Help! I think I screwed up my porcelain veneers. The last several months I’ve felt like they have become really dull. So, I decided to try to whiten them with whitening strips. Now, they look terrible! The four teeth that have porcelain veneers on them look like a totally different color than my other teeth. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
-Pam in Missouri
Pam,
Oh no, that’s a bummer. I wish there was better news for you. But, there isn’t anything that can be done on your own. You need to go back in to see a cosmetic dentist to get them fixed. The dentist may be able to buff out the discoloration and get them to blend in. Or, you may need to have them replaced.
As you’ve experienced, whitening products are ineffective on porcelain veneers. The whitening agents only work on your natural teeth. So, there’s a good chance the teeth surrounding the porcelain veneers are whiter, and the veneers now look even dingier. Whatever you do, don’t try to fix this on your own.
- Make sure you use a non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Don’t use tooth whitening toothpaste or products because the whitening agents are highly abrasive. This will end up damaging the protective glaze, which means your porcelain veneers will be susceptible to picking up stains.
- Also, keep up with regular cleanings at your dentist will help keep your smile nice and bright.
These simple steps will help keep them looking their best. However, over time they may pick up stains, especially if you drink coffee or tea and red wine. When you start to notice light staining, a trip to the dentist to get them polished will do the trick. Another cause of staining is gum recession, which may happen as time goes by.
Good luck! Hopefully, as simple polishing will brighten them up.
This post is sponsored by James T. Gavrilos, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in Barrington, IL.