Are you among the countless millions of people worldwide who like to start each day with a hot cup of coffee? Coffee not only tastes delightful, but research also suggests that it has some health benefits! But what if you have veneers? Should you worry about your morning cup of Joe staining your new smile? This blog post explains what you should know.
Veneers Are Resistant to Stains
Most dental veneers are made of porcelain. Since porcelain is a nonporous material, pigments usually slide right off it! In other words, veneers are highly resistant to stains. As long as you take some simple precautions, it is very likely that they will keep their original color for many years, even if you regularly consume coffee.
Keep in mind, though, that temporary veneers are not as stain-resistant as permanent ones. For the time that you have them, it may be wise to minimize your intake of highly pigmented foods and beverages.
Enjoy Coffee without Staining Your Veneers
Although veneers are resistant to discoloration, they are not completely invulnerable to it. You can reduce the risk of staining by taking these steps:
- Use a straw to sip your coffee so that it has minimal contact with your veneers.
- Rinse your mouth with water after drinking coffee to remove any lingering pigments.
- Maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine, including brushing your teeth twice a day with non-abrasive toothpaste. (Avoid whitening toothpaste because it tends to have abrasive ingredients that could scratch your veneers. Scratches, in turn, could start to collect unflattering pigments.)
- Schedule regular professional cleanings with your dentist to help maintain the brightness of your veneers. Your dental team may be able to polish them in order to remove minor surface stains.
- Consider reducing the frequency or quantity of your coffee intake to lessen exposure to staining agents. One or two cups a day should be enough!
- Opt for lighter-colored coffee or add milk to dilute the intensity of pigments. (Be cautious with sugary creamers; they can still cause cavities, even on teeth that have veneers.)
Veneers are a durable way to enhance your smile, and they should not stop you from enjoying coffee! Talk to your dentist if you have questions about how to keep your veneers looking good for many years.
Meet the Practice
At Brookside Dental Care in Prestonsburg, Drs. Bryan Griffith and Alex Hartgrove are pleased to provide veneers as one of our team’s cosmetic services. If you are curious about this treatment and how to support its long-term success, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 606-874-9311.