White teeth are worth their weight in gold to many of us, and we’ll go to great lengths to get them. While some of us may choose to whiten our teeth with over-the-counter solutions like whitening toothpastes, others may need a dental treatment – like professional teeth bleaching or veneers – to get that dreamy, white smile.
If you’ve had dental veneers placed before and you feel like your smile isn’t as white you’d like it to be, you’re probably looking for a teeth whitening solution that will take care of both your veneers and your natural teeth. In this blog post, #1 Hermitage dentist, Dr. Brian George, will answer your questions about teeth whitening after veneers and what works best for an evenly white smile.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers – also called tooth veneers – are a long-lasting solution used to correct teeth imperfections and minor dental issues such as:
- Stained teeth
- Misshapen or crooked teeth
- Teeth gaps
You can think of veneers as thin shells that attach to the front of your teeth to hide imperfections. While they don’t last forever, you can expect quality veneers to last between 10 to 12 years as long as they are properly maintained.
Our porcelain veneers are especially durable, and they are designed to match the rest of your teeth. The dental veneer process is both easy and painless, which is why tooth veneers are so popular amongst patients with minor dental problems.
When you decide you want to get dental veneers, it’s important to find a good dentist who is well acquainted with the process. Because teeth have a slightly yellowish hue, getting cheap dental veneers that aren’t professionally crafted will only make your natural teeth look yellower in comparison.
Will My Dental Veneers Be Whiter Than My Natural Teeth?
With the right dentist, you won’t have to worry about your veneers throwing off the brightness of your smile. Before you are given your tooth veneers, your dentist will examine your mouth and find the places where enamel needs to be reduced down to make room for the veneer. They will also compare the shade of your natural teeth to the veneer to make sure that it matches.
It’s also important to note that there are different types of veneers, and some look more natural than others.
Types of Veneers
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a popular choice for good reason. Compared to other types of veneers, they are slightly transparent, which gives them a more natural appearance. They also last longer than most of the other types of veneers, up to 20 years in many cases.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers look relatively natural, although they have more of an opaque appearance that some patients do not prefer. While they function like other veneers do, they also tend to last for less time, up to 5 years.
Lumineer Veneers
Lumineer veneers have a more transparent appearance that is similar to porcelain veneers. They also last longer than composite veneers on average. However, they can break easily, especially if you grind your teeth at night or use your teeth to open bottles.
Will Teeth Bleaching Damage My Teeth Veneers?
Before you have your dental veneers placed, your dentist will go over a list of precautions with you and advise you on how to take care of your veneers and your natural teeth. Because most patients want to have evenly white teeth, our dental team will help them take the proper steps in the right order to make sure every tooth is taken care of.
When it comes to teeth bleaching, it’s best to get your teeth whitened before you have your dental veneers placed. You’ll also want to wait a few weeks until after a teeth whitening session to make sure the color of your teeth has fully stabilized.
However, it’s true that you won’t damage your veneers if you want to whiten your teeth after having dental veneers for a few years. Porcelain veneers in particular are designed to last and are durable against chipping and the bleaching ingredients used during teeth whitening.
Can I Whiten Teeth Veneers?
Unfortunately, there is no way to whiten veneers. Typically, your dental veneers will remain the same for years, and porcelain veneers are known for not staining. If you notice that your veneers have become stained, the only way to correct the color is to get new veneers.
While veneers tend to last a while, teeth veneer replacements are a common dental procedure since our teeth naturally change color and shift over time. If you need to whiten your teeth to match your veneers, our dental team has you covered with our teeth whitening services in Hermitage, TN.
Best Solutions for Teeth Whitening
Now that we’ve covered what causes natural teeth and dental veneers to be uneven in color, it’s time to go over what you can expect with teeth whitening after veneers. Some of the most popular teeth whitening treatments are:
Zoom! Whitening
We are proud to offer Zoom! whitening to our patients in need of fast and thorough teeth whitening in Hermitage, TN. This cosmetic dental service is known as one of the fastest teeth whitening methods available, with dazzling results in under 45 minutes.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
If you choose to whiten your teeth at home, it’s important to double check the instructions of the teeth whitening kit you get. While some teeth whitening kits do work, results tend to take longer to show. You will also have to stay consistent in applying the gel strips or mouthpiece that comes in the package you get.
At our Hermitage dental office, we can provide you with a home dental care kit that comes with tools to help you maintain your oral hygiene. This kit also comes with teeth whiteners so you can enhance your confidence from the comfort of your own home.
Some people prefer tooth whitening toothpastes that you can find in your local grocer. However, you’ll need to keep in mind that these types of toothpastes should not be used long term since they can damage your teeth with their abrasive ingredients.
Find the Best Teeth Whitening Services and Porcelain Veneers in Hermitage, TN Today!
Getting an evenly white smile starts with talking to your dentist about your smile goals. When you schedule an appointment with our dental team, we will ask you questions and examine your mouth to make sure nothing is missed before you dive headfirst into a new dental procedure.
Not only do we offer quality porcelain veneers in Hermitage, TN, but we also offer a variety of other cosmetic dental services, such as teeth whitening and dental bonding. We also offer restorative dental services and preventative dental services to ensure that your teeth are as healthy as they are beautiful.
Are you ready to perfect your smile? Contact us today to book an appointment!
