Teeth naturally come in a variety of shades and tones. They also change color over the years from age, oral hygiene habits, or lifestyle factors, like drinking a lot of coffee. Veneers are perfect for hiding stains and discoloration while fixing other aesthetic concerns simultaneously. Don’t worry, you don’t have to skip your morning cup of coffee to keep your new smile bright. However, there are a few things you should know to safeguard your pearly whites.
What are Veneers?
A veneer is a thin shell made of porcelain that’s designed to improve the color, size, and shape of a tooth. Unlike a crown, it only covers the front surface, hiding various aesthetic flaws. When applied to the teeth most visible when smiling, your cosmetic dentist can resolve many common concerns, like stains, chips, or gaps.
Porcelain is the preferred material for veneers because it requires less enamel to be removed during the bonding process. Although they are thinner than ever, it’s not unusual for veneers to last for a decade or longer with the proper care.
Can You Drink Coffee with Veneers?
Porcelain is a stain-resistant material. It’s nonporous, unlike your enamel. Although your veneers can’t discolor, your underlying teeth are still susceptible to stains. If your natural teeth darken, your veneers may not look as bright. While it’s possible to drink coffee, you’ll still want to limit how often you have it.
Damage to your veneers can also make them look dull or tarnished, like using abrasive dental products. Hard-bristled toothbrushes and rough toothpaste can scratch the surfaces of your veneers, trapping plaque and food particles.
If your smile darkens over time, don’t use any OTC whitening products. It’s unlikely they will improve discoloration, and it can lead to color discrepancies. Not to mention, the ingredients in whitening agents can weaken the bonding material, which can cause your veneers to fall off.
Maintaining a Bright Smile
Whether you’re an occasional coffee drinker or you have a pot a day, you can protect your investment using a few simple tips:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and noninvasive toothpaste.
- Brush your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes.
- Use high-quality floss daily.
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Limit your consumption of darkly pigmented foods and drinks.
- Have sugar in moderation.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools to open bottles or packaging.
- Don’t chew on inedible objects, like your fingernails or pencils.
- Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.
- Use a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth.
You can enjoy a bright, confident smile for years with a commitment to your oral hygiene and routine care from your dentist.
About Dr. Gus Bal
Dr. Bal is an award-winning cosmetic dentist in Fargo. He earned his dental degree from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and has completed extensive continuing education in implant dentistry, IV dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. He has the qualifications you can trust to create the smile of your dreams. Contact our office today to request your consultation.
