If you’ve just gotten veneers, or if you’re getting them soon, you may be reevaluating the way some of your habits affect your teeth. After all, you probably don’t want your brand-new smile to start to look like your old one.
People love a good cup of coffee. Worldwide, it’s second only to water as the most often-consumed drink. However, it’s also infamous for discoloring teeth. If you’re trying to improve the way your smile looks, you might be wondering if cutting out coffee is a good idea. Here’s a little bit more information about whether coffee can discolor your veneers, and whether you have to stop drinking it.
Can Coffee Stain My Veneers?
Most veneers are made of porcelain, for many reasons. The most obvious is that porcelain resembles beautiful teeth in color and texture, but its benefits don’t end there. Porcelain has fewer pores than your natural teeth, which makes it stain resistant.
However, “stain resistant” should not be taken to mean “stain-proof.” Certain foods, sauces and yes, even coffee can still cause discoloration over time. Moreover, because stains build up faster on your natural teeth, the contrast between them and your veneers will become more obvious if they start to yellow.
Can I Whiten My Veneers?
With your natural teeth, there are a few things you can do to break down stains that may have developed. Professional whitening treatments and over-the-counter whitening toothpastes are both surprisingly effective at getting rid of discoloration.
Veneers, on the other hand, do not have this option. Many of the most common whitening options use hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient. Porcelain isn’t affected by hydrogen peroxide in the same way as enamel, so it won’t work as a bleaching agent for your veneers.
How Do I Prevent Coffee Stains from Building Up?
Obviously, the best way to prevent coffee stains is to drink less coffee. That said, cutting back can be difficult for some people. Here are a few ways you can keep your teeth white and still get your caffeine fix.
- Drink your coffee with a straw. This will minimize the amount of time coffee stays in contact with your teeth, reducing the chances of stains occurring.
- Brush before your drink. Coffee can adhere to plaque deposits.
- Drink water with your coffee to wash it down.
- Brush and floss after you have your coffee.
Veneers are stain-resistant, which should put you slightly at ease if you’re concerned about your coffee habit. That said, it’s worth taking some precautions to ensure that your new smile stays white for a long time to come.
About the Author
For over two decades, Dr. Ben Omrani has offered his patients high-quality oral healthcare with a steady hand and a calm disposition. He takes the time to get to know the people who visit his office so that he can have a better understanding of their individual needs. He currently practices at Platinum Dental Group alongside a dental team of experienced and compassionate staff. If you have any questions about taking care of your veneers, Dr. Omrani can be reached at his website or by phone at (949) 661-2052.