Have your veneers lost their shine?
If the veneers are just put on, it is unusual for them to lose their luster. There are, however, a few possible causes of the change in the appearance of your smile.
Dental instruments or abrasive products with RDA >150
Dental veneers are harder than tooth enamel. A substance must be abrasive to affect their luster. A toothpaste with high abrasivity >150 RDA has the potential to damage your veneers causing them to lose their shine. Dental instruments and chemicals can damage them. A hygienist who has been trained in dental veneer care knows what tools and substances to use.
Polishing equipment
Dental hygienists use specific tools, including Air-Flow (Prophy Jet), which can affect the “glaze” on the veneers and will cause them to lose their color.
Some fluoride treatments
Some fluorides contain hydrofluoric acid, which will etch the ceramic, fade the shine on the surface of your veneers and make them stain.
Your veneers are not made of ceramic or porcelain
If your veneers are made of composite – not ceramic or porcelain – it is much more likely to stain. Several substances will scratch the composite, including:
- Toothpaste too abrasive – As you brush your teeth, toothpaste will create small scratches on the composite, which attract stains.
- Teeth polishing – At the end of professional dental cleaning, most hygienists use a special powder / paste to make your teeth shine. Although it does not damage tooth enamel, it can scratch dental veneers.
- High percentage alcohol-based mouthwash – Alcohol can weaken the dental composite and facilitate scratching or staining.
How do we maintain dental veneers?
– Use an abrasive toothpaste up to an RDA of 150 and floss and/or irrigator. We recommend a paste around the RDA of 100 because a paste with very low abrasivity will not clean very well any stains on teeth or veneers and one with too high abrasivity can damage both enamel and veneer. Avoid ingredients that bleach through oxidation, it will affect the ceramic.
• Do not use your teeth to bite hard objects.
• Make sure you receive regular dental cleanings from a hygienist who is trained to care for dental veneers. He will know what dental tools to use – and what tools to avoid – to keep your smile shining.
• Visit a dentist who will safely polish your dental veneers.
What can you do if your veneers? have they lost their color?
Make an appointment for a consultation with a dentist specializing in dental cosmetics, he will determine the reason why your veneers have lost their color. You will get the best results from a dentist who has extensive experience in this area.
A cosmetic dentist may polish your veneers to improve their appearance. If not, it will explain the options. If your facets are permanently damaged, will need to be replaced to regain your bright smile.
