Can you whiten porcelain veneers?
Unlike a natural tooth with an enamel layer, porcelain is a ceramic that cannot be bleached or whitened. Either you need to replace the veneer or surface clear to remove temporary stains.
How are these custom layers useful?
Primarily, they are useful to camouflage a stained or cracked natural tooth. Secondarily, they help with proper biting and chewing.
What are the two common things that can stain porcelain veneers?
The first is pigmented or colored foods, like berries, wine, and coffee. The second is abrasive toothpaste that feels harsh on porcelain material. Notably, these things cannot stain the veneer in a day or two. In other words, it can take years to see a visible stain.
How many years can a veneer last?
On average, this can last from 10 to 15 years. However, it depends on the grade of the porcelain material, placement quality, and consistency in aftercare.
How about eating and drinking with porcelain veneers?
Of course, you can eat and drink normally when veneers are placed on. Just try to avoid frequent consumption of colored foods or narcotics.