Can Coffee Stain My Veneers?

A new smile can mean a new beginning. If you’ve just gotten veneers, you’re probably doing everything in your life a little bit differently than you did before. That’s a good thing; these changes are usually for the better. Now that you’re starting with a clean slate, it’s a good time to rethink some of your old habits. For example, you may be wondering whether your passion for coffee could discolor your new teeth. Here’s a quick guide to help you answer that question.

Can Coffee Stain My Veneers?

Veneers are most commonly made from non-porous porcelain, so they aren’t as vulnerable to discoloration. However, they can still absorb some color over time, so if you keep up a high coffee intake they’ll start to yellow.

Not to mention, the stain-resistant nature of veneers can be a bit of a drawback; natural teeth next to your veneers will stain considerably faster, making it obvious you’ve had work done. Just because coffee won’t stain your restoration as quickly, doesn’t mean that it won’t affect the quality of your smile.

Can I Whiten My Veneers If They Start to Tint?

When your veneers are still in the process of being crafted, you pick exactly the color you’d like them to be. Unfortunately, this is the only stage where they can be made whiter. Porcelain doesn’t respond well to the sort of commercial whitening solutions that are used in dentist offices, so once they’re in your mouth they’re as bright as they’re going to be. One option is to whiten your remaining natural teeth to match your veneers. However, if the latter has already collected stains then you may wind up with the opposite issue, i.e., your natural teeth becoming brighter than your restorations. Don’t worry, there are plenty of measures you can take to ensure that your veneers stay nice and bright.

How To Avoid Coffee Staining Your Veneers

Ultimately, the less coffee or wine you drink, the less likely your teeth are to be discolored. That said, if you can’t (or won’t) reduce your coffee intake, using a straw could help minimize the damage. Making sure the liquid doesn’t pass through your teeth could reduce coffee’s discoloring effect.

Otherwise, practicing good oral hygiene will keep your smile shining bright for a long time to come. Brush twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque buildup and keep your gums looking healthy. You should also swap out your gritty whitening toothpaste for something smoother; common abrasives like baking soda and charcoal can scratch up your new teeth. Finally, schedule biannual appointments with your dentist for regular cleanings, and to check the condition of your veneers.

About Our Practice

Since 1986, we at Sunrise Dental have given our all toward providing our patients with the best cosmetic dentistry available anywhere. Our experienced dental team has the technology and training needed to offer incredible cosmetic transformations to all of our patients. We also know that a good dentist is the most important part of any treatment, and we take that responsibility seriously. If you have any questions about taking care of your veneers, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (713) 869-9973.