Are you among the millions of people who like to start each day with a refreshing cup of coffee? This popular beverage is delicious, invigorating, and it is even associated with certain health benefits. But it is very dark in color, and it can easily stain teeth. What if you have dental veneers? Can coffee discolor them as well? This blog post explains what you should know.
Veneers Resist Stains
Most dental veneers are made of porcelain, which is a durable and non-porous material. Due to its non-porous nature, pigments tend to slide right off it. That means veneers are incredibly resistant to stains! In fact, they are much less prone to discoloration over time than natural tooth enamel.
Even if you drink coffee daily, your veneers are likely to maintain their original color for many years.
Cautions to Keep in Mind
Even though veneers are resistant to stains, they are not invulnerable to them. They could stain if you overconsume dark-colored beverages or neglect proper oral hygiene. The risk is particularly high if you accidentally scratch your veneers with abrasive toothpaste or non-food objects; pigments can collect in those tiny scratches and negatively affect your smile’s beauty. Also, some people find that stains develop along the edges of their veneers because the adhesive used to bind them to the teeth is less stain-resistant than the veneers themselves.
Maintain the Beauty of Your Veneers
How can you keep your smile bright and beautiful? Follow these tips:
- Exercise moderation: Try to limit your coffee intake to one or two cups a day. You should also limit your intake of other dark foods and beverages, like red wine and berries.
- Rinse regularly: Rinsing your mouth or sipping on water after drinking coffee can rinse away any lingering particles and help to minimize the potential for stains.
- Use a straw: Sipping coffee through a straw can minimize its contact with your teeth.
- Maintain oral hygiene: Use a soft brush and non-abrasive toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. You should also floss regularly and attend a professional dental cleaning twice a year.
- See your dentist if you notice discoloration: Some surface stains can be polished away. Severe discoloration might lead to the need for new veneers.
You do not have to give up coffee in order to maintain a beautiful smile! With moderation and other good habits, you can continue to enjoy your daily java without worrying about your veneers.
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group in Hamden, we offer a full range of services, including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. We carefully design porcelain veneers so they look natural, and we are happy to help patients maintain the beauty of their cosmetic treatments. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact our office at 203-587-7327.