Porcelain Veneers Turning Yellow

Dr. Hall,

I had porcelain veneers done on many of my upper teeth. I was told porcelain veneers do not get darker, but they do. I've had them in for about 7 months and they are starting to get a yellow tinge. The porcelain veneers were beautiful white when I got them. I drink a fair amount of coffee but try to rinse my mouth afterwards. What's happening and how can I keep this expensive investment of porcelain veneers in its original beautiful white translucent color? Thank you,
—A. R. in California

Dear A.R.,

Porcelain veneers that are properly done are very color-stable and should not be turning yellow after seven months merely from drinking coffee. The discoloration of your porcelain veneers makes me question if they're really made out of porcelain.

Isn't that sad that you paid to make your smile beautiful with porcelain veneers but now it is turning yellow! Unfortunately, you can't lighten porcelain veneers once they are put in. The only way to get rid of the yellow tinge would be to re-do the porcelain veneers. But when you do, go to an expert cosmetic dentist, not just a dentist who advertises that he or she is a cosmetic dentist.

You can lighten the teeth under the porcelain veneers by bleaching them, but you that won't get rid of the yellow color that is coming from the porcelain veneers.

Dr. Hall

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