Everyone wants whiter teeth, but not everyone knows how to get them. There’s a lot of false information out there and wacky ideas – it’s time to clear some of them up!
Here, Dr Joe Oliver reveals 5 teeth whitening myths and why they’re wrong:
1: Lemon juice – there may be some people who tell you that lemon juice will whiten your teeth. Don’t listen to them. Lemon is one of the most acidic substances there is and will only damage your teeth if you rub it in.
2: Baking soda – baking soda is an active bleaching agent that works by oxidising the stains present on your teeth enamel, but using it every day will damage your teeth.
3: Charcoal – we’ve all seen the videos on Instagram touting the so-called benefits of ‘Activated Charcoal.’ But be warned – charcoal does not whiten your teeth, despite what some might say; but it DOES remove surface stains which really is only a short term solution.
Activated charcoal products only remove surface stains, they don’t actually whiten your teeth.
4: Banana skins – rubbing banana peels onto your teeth may be considered a natural alternative to some but it actually does more harm than good due to the sugars in fruit.
5: Oil pulling– oil pulling supposedly removes stains, leading to whiter teeth. Although many claim the health benefits, there is no scientific research that confirms how effective it is in whitening teeth. Stick to professional services for scientifically proven results!
Porcelain veneers can provide fast and effective teeth whitening from the off. But if you’re still not satisfied with how white your smile looks even after veneer treatment, you might be exploring further ways to whiten your teeth.
Although veneers are less prone to staining than your natural teeth, they can still become discoloured or turn yellow due to age and lifestyle choices. Heavily coloured beverages like red wine and dark coffee can cause surface staining on porous surfaces like your natural teeth and even porcelain veneers over time.
Seeking professional advice from a dentist before attempting any kind of at-home teeth whitening is highly recommended. Even if the veneers may not respond to the treatment, you can still enhance their appearance in other ways.
Dr Joe Oliver has been a leader in the cosmetic dentistry field for more than three decades and has fitted more than 40,000 veneers in this time. He is renowned for his cosmetic dentistry services in Harley Street, London and Manchester and has developed a deep understanding of how veneers age, as well as providing patients with expert advice on the best ways to keep veneers in top condition.
Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment used to mask discolouration, chips, and other imperfections in the teeth. But can they stain like natural teeth? The answer is yes, and it is important to understand how to care for porcelain veneers so that they remain stain-free.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that are tailored according to each individual and are made of tooth-coloured material. They cover the front part of your teeth, ultimately allowing you to have an aesthetically enhanced smile. The shells of dental veneers are affixed to the front surface of your teeth. This provides a more natural appearance and feels as if they were your natural teeth.
Veneers may be less vulnerable to staining compared to natural teeth, but they are still prone to discolouration. This can happen if you consume dark drinks like coffee and red wine on a regular basis.
Does teeth whitening work on porcelain veneers?
Teeth whitening treatments and tooth whitening toothpastes are designed to remove stains from the enamel of your natural teeth, but they might not have any effect on porcelain veneers and composite resin. However, there are a few options available for whitening porcelain veneers that can help you achieve a brighter smile.
Regular visits to your dentist for professional cleaning can help maintain the brightness of your veneers by removing surface stains. It is an effective way to ensure that they remain in good condition.
If you feel that the porcelain glaze has become discoloured due to the age of your old veneers, an experienced cosmetic dentist can offer a veneer replacement to whiten your smile once again.
How can I whiten veneers?
Veneer stains can be avoided with the right kind of preventive care. Practising good oral hygiene, like brushing your teeth regularly and after eating meals high in acidity or sugars, can keep veneers looking clean and shining for a long time.
After eating or drinking any coloured food or beverages, it’s important to brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or at least rinse your mouth with water. Doing so can help reduce the chances of staining. It is also advised to steer clear of consuming deeply pigmented food and drinks to prevent any discolouration.
Should I whiten my teeth before or after porcelain veneers?
We would recommend whitening your teeth before getting veneers or crowns if you wish to have a whiter appearance. This ensures that the dental work matches the colour of the natural tooth underneath, providing a more satisfying and brighter result.
While your natural tooth enamel can respond well to at-home whitening treatment which can remove surface stains, the same can’t be said for porcelain veneers. Veneers are highly stain resistant and respond well to professional cleanings, but they are not as easy to whiten as stained teeth.
Can I have teeth whitening after dental veneers?
Generally speaking, teeth whitening after dental veneers is not recommended as it could cause the veneers to become discoloured or stained. It is best to consult with your dentist before undergoing any type of whitening procedure if you have had dental veneers placed.
There are ways to whiten your teeth if you already have porcelain or composite veneers. You could try a professional tooth whitening system on the back of your teeth or consult a cosmetic dentist about gentle polishing toothpaste.
Prevent stains with proper care
Get in touch if you’d like more information or advice on how to whiten porcelain veneers. Dr Joe Oliver is a leading cosmetic dentist who has helped countless patients achieve a beautiful smile.
There are an overwhelming amount of products to choose from when it comes to making your teeth that little bit whiter – not to mention the potential for dental treatments which can brighten your smile – but sometimes it’s simple home remedies which can make a whole world of difference.
Below, Dr Joe Oliver who has worked with a wide range of celebrity clients, shares some great ways to achieve a brighter smile using natural home remedies!
1. Brush your teeth with baking soda. This is an ingredient present in most toothpastes, as it has natural whitening properties. By mixing a small amount of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water, this will help eliminate bacteria and target stains. Do this a few times a week, and you should see a gradual difference.
2. Eat fruit and vegetables. This is imperative for a healthy diet anyway, but certain hard and crunchy fruit and vegetables can help buff away plaque on your teeth as you chew. Additionally, fruits such as strawberries and pineapple specifically can contribute to whiter teeth due to the enzyme properties in them.
3. Prevent stains before they happen. Instead of investing time on targeting stains, try and limit the stains in the first place. Use a straw for any staining beverages such as coffee and red wine, and also try to brush your teeth as soon as you can after coming into contact with foods and drink which stain. Also try to avoid anything which can be damaging to your teeth, such as sugary drinks. Regular visits to the hygienist also play a good role in limiting the levels of stains.
4. Try apple cider vinegar. This product has traditionally been used as a natural cleaning product. The active acidic ingredient in apple vinegar is great at targeting bacteria, which is good news for your oral hygiene and stains on your teeth. Apple cider vinegar is best used as a mouthwash to swill around your mouth and spit out. However, it’s not advised to be used every single day, due to the acidic properties. It needs to be used sparingly and after being diluted with water.
5. Try oil pulling. This is a traditional remedy intended to remove toxins from the body and improve overall oral hygiene. Coconut oil is the most popular product to use, due to its more pleasant taste, and the amount of general health benefits it has anyway. Oil pulling involves swilling the oil around in your mouth like a mouthwash to target bacteria which can cause plaque, and trying to navigate the oil back and forth through your teeth before spitting out.
