Porcelain veneers are generally resistant to stains. Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment and provide a solution to a range of imperfections that may be affecting one’s smile. If you are not satisfied with the appearance of your teeth because of discolouration, chips, or misaligned teeth, for example, you might consider the procedure. Read on to find out more about the types of dental veneers that are available, which material is most resistant to stains, and what the process involves… What are dental veneers? Dental veneers are very thin shells that are made from either porcelain or composite tooth-coloured material that can be used to conceal imperfections on the teeth. They are designed to cover the front surface of the teeth and are often an effective solution for cosmetic issues like stains, discolouration, chips and cracks. Dental veneers can also be used to improve the overall symmetry of one’s smile by improving the appearance of uneven, misaligned, long, or short teeth. Dental veneers can be made from either porcelain or composite resin. Each type of material has its own set of advantages, and the type that you choose will depend on your particular needs, lifestyle, budget and aesthetic goals. Do veneers stain? While both porcelain and composite resin veneers provide a natural-looking result, porcelain veneers do tend to be more resistant to stains. If you choose to have composite veneers placed, you may choose to limit your consumption of foods and drinks that often cause stains — these include coffee, red wine and highly pigmented berries. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are non-porous, which makes them more likely to resist stains than natural teeth. While natural teeth are porous and can easily stain, porcelain veneers are smooth, which protects them from many of the effects of foods and drinks that typically cause discolouration. While porcelain veneers are generally stain-resistant, there is, unfortunately, one area that is sometimes prone to discolouration — this is the small area between the enamel of your teeth and your dental veneer. Your dentist will place your dental veneers as meticulously as possible to make this space as small as possible. What does the procedure involve? Before you have your dental veneers placed, your dentist will clean and prepare your teeth. A small amount of enamel may need to be removed to successfully bond your veneers. Your dentist will use a specially formulated adhesive to secure the dental veneers to the surface of your teeth. A light will be used to harden the material. Your dentist will ensure that the colour of your veneers looks natural and that you are happy with the results of the procedure. How can you take care of your veneers? Dental veneers are made from very durable and strong material and are designed to last for many years. To keep them in good condition, it is important that you practice proper oral hygiene. We recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss your teeth daily. It’s also advisable that you see your dentist for regular dental check-ups. This will ensure that any potential issues are identified and resolved at an early stage. In the case of a chipped veneer, your dentist will be able to repair or replace your restoration as soon as possible. In rare cases, dental veneers can fall off and may need to be reapplied to the surface of your tooth. How can we help? At Hyde Park Dental Care, we offer two different types of dental veneers: composite and porcelain veneers. If you are struggling with a cosmetic issue such as discolouration, chipped or cracked teeth, gaps between the teeth, an asymmetrical smile, or teeth that are too long or short, we encourage you to come in for a consultation so that we can determine whether dental veneers are right for you. To find out more about the dental veneers that we offer at Hyde Park Dental Care, please have a look here. If you would like to arrange a consultation with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.