With a whopping two thirds of American adults admitting to enjoying at least one cup of coffee a day, there’s a pretty good chance you’re already aware of the effects this dark, flavorful beverage has on your teeth. In fact, often, when patients are interested in upgrading their smile with veneers, one of their first questions is, can I still drink my morning cup of joe following treatment. The good news is that yes, with these smile-changing prosthetics, enjoying dark, staining beverages like coffee is still possible. Here’s why, and how you can ensure that your gorgeous new grin stays looking white and bright for as long as possible!
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin dental prosthetics that fit over the teeth to transform their shape, size, spacing, and even their color. Because they’re made of durable, lifelike porcelain, they both look and feel natural, and can even resist staining from things like diet and age. With proper care, they could even last for up to two decades before they need to be replaced!
How Can I Keep My Veneers Looking Their Best?
The good news is that because veneers don’t have microscopic pores like your natural tooth enamel does, they are very difficult to stain. However, this doesn’t mean staining them is impossible. You can still enjoy a diet of highly pigmented foods and beverages with them, but you’ll want to be sure to clean them properly to ensure they remain looking as white and bright as they did on day one.
To care for your new smile, be sure to brush and floss regularly. Use only a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the porcelain and gel-based toothpaste as this is less abrasive as well. In fact, whitening toothpastes are not only too gritty for veneers, but they also wouldn’t work on them even if they weren’t!
Finally, be sure to keep visiting your dentist every six months for your regular exams and cleanings. These routine appointments will keep your teeth and veneers looking their best while preventing stains and discoloring buildup.
In the off chance that your veneers do become stained, your dentist can help by either re-shading or replacing any that have become dull or dingy.
Remember, while it is very difficult to stain veneers, it’s still possible, so be sure to take proper care of your smile, especially following darkly pigmented foods. To learn more about this treatment and how it can give you a whiter, brighter grin in as little as two appointments, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!
About Dr. Young
An Allentown native, Dr. Bradford Young earned his undergraduate degree at Villanova University and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania Dental School. He is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association. To schedule a consultation for veneers, visit our website or call 610-439-1363.