Dental veneers are thin shells, typically made from porcelain or composite resin, bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve aesthetic appearance. They correct issues like discoloration, minor misalignment, or chipped enamel, offering a long-lasting enhancement. Patients often choose a bright, custom shade, but over time, they may notice a perceived change in color or a dulling of their brilliance. Veneers behave fundamentally differently from natural teeth when attempts are made to lighten them.
Why Traditional Whitening Methods Fail
Traditional chemical teeth whitening does not work on veneers. Over-the-counter kits and professional bleaching treatments use peroxide-based chemicals, which lighten natural teeth by penetrating the porous structure of enamel and dentin to break down intrinsic stains. Veneer materials, however, are engineered to be non-porous and chemically inert. Porcelain veneers are glazed ceramic, and composite veneers are hardened resin; neither can be penetrated by bleaching agents. Applying whitening gels will have no effect on the veneer’s color because the chemical process cannot physically alter the material. If only some teeth have veneers, attempting to whiten the entire smile will lead to an uneven result, as the natural teeth will lighten but the veneers will not.
Sources of Veneer Discoloration
Perceived discoloration is usually caused by external factors or issues at the material’s edge. The most frequent cause is surface staining, which occurs when highly pigmented foods and beverages adhere to the veneer’s polished surface. Common culprits include coffee, dark teas, red wine, and tobacco products, which leave a film on the restoration, especially on more porous composite resin materials.
A more complex issue involves discoloration at the margins, the thin line where the veneer meets the natural tooth structure. If the dental cement or bonding agent securing the veneer breaks down or leaks, it can absorb stain, creating a dark line that makes the veneer appear outlined. Additionally, the underlying natural tooth can darken due to trauma or nerve death, and this color change may show through the semi-translucent veneer material.
The Only Ways to Restore Veneer Color
Professional Cleaning and Polishing
When veneers appear dull or stained, the solution involves professional intervention targeted at the specific source of the discoloration. For simple surface stains, a dental professional performs a specialized cleaning and polishing treatment. They use non-abrasive pastes and instruments designed to safely remove superficial buildup without scratching the high-gloss finish. This process effectively restores the veneer’s original luster and bright appearance.
Addressing Margin and Underlying Tooth Issues
If the problem is centered on the veneer margins, the dentist may repair or reseal the edges to prevent further leakage and staining. If the underlying natural tooth has darkened significantly, internal bleaching may be an option. This technique involves carefully applying a lightening agent to the inside of the tooth structure to brighten the color showing through the veneer. This procedure requires careful assessment by a dentist.
Replacement
If the veneer material is severely degraded, the discoloration is intrinsic, or the patient desires a brighter shade, replacement is the only guaranteed way to achieve a color change. This involves removing the existing veneers and bonding new ones in the preferred color. While comprehensive, this solution requires careful planning with a cosmetic dentist to ensure the new shade complements the entire smile.