Porcelain veneers are a popular choice for those looking to transform their smile, but keeping them looking their best is no simple feat. Not only do you have to take extra care of them, but you also need to ensure that you have the right methods and products to whiten them. Fortunately, with the right steps and a bit of dedication, you can keep your porcelain veneers looking bright and shiny.
In this article, we’ll explain how to whiten porcelain veneers and keep your smile looking its best. From the best cleaning products to use to the types of treatments that can help you achieve a brighter smile, we’ll cover all the bases and provide helpful tips to keep your porcelain veneers looking great.
So, if you’re looking to keep your smile looking its best, read on to learn more about how to whiten porcelain veneers and keep your smile bright!
What are porcelain veneers?
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are placed on the front of your teeth to reshape or brighten your smile. They are used to correct uneven teeth, discoloration, thin or cracked teeth, and misaligned teeth.
A veneer is bonded to your teeth, which means it’s permanently attached to your teeth. This is different from a filling, which is removable.
Veneers are extremely thin, so they don’t change the overall shape of your teeth. They are made from porcelain, which is a mineral that comes from ground-up natural minerals.
How to Clean Porcelain Veneers
As we’ve mentioned, you’ll need to take extra care when cleaning your teeth with porcelain veneers. While a toothbrush is great for everyday cleaning, you’ll need a soft-bristled cleaning tool to clean the area around your veneers. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a soft-bristled cleaning tool like Cleaning Floss.
When cleaning your veneers, you’ll want to make sure you don’t use too much pressure, as this can wear down the surface of your veneers and cause them to chip. You can clean your veneers at any time, but you may want to pay extra attention to cleaning your veneers after eating or drinking.
And, if you have food stuck in your veneers, don’t try to remove it yourself. Instead, visit your dentist to ensure you don’t cause damage to your veneers.
Best cleaning products for porcelain veneers
Like we’ve mentioned, you’ll want to use a soft-bristled cleaning tool to clean your veneers and the area around them. So what cleaning products should you use? Below are a few helpful tips and products that can help you keep your veneers clean and sparkling:
Water – When cleaning your veneers, water is your best friend. It’s a gentle cleanser and can prevent cavities with the right amount of fluoride.
Toothpaste – While it isn’t necessary to use toothpaste to clean your veneers, it does help to prevent staining. So, if you’re drinking coffee, tea, or another beverage that stains teeth, you may want to use toothpaste to keep your veneers from staining.
Mouthwash – Mouthwash is a great tool for killing bacteria and preventing plaque and gingivitis. It’s best to use a non-alcohol mouthwash to prevent staining the teeth.
Floss – Floss can help remove food particles and bacteria from the area around your veneers. And, while you can use string to floss, we don’t recommend it for those with veneers.
Coral or Bentonite Clay – You can use this as a natural toothpaste. Simply mix it with water and apply it to your teeth to help remove stains from coffee, tea, and other teeth-staining beverages.
Tips for maintaining porcelain veneers
Protect your veneers from staining – If you drink coffee, tea, or another beverage that stains teeth, consider using a straw to prevent staining your veneers.
Eat healthy snacks to avoid chips – You may want to avoid crunchy snacks and sticky foods as they can cause chips in your veneers.
Avoid grinding your teeth – While you don’t want to completely avoid grinding your teeth, you’ll want to avoid doing so while you have veneers. Grinding your teeth while you have veneers can cause the veneers to chip.
Examine your veneers regularly – While porcelain veneers are extremely durable, they can chip if you aren’t careful with them. So, make sure to examine your veneers regularly to check for chips and damage.
Whitening porcelain veneers
If your veneers are stained from coffee, tea, red wine, or similar drinks or foods, you may want to whiten them. Fortunately, you can whiten your veneers with the help of toothpaste and baking soda. You can also visit your dentist for a professional whitening treatment. Let’s take a closer look at both methods:
Toothpaste method – All you need are a few ingredients to whiten your veneers at home. You’ll want to mix two tablespoons of baking soda with two tablespoons of toothpaste. Apply this paste to your veneers with a cloth and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Then, rinse your veneers with warm water. Repeat this process once a week until your veneers are bright and shiny.
Professional whitening treatment – Your dentist can perform a professional whitening treatment to help brighten your veneers. You may want to do this if your veneers are severely stained or if you want a faster result.
The benefits of whitening porcelain veneers
Improved confidence – A brighter smile can help boost your confidence and boost your self-esteem.
Less anxiety – A brighter smile can help reduce anxiety and improve your social life.
More job opportunities – A bright smile can help you land better job opportunities.
A romantic boost – A bright smile can help you attract the right romantic partners.
Increased dental health – A bright smile can help you avoid cavities and gum disease.
Long-lasting results – Whitening your veneers is a long-term solution that will last years.
FAQs About Whitening Porcelain Veneers
How long will it take to whiten my veneers?
It depends on how stained your veneers are. If they’re stained, you may want to consider professional whitening treatments.
How much does it cost to whiten my veneers?
Whitening your veneers can cost anywhere between $300 and $1,000.
Are veneers and teeth whitening safe?
Yes, teeth whitening is safe when done in moderation. However, you may want to take a break from teeth whitening if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can I whiten my veneers at home?
Yes, you can whiten your veneers at home with the help of baking soda and toothpaste.
Conclusion
When it comes to your smile, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep it looking its best. While veneers are a great way to transform your smile and can last for years, you have to take special care of them.
So, make sure to use the tips and tricks in this article to keep your veneers clean and bright. When your veneers are clean and bright, your smile will be transformed and you’ll feel more confident.
So, don’t forget to take good care of your veneers and keep your smile bright! We hope you enjoyed reading this article and discovered how to whiten porcelain
