If you are among the countless millions of people who like to start each day with a cup of coffee, you might be reluctant to undergo any changes that would affect your morning ritual. For example, you could be hesitant to get veneers out of fear that coffee might stain them. The good news is that it is perfectly okay to drink coffee with veneers! This blog post explains some important points for you to keep in mind that can allow you to enjoy your daily cup of joe without worrying about your new smile.
Porcelain Veneers: Resistant to Stains
Most veneers are made of porcelain, a material known for its durability and impressive resistance to stains and discoloration. Unlike natural teeth, which are porous and prone to discoloration after prolonged exposure to staining agents, porcelain is nonporous. This means pigments should slide right off it! Therefore, moderate coffee consumption is unlikely to harm your veneers and should not impact their appearance.
Important side note: Temporary veneers are not as stain resistant as permanent ones. Therefore, you may find it best to avoid coffee and other highly pigmented items until your permanent veneers are in place.
Tips for Enjoying Coffee with Veneers
Although veneers are highly resistant to stains, they are not completely invulnerable to discoloration. Here are some tips that can help them retain their original beauty for many years:
- Use a straw when drinking coffee. By sipping through a straw, you can reduce the contact between coffee and your teeth, minimizing any potential staining around the edges of your veneers.
- Rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking coffee. This simple action helps to wash away any residual coffee particles that may linger on the surfaces of your teeth or veneers.
- Opt for lighter roasted coffee varieties. Dark-roasted coffee tends to be more pigmented and has a higher potential to stain teeth. Choosing lighter roasts can mitigate this risk.
- Attend regular dental visits. Routine professional cleanings by your dental hygienist helps to remove any build-up that could accumulate over time and ensures that your veneers remain in optimal condition.
- Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Gentle brushing will remove coffee residue and protect the surfaces of your veneers without causing damage. (Do not use whitening toothpaste. Instead, use a non-abrasive product that will not scratch your veneers.)
- Consider cutting back on coffee. Enjoying just one or two cups a day can limit your veneers’ exposure to staining agents.
- Minimize your intake of sweet coffee. Lattes, mochas, and other sweet coffees contain a lot of sugar, which could harm the teeth that support your veneers. Try to opt for unsweetened or sugar-free coffee drinks most of the time.
Getting veneers should not stop you from enjoying coffee! With good habits, there is no need to worry that your favorite morning beverage will dampen your smile’s beauty.
Meet the Practice
At Gillis Dental in Needham, we are pleased to offer a variety of cosmetic dental treatments, including veneers. If you have questions about this service or how to make your results stand the test of time, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 781-202-6357.