Can I Undergo Teeth Whitening with Porcelain Veneers?
Smile enhancement can contribute to better self-esteem and confidence. Individuals looking to brighten their smiles can choose from several cosmetic treatments at Dental Associates of New England, including porcelain veneers. Many of our Boston, MA, patients ask if they can undergo teeth whitening with porcelain veneers. Our skilled and experienced team at Dental Associates of New England answers this question and offers a few recommendations for achieving that bright, dazzling smile you have always wanted.
What’s the Difference between Veneers and Teeth Whitening?
While these two treatments are both cosmetic in nature, the methods of how they work are quite different. Teeth whitening involves bleaching the surfaces of the natural teeth to break apart stains and eliminate discoloration. Porcelain veneers are custom-crafted restorations that cover the front surfaces of the teeth to hide chips, discoloration, and other cosmetic flaws.
The kind of treatment necessary depends on several factors, including the type and severity of discoloration as well as your own personal preferences. Teeth whitening is an excellent choice for extrinsic stains, which are superficial and usually occur over time from consuming dark-colored foods and beverages.
However, if you have deep-seated intrinsic stains that cannot be treated with whitening, you will be better suited for porcelain veneers.
Oftentimes, these two procedures are combined into one comprehensive treatment plan.
Can Porcelain Veneers be Whitened?
Veneers are made from dental ceramic, a material that does not respond to bleaching or whitening. Like tooth-colored fillings, crowns, and dental bonding, porcelain veneers cannot be brightened with teeth whitening treatment. In fact, our Boston, MA, team does not even recommend using whitening toothpastes on porcelain veneers. These formulas contain harsh and abrasive ingredients that can actually scratch the porcelain surfaces.
Which Treatment Should be Completed First?
If you are planning on undergoing both teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, which procedure should be completed first? Because porcelain veneers cannot be whitened, it is best to whiten the natural teeth to the desired shade first. Then your new porcelain veneers can be color-matched to your smile for beautifully seamless results.
However, our natural teeth have a tendency to stain over time. Many patients want to know if they can eventually undergo whitening after their veneers have been placed. In-office professional teeth whitening will not damage your veneers. However, in some cases, whitening can make the teeth noticeably different in color ¬– a condition known as “technicolor teeth.” For this reason, we discourage patients from undergoing whitening after restorations have been placed. If you wish to whiten your smile, it is best to consider veneer replacement along with whitening.
Tips for Keeping Your Smile Vibrant
With proper care and maintenance, you can ensure that your smile stays bright for the long run. Keep these things in mind to keep your porcelain veneers in tip-top shape:
- Consume dark-colored foods and beverages in moderation.
- Use a straw when drinking tea, soda, fruit juice, and other dark-colored beverages.
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Brush and floss diligently.
- Visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.
Schedule a Cosmetic Consultation Today
Have your teeth become discolored over time? If you want a more vibrant smile, there are plenty of cosmetic treatments available at our Boston, MA, practice. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact us online anytime or call us at (781) 890-4900.