It’s something that has crossed everyone’s mind at some time. Whitening toothpaste is the most popular proving that many people deal with it. Tooth stains. They can be annoying and embarrassing. A smile is something wonderful to show off to the world, but sometimes you might want to hide it.
Did you know that tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body? While it’s true that your natural tooth enamel is extremely durable, that doesn’t mean it is indestructible — or stain resistant.
The most common cause of tooth stains is what you eat or drink. Dark-colored foods and drinks, including tea, coffee, red wine, dark berries, and colas, can diminish the most beautiful of smiles. If you like your morning cup of coffee or a glass of wine at dinner or love to snack on blueberries and strawberries, you are at risk of staining your teeth.
That said, some foods that are light-colored, like pasta and potatoes, can also cause staining.
Poor oral hygiene can also lead to teeth staining. If you’re not brushing and flossing, sticky dental plaque can make your teeth look yellow. If you fail to brush and floss regularly or go for regular dental cleanings, the staining compounds can accumulate on your teeth.
Some medications, including some antibiotics and antihistamines, could also cause your smile to become discolored. Tobacco products are another notorious cause of tooth stains, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
Some dental work can also impact the color of your smile, including root canals. Trauma, such as tooth injuries, can also contribute to smile discoloration.
Finally, aging can contribute to changes in your smile’s appearance, causing your teeth to look dull or dark as your tooth enamel thins.
In some cases, tooth whitening cannot correct these issues.
So, are you stuck with stained teeth forever? No! Dental veneers are the way to go to brighten your entire smile.
Porcelain is usually the preferred material for dental veneers due to its strength and ability to imitate the natural look of teeth. Veneers can brighten your entire smile and can also correct structural and cosmetic problems, including chips, misshapen teeth and small gaps between teeth.
So, you decide to get veneers to cover tooth stains, but will your smile stay bright and white?
While no substance is completely resistant to food stains, porcelain veneers can resist stains more than other types of restorations. But there’s a catch.
You have to take care of your teeth to prevent your new brighter smile from becoming dull.
Porcelain veneers are pretty darn stain resistant, but they still need to be taken care of.
Practice Good Dental Hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is essential for keeping your smile looking its best.
Watch What You Eat (And Drink). We recommend that you avoid foods and drinks that can cause staining, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries. But if you can’t pass these things up, we recommend that you brush after consuming them or at least rinse your mouth with water if you cannot brush right away.
Get Regular Checkups. It’s also important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This will help keep your teeth healthy and free of plaque, which can cause staining.
In conclusion, dental veneers can be a great way to stop tooth staining and brighten your smile. However, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits and watch what you eat in order to maintain the brightness of your smile.
Although veneers are permanent dental solutions, there are a few things to think about before getting the procedure done. Typically, dental veneers last for 10 years, but with good health care and overall oral hygiene, they can last longer. However, if you grind your teeth during sleep, your veneers will deteriorate more quickly.
It is important to talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of getting veneers before making a decision. Your dentist can help you decide if veneers are right for you and what type of material would be best for your needs.
Schedule a consultation with us to learn more about dental veneers. A healthy and bright smile is waiting for you!