Can You Drink Coffee and Wine with Porcelain Dental Veneers Safely? Rifkin Raanan Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentistry

The Truth About Stains

Whether you’re considering veneers or already have them and think you may need to do some more research on what you should and shouldn’t drink with them, you’re in the right place. As you probably know, coffee and wine stains are common for natural teeth, and there are a variety of different ways people can either prevent or reverse any spots or staining that occur. The short answer on veneers is anything that can stain natural teeth can, in fact, stain veneers. But stay tuned because there are differences in the best ways to maintain and correct the color of veneers.

Consuming Coffee and Wine With Veneers

Veneers are typically made with highly durable and stain-resistant porcelain, but they are not stain-proof. With enough exposure to acids, pigments, and common staining agents, they can become discolored or splotchy. Especially beverages like coffee, red wine, and tea can stain veneers over time. There are certain foods that can also cause staining, but many drink water or another non-pigmented beverage alongside a meal, which eliminates the staining element. Coffee, red wine, and tea are frequently consumed alone and end up sitting on the teeth for longer periods of time.

Common Staining Agents to Avoid

There are several usual suspects that you may want to cut down on, or when that’s not realistic, be aware of ideal maintenance during and after you enjoy them, including:

• Acidic beverages like wine or drinks with citrus can wear down veneers
• Dark-colored drinks and sauces, such as coffee, tea, or cola, can cause stains
• Tomato-based sauces, because of their color and acidity, can cause wear and discolorations
• Other dark sauces, like soy sauce and balsamic vinegar, also have staining potential

How to Prevent Staining with Dental Veneers

Just like with natural teeth, there are steps that can be taken to prevent veneer staining. Brushing immediately after eating these types of foods (or after any eating) can prevent staining by removing any remaining residue from your teeth. If you can’t brush, at least rinsing your mouth out with water can help remove more of the stain potential.

Acidic, hard, or crunchy foods can harm the integrity of veneers and may make them more prone to discoloration, so enjoying these foods in moderation is advised, especially when brushing may be delayed. Using a straw for dark beverages is a great way to mostly bypass the front part of your mouth and lessen contact with your veneers. If you are wearing temporary veneers, be sure to also stick to soft, chewable foods to ensure they continue to look optimal.

In general, preventing stains means cutting down on contact between stain-causing foods and beverages and your veneers, which may take a little forethought but is doable for most.

Maintaining Your Porcelain Veneers

A combination of maintenance practices can also help your veneers stay brilliant, including at-home and professional care. Good oral hygiene is key, including brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using gentle toothpaste. Flossing at least twice a day is also crucial for overall dental health and to maintain a bright, clean smile. The other important component for maintenance is going to regular check-ups with a dentist for your veneers. They can ensure there are no issues and give specific instructions on how to prevent staining for your smile.

What to Do If Your Porcelain Veneers Become Stained?

Many people who notice the beginning of staining on their veneers understandably decide to reach for whitening toothpaste, but this is not recommended. This is because whitening toothpaste can be too abrasive for veneers and may cause microdamage that ultimately holds onto stains and accelerates discoloration. The best choice is to see a dentist with expertise in providing and maintaining veneers for their patients. A veneer dentist can clean and whiten your porcelain veneers using tools and methods like veneer polish and specialized toothpaste. Most veneers last a lifetime without severe staining, but in rare cases of extreme stains, a veneer might need to be replaced.

Regular Dental Visits

If you need maintenance or don’t yet have veneers but are ready to take the leap, it’s important to work with an experienced and qualified dental team. Beverly Hills veneer dentists Dr. Robert Rifkin and Dr. Rodney Raanan have advanced qualifications and provide both porcelain dental veneers as well as innovative NuVeneers with personalized care and brilliant results. With the right candidate, they may be able to transform your smile with veneers in as few as two appointments. Contact their team today to book your smile consultation.