veneers Enhance Their Appearance?
Porcelain veneers are an excellent option for addressing tooth discoloration, minor gaps, chips, uneven shapes, and mild misalignment. They create a bright, balanced, and radiant smile, often described as a “celebrity smile.” Many patients fall in love with their veneers and naturally want to maintain their brilliant white appearance. This usually leads to a common question: Is whitening veneers necessary?
The short answer is no. Whitening porcelain veneers is both unnecessary and ineffective. Porcelain is naturally stain-resistant because it is non-porous, dense, and has a smooth, glass-like finish. These properties prevent pigments from foods, beverages, and other substances from penetrating or sticking to the surface. Unlike natural tooth enamel, which contains microscopic pores that can absorb stains, porcelain maintains its color and resists discoloration over time.
Because of this stain-resistant quality, whitening agents such as bleaching gels have no effect on porcelain veneers. These treatments are formulated to lighten natural tooth enamel, not synthetic materials. As a result, they cannot alter the color of veneers.
What Are the Perks of Porcelain?
Porcelain has many benefits, so it’s our preferred material. For starters, porcelain veneers offer longevity and can last up to 20 years with proper oral care. It is also exceptionally strong, durable, and resistant to chipping and wear. You can eat an apple or corn on the cob without worrying about your veneers breaking.
A beautiful characteristic of porcelain is its glass-like translucent quality. It closely mimics tooth enamel and looks more natural and lifelike. Thanks to its masking ability, porcelain is well suited for more severe cases of discoloration or staining. Like we mentioned before, porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant. That means you can enjoy your favorite beverages and foods that usually stain natural tooth enamel.
The process for veneers is straightforward, simple, and sometimes can be done in a single visit.
An Overview of the Veneers Procedure
Veneers provide lasting and incredible results. While the process typically takes two appointments, there are some cases where we can craft your veneers in just one visit, thanks to our Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) machine. This technology allows us to craft your custom veneers in our office.
To get veneers, you first start with a consultation. You and one of our dentists will discuss your concerns, needs, and goals. We’ll do an exam, X-rays, and discuss the options we offer. If veneers are the right choice for you, the next step is tooth preparation. The procedure is minimally invasive. We just remove a small amount of enamel so the veneers will sit flush against your teeth. It is a relatively painless procedure, but we offer local anesthesia to make you as comfortable as possible.
After, we will clean and etch your teeth. We roughen the tooth’s surface to strengthen the bond, then carefully place each veneer using a special cement. After, we will use a light to cure the bonding material and make a few adjustments if necessary. We’ll make sure your bite is properly aligned as well. Next, you’re ready to light up any room with your new smile!
Begin Your Journey to a Brighter Smile!
Porcelain veneers make dream smiles come true. They offer durability, longevity, beautiful aesthetics, and stain resistance. Veneers are a low-maintenance option for brighter, more aligned teeth. After one minimally invasive procedure, you’re ready to show off your smile to the world. To start your journey, book a free consultation with one of our experienced dentists! We can discuss and create your dream smile that’ll last for years to come.
