How Do I Keep my Dental Veneers White?

As with anything, routine maintenance is key with porcelain veneers.

A well done set of veneers will have a nice polished glossy sheen, and if the dental office is not experienced with porcelain, the sheen can be dulled during cleaning appointments (remember the gritty toothpaste?). A special non-abrasive polish can be used to keep them shiny.

One shouldn't worry about chewing differently with veneers, as most people use their back teeth to chew. However, "your teeth are not a tool" and therefore one should avoid opening bottles or bags of chips with them.

Teeth can stain, so if the veneers were not done carefully, things like tobacco products, coffee or red wine could stain the edges, revealing where they were bonded in place.

Well done and well maintained veneers should last a very long time.

Excellent oral hygiene is very important.  You can get surface staining on the veneers from coffee and smoking.  The stains can be polished off at the dentist or with brushing.Patients with dry mouth have the most problem with surface staining.I almost always provide my veneer patients with a night time mouth guard to prevent damage from clenching, grinding and anterior bracing.  This is especially important if you wore down your natural teeth.  I have patients who use whitening strips to remove stain from the surface of the veneers.  They will not lighten the veneers but will take off stubborn stain, especially in smokers.I have had two  patients report they use a dry washcloth to remove stain and that it works very well.  

Porcelain veneers are for the most part resistant to stain from coffee, tea, red wine, etc.   They keep their beautiful appearance for years and years as long as you stay away from very abrasive toothpastes that contain baking soda or peroxide.  In addition, make sure that your dental hygienist is aware that you have veneers.  He or she will use a less abrasive polishing paste when cleaning your teeth to help ensure that your veneers keep their luster.