Can veneers stain?

Dental veneers are a common cosmetic treatment for patients who have factors that make their smile a little less than perfect, including:

• Gaps or uneven smiles 
• Staining that can’t be rectified with whitening 
• Chips or other examples of superficial damage 

However, as thin shells of either composite resin or porcelain, can veneers stain or are you safe from future issues? 

So, can veneers stain? 

Unfortunately, staining can occur if you don’t care for your veneers properly. However, the extent or rate of staining can be made much worse by the type of veneers you choose.  

Composite veneers 

Composite veneers are made from a form of dental resin and fitted over the front of your natural teeth to improve their appearance and correct minor imperfections. 

They are often more affordable than their porcelain counterparts, can be fitted very quickly, and are easier to repair or remove if damage occurs. 

However, composite veneers London are more at risk of staining thanks to the porous nature of resin, so it’s important to be mindful of factors that increase the chances and severity of staining.  

These include: 

• Smoking
• Consuming coloured or staining foods and drinks
• Poor oral hygiene

You should also be aware that composite veneers can change colour due to tooth wear – but this is part of the ageing process of this cosmetic treatment and simply indicates that they need to be replaced.

Porcelain veneers 

Porcelain veneers are constructed from thin discs of ultra-hard porcelain and are frequently used to correct less serious imperfections in otherwise healthy teeth. 

They have a more natural appearance, have a longer lifespan than their composite counterparts, and are imbued with a higher level of stain resistance. 

This stain resistance is because porcelain is non-porous – unlike composite veneers and natural tooth enamel. 

However, this doesn’t mean that people with porcelain veneers can be careless with how they protect their veneers. You should still take measures to protect against staining and have them repaired or replaced if they are damaged. 

Tips to prevent staining on your veneers 

• Rinse your mouth after eating or drinking things that stain 

This will remove food or drink particles that can go on to cause stains. 

Worried you can’t do this when out and about? You don’t need to spit the water out, simply take a sip, swill it around your mouth, and swallow it when done.

• Limit the consumption of staining foods and drinks 

Enjoying the following foods and drinks infrequently will help to stop stains from developing. If you can’t avoid them, rinse your mouth as soon as you can after consuming them. 

Common staining foods or drinks include: 

• Red and white wines
• Tea and coffee 
• Carbonated or sports drinks
• Balsamic vinegar
• Rich sauces made with tomato, soy, or curries 
• Vibrant fruits 
• Chocolate and sweets 
• Citrus fruits

• Have any damage repaired 

If your veneers become chipped or damaged, you should immediately book an appointment to have them repaired or replaced. 

If you don’t, your natural teeth underneath are at risk of decay, staining, and increased sensitivity and the veneers are at risk of dislodging completely. 

• Visit your dentist regularly and schedule professional cleanings 

This will remove stains as they accumulate and stop the development of plaque and tartar which can also go on to stain veneers and natural teeth. 

Contact LCCD for all things veneers 

As the home of Dr Mervyn Druian – the first UK dentist to introduce porcelain veneers – we have over 35 years of experience with the treatment. 

This means that if you choose to come and see us, you will receive not only world-renowned expertise but also the reassurance that we have really seen it all – so we can help you no matter your circumstances. 

To book an appointment for veneers, London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry can be contacted by calling 0207 722 1235 or filling in our enquiry form. We’ll be in touch as soon as we can to arrange your consultation at a date and time that suits you best.