If you are an avid coffee drinker, looking at an old photo may make you want to spit your coffee right out. What happened to that set of nice white teeth shining back at you from 5 or 10 years ago? Coffee and other dark foods and drinks can stain teeth over time, leaving you with a darker, less radiant smile. Even if you like the shape and spacing of your teeth, stains can make your smile less attractive and can lower your self-confidence. One proven method to making a smile white and bright again is porcelain veneers. How do porcelain veneers in Simpsonville resist stains and stay white for so long? Find out below.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are custom-designed to fit on top of teeth to fill in gaps or hide stained or misshapen teeth. To firmly bond a veneer to the tooth, a very small amount of original tooth enamel – usually less than a millimeter – must first be removed. The porcelain veneer is then applied and bonded using a light-sensitive resin and special curing light.
Veneers have a translucent quality that makes them nearly impossible to tell apart from natural teeth. They also offer a long-term solution to dental imperfections, usually lasting from 10 to 15 years or more.
How Porcelain Veneers Stay Dazzling for So Long
You cannot see this when you look in the mirror, but natural teeth actually have millions of microscopic pores. Over time, these pores absorb the color from dark foods and drinks, slowly staining teeth.
Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are not porous, so they can brighten your smile and remain whiter for much longer. In addition, veneers are also coated with a special stain-resistant resin that helps prevent most stains from occurring.
Of course, it is important to take proper care of porcelain veneers to ensure they stay in good shape for as long as possible. Wear and tear can eventually erode the stain-resistant resin off the veneers, allowing them to more easily stain. To prevent porcelain veneers from staining over time, avoid eating the same foods and drinks that cause natural teeth to stain, such as:
- Coffee
- Tea, especially black tea
- Red wine
- Smoking
- Dishes with red tomato sauce, such as those common in Italian and Indian cuisines
Taking proper care of porcelain veneers by practicing good oral hygiene and adjusting dietary habits will keep your smile dazzling and bright for years to come.
Am I a Good Candidate for Veneers?
If you are searching for an effective and long-lasting way to improve the appearance of your smile, porcelain veneers could be the perfect solution. Veneers are ideal for hiding misshapen or stained teeth, or even recreating an entire smile. If you want to learn more about how porcelain veneers can transform your smile and boost your confidence, talk with a cosmetic dentist in Simpsonville today.
About the Practice
The friendly and knowledgeable team at Tylan Creek Family Dentistry are dedicated to providing dental care that exceeds the highest patient expectations. They offer a range of cosmetic dentistry options to help ensure any patient can achieve and maintain the beautiful smile they have always wanted. Visit the Tylan Creek Family Dentistry website today or call the office at 864-962-6671 to learn more about how porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dentistry procedures can rejuvenate your smile.