Porcelain veneers have allowed innumerable people to achieve more gorgeous smiles in as few as two appointments. While porcelain is stain-resistant and naturally similar in appearance to enamel, it can develop stains and discoloration if it endures too much exposure to pigments and dyes while not being cleaned adequately. Here’s what you should know about drinking coffee when you have porcelain veneers as well as a few tips for keeping your enhanced smile in great shape.
How Can Coffee Stain Porcelain Veneers?
Enamel is incredibly strong, but it can become stained due to frequent exposure to foods and beverages that are high in pigments and dyes. Unfortunately, coffee falls within this group along with tea, red wine, sports drinks, colas, berries, and colorful candies. While porcelain veneers are more resistant to these stains than natural teeth, discoloration can still occur if the patient consumes items like these without moderation.
How Can I Keep My Porcelain Veneers Looking Great?
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and easy to clean. To keep your veneers in great condition when drinking coffee, keep the following tips in mind:
- Consume coffee in moderation. This also goes for other items that are high in pigments and dyes like tea and red wine.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes a session while using a soft-bristled toothbrush. It’s best to do this after waking up and before going to bed.
- Floss at least once a day to eliminate food particles that can cause stains between your teeth.
- Abstain from smoking or other forms of tobacco use, as this can leave unsightly yellow stains or nasty brown buildups on your beautiful porcelain veneers.
- See your dentist at least twice yearly for routine exams and cleanings.
What Should I Do if My Porcelain Veneers Have Become Stained?
While it’s hard to stain porcelain veneers, their tone and sheen may diminish over time if you smoke, drink too much coffee, or overindulge in other items that are heavy with pigments or dyes. While most patients do not report noticeable staining, a few options for dealing with this problem include:
- Receiving a professional dental cleaning
- Using a specialized toothpaste
- Having your veneers polished or reglazed
- Replacing your veneers
Your porcelain veneers will look stunning for as long as possible if you take proper care of them. With the right hygiene and maintenance habits, your veneers may last as long as fifteen years before needing replacement.
About the Author
Dr. Rodger Song earned his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry and has a wealth of experience in areas such as cosmetic solutions, tooth repair, and advanced oral surgery. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Orthodontic Society. His office in Flower Mound offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers. To learn more about caring for your veneers, contact his office online or dial (972) 906-9797.