To answer this, we first need an understanding of what the biggest difference between veneers and natural teeth is.
Porcelain vs. Tooth Enamel
A tooth is made up of two primary layers: the hard protective enamel on the outside, and the sensitive body of the tooth, the dentin. The natural tooth structure is porous, and the dentin has teeny microscopic channels throughout its surface. These channels form naturally during tooth development. Even the outer layer of the hard enamel usually has a little of this porous quality. For this reason, teeth can pick up stain from foods, beverages, and tobacco products.
And what about veneers?
Veneers are just a slim façade placed over the front of front teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are made of porcelain, and porcelain is a dense, baked, ceramic product. It does not grow organically the way a tooth does. That said, its structure is not porous like a tooth’s. A veneer will not absorb stain the way a tooth does.
Whitening works with a hydrogen or carbamide peroxide chemically lifting stain deeply embedded in the pores of a tooth, and bleaching a tooth deep below the surface. Just as veneers cannot stain the way teeth do, so they cannot lighten as teeth do. Whitening gel should not harm your veneers, but as the teeth become lighter, the veneers will appear darker in comparison. This is because at the time your teeth were fitted with veneers, they matched the natural color of your teeth.
What Can You Do?
Ask your dentist about having your veneers updated to match your new-and-improved tooth color! Or consider having your teeth whitened before your dental veneer treatment.
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6300 Hospital Pkwy # 275
Johns Creek, GA 30097
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