Whiten Old Porcelain Veneers

I had porcelain veneers placed fifteen years ago. Mine have a natural stain on them because my dentist said all veneers are that way to make them look natural. This was before they could be made super white. I’d like to whiten them now. Does teeth whitening work or is there a different procedure to whiten them?

Elaine

Dear Elaine,

Your dentist was mistaken about the color of the porcelain veneers. I’m guessing you went to your family dentist instead of to an expert cosmetic dentist. Dentists are taught in dental school that cosmetic work needs to look “natural”. However, when a dentist studies cosmetic dentistry we know that patients who are coming for a smile makeover don’t want a natural-looking smile but one that is stunning.

If he’d been an expert cosmetic dentist, he’d have made you the beautiful white smile you wanted. Unfortunately, teeth whitening will not do anything to brighten them. The gel used only effects natural tooth structure. The porcelain veneers will remain exactly the same.

The only thing you can do at this point is to have them replaced. However, without using a skilled and artistic cosmetic dentist your results won’t be any better.

Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

I’m going to recommend you go to the mynewsmile.com website. Dr. Hall, who runs the site, screens every dentist who asks to be listed. They cannot pay to be listed. Instead, they have to provide evidence of their cosmetic training and artistry. Cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty. Nor are smile makeovers taught in dental school. A dentist has to invest their own time in training at post-doctoral centers.

Dr. Hall examines their training and then asks them to provide visual evidence of cases they’ve done to demonstrate their artistry. If a dentist is recommended on that site, they’ll be able to give you a stunning smile you’ll be proud to share with the world.

This blog is brought to you by Naperville, IL Dentist Dr. DAvid Newkirk.