Cosmetic Dentistry: Subtle Changes for Big DifferencesCosmetic Dentistry: Subtle Changes for Big Differences

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Cosmetic Dentistry: Subtle Changes for Big Differences

Cosmetic dentistry involves large scale procedures such as braces for adults, but this field also offers simple procedures that can make a huge difference to your smile. Hi! My name is Corky, and I have been committed to having the best smile possible for years. However, like many people, I also have to live within a budget. Because of that, I have found the best ways to make my smile look amazing without spending a lot of time or money at the dentists. If you are looking for a place to learn about the procedures that give you the best value for your money, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to discuss procedures ranging from teeth whitening to veneers, and I am going to tell you how to make your smile beautiful!

Is It Possible to Bleach Your Dental Veneers?

22 July 2022
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

The discolouration of teeth is a slow process. As the years go by, your teeth become increasingly yellow, until you decide that the time for teeth whitening has arrived. If you have veneers you might be wondering if the treatment will affect them. Will your veneers be whitened along with your natural teeth?

Porcelain vs. Enamel 

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you shouldn't apply a whitening treatment directly onto your veneers. Your veneers are porcelain, which is intended to look like dental enamel while having a different composition. The bleaching agent is effective on natural enamel, and while it may have a minor effect on your veneers, it can also easily corrode them. To whiten a smile that's a combination of natural teeth and teeth with veneers, you'll need some help from your dentist.

Scaling 

A dental checkup is always smart for anyone planning to whiten their teeth and is essential for anyone whose whitening plans include their veneers. Your dentist can perform a deep cleaning and scaling of teeth to remove surface stains. Veneers can also be scaled, although an ultrasonic scaler is likely to be used, as this won't damage the porcelain surfaces of your veneers, or weaken their bond to the underlying tooth.

Your Natural Teeth

The scaling process should improve the appearance of your veneers, and they may become whiter than your dental enamel. Your dentist can then whiten your natural teeth, bringing them to the same shade as your veneers. A polishing toothpaste formulated for dental restorations (ask your dentist for their recommendation) can help you to maintain the whiteness of your veneers.

At Home

To maintain the whiteness of your natural teeth, your dentist can make you a custom applicator tray to use at home. This tray will exclude your teeth with veneers so that the bleaching agent cannot make direct contact with your restorations. When combined with whitening your natural teeth at home, regularly scheduled scaling of your veneers might be enough to whiten them. However, heavily stained veneers cannot be restored so easily.

Replacement

When veneers have been in place for a number of years (and perhaps haven't been so well-maintained during those years), the most straightforward way to whiten them is to replace them. Your new veneers will be pristine and white, and your dental enamel can be whitened to match.

You have some options when it comes to improving the appearance of your dental veneers, but it's important that you choose an option that won't harm your veneers.