Thinking about teeth whitening but already have porcelain veneers? You’re not alone—and the answer isn’t as simple as you might think. While a brighter smile is possible, not all whitening methods will work the way you expect. Before you risk uneven results or damage, find out what’s safe, what’s not, and how to keep your veneers—and natural teeth—looking their best.
TL;DR:
Porcelain veneers can’t be whitened with bleaching products because they’re made from non-porous ceramic, unlike natural teeth. To maintain a uniform smile, whiten natural teeth before getting veneers. If discoloration occurs later, options include professional cleaning, replacing veneers, or whitening surrounding teeth. Prevent stains by practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding staining foods/drinks and tobacco, using a soft toothbrush, getting regular dental cleanings, and wearing a nightguard if needed.
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Can You Whiten Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are crafted to be both stain-resistant and color-stable, making them an excellent long-term option for enhancing your smile. Nonetheless, this durability also means that traditional teeth whitening treatments do not work on veneers. Unlike natural teeth, which have porous enamel that can absorb bleaching agents, veneers are made from non-porous ceramic materials that don’t respond to whitening products.
As a result, while you can whiten the natural teeth around your veneers, the veneers themselves will stay the same color they were when originally placed. Over time, this may lead to a noticeable difference in shade between the veneers and surrounding teeth if whitening treatments are used frequently.
Why Teeth Whitening Doesn’t Work on Veneers
Teeth whitening products rely on active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the enamel of natural teeth to break down deep stains. Nevertheless, porcelain veneers are made from a dense, non-porous ceramic material, which blocks these bleaching agents from entering the surface. As a result, whitening treatments have no effect on the color of veneers, regardless of their strength or frequency of use.
Because veneers don’t respond to whitening, it’s crucial to select the desired shade before they are placed. If you whiten your natural teeth after getting veneers, you may end up with an uneven smile, as the surrounding teeth become lighter while the veneers remain unchanged.
What Are Your Options If Veneers Look Discolored?
While porcelain veneers are designed to resist stains, they can sometimes appear discolored over time. This may result from surface buildup caused by foods, beverages, or smoking. In some cases, the discoloration may come from the natural tooth underneath or the bonding material around the edges of the veneer. If your veneers are starting to look discolored, there are several potential solutions:
- Professional Cleaning: A dental hygienist can polish the surface of your veneers to remove superficial stains and restore their brightness.
- Replacing Veneers: If discoloration is due to aging, wear, or bonding material showing through, replacing the veneers may be necessary to achieve a fresh, even appearance.
- Whitening Adjacent Teeth: If your veneers have remained their original shade but the surrounding natural teeth have darkened, whitening those teeth can help create a more balanced look.
The best course of action depends on the source of the discoloration. Consulting with a cosmetic dentist will help you determine the cause and choose the most effective solution.
How to Keep Veneers White and Stain-Free
Although porcelain veneers can’t be whitened with bleaching products, you can still keep them looking bright and stain-free by following a few simple care habits and making mindful lifestyle choices.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
Brush twice a day using a non-abrasive toothpaste and floss daily. This routine helps keep your veneers clean and supports the health of the surrounding natural teeth and gums.
Avoid Staining Substances
Limit your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks like red wine, coffee, tea, and berries. Tobacco can also discolor veneers over time. Rinsing your mouth or brushing shortly after exposure can help minimize staining.
Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
Professional cleanings every six months help remove surface buildup and preserve the natural shine of your veneers.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
A soft-bristled brush is gentle on the veneer surface and helps prevent the glaze from wearing down over time.
Wear a Nightguard if Needed
If you grind your teeth at night, using a nightguard can protect your veneers from microfractures, which can dull their appearance or lead to discoloration.
Should You Whiten Your Teeth Before Getting Veneers?
Yes—if you’re considering whitening your natural teeth, it’s best to do so before getting veneers. Porcelain veneers are color-stable, meaning they won’t respond to whitening treatments. Dentists typically recommend whitening your teeth to your preferred shade first, so the veneers can be custom-matched to that brighter tone.
Once veneers are placed, whitening your natural teeth afterward can create a visible contrast between the veneers and surrounding teeth. By planning ahead and whitening beforehand, you help ensure a consistent, seamless smile that looks natural and balanced.
Sources.
Carey, C. M. (2014). Tooth whitening: what we now know. Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice, 14, 70-76.
Christensen, G. J., & Christensen, R. P. (1991). Clinical observations of porcelain veneers: a three‐year report. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 3(5), 174-179.
Key Takeaways:
Whitening Limitations: Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and color-stable, so traditional teeth whitening treatments do not work on them.
Reason Whitening Fails: Veneers are made of non-porous ceramic that bleaching agents cannot penetrate, unlike natural tooth enamel.
Color Matching: The desired veneer shade should be chosen before placement to avoid mismatches if surrounding teeth are whitened later.
Discoloration Causes: Stains may come from surface buildup, the underlying tooth, or bonding material around the veneer edges.
Solutions for Discoloration:
- Professional cleaning to remove surface stains.
- Replacing veneers if discoloration is due to aging, wear, or bonding issues.
- Whitening natural teeth adjacent to veneers for a balanced appearance.
Maintenance Tips:
- Brush twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste and floss daily.
- Limit stain-causing foods/drinks and avoid tobacco.
- Get professional dental cleanings every six months.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect the veneer surface.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
Pre-Placement Whitening: Whiten natural teeth before getting veneers so they can be matched to your preferred shade and ensure a consistent smile.