My veneers are turning yellow. I have only had them 4 years. This is really weird to me and I am not getting straight answers from the dentist who put them on. Since they started turning yellow I asked him if they are really porcelain. His answer was a fast “of course they are.” I don’t believe it. I know veneers aren’t supposed to stain and I don’t have any habits that would make them stain. I don’t smoke or drink alcohol, coffee, or tea. Nor am I eating anything that would make them stain like this. So now I am down to trying to get the veneers to at least lighten in color a bit. I have tried whitening strips and I bought some Opalescence gel online but there is no change in the color. What kind of teeth whitening will help my veneers? Thanks. Diana

Diana – There is no form of teeth whitening that will brighten your veneers. Porcelain veneers are colorfast. Although you suspect that your veneers are not made of porcelain, the material they are made of isn’t responding to teeth whitening.

You can find out whether or not your veneers are porcelain by visiting an experienced cosmetic dentist. But the dentist won’t be able to change the color. At times, the condition or color of natural teeth beneath the veneers can cause them to look darker. If that’s not true in your case, it is possible that a skilled cosmetic dentist can polish the veneers and make them look better. Otherwise, your solution is to replace them.

Quality porcelain veneers can last ten to twenty years or longer. They will remain white if you properly care for them at home, and only have your veneers and teeth cleaned by a dentist and hygienist who have been trained to clean veneers.

Whenever you decide to replace your veneers find a talented, accredited cosmetic dentist to do the work. Accredited cosmetic dentists have received extensive training in aesthetic dentistry (making your teeth look beautiful, not just functional), and they have passed exams and submitted patient cases to demonstrate their expertise. You’ll get the smile you want, and it will last.

This post is sponsored by Lowell accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.