One of the many queries we receive about veneers is: “why do veneers turn black?”. This is a common issue people often face after a few years of getting veneers. Why veneers turn black is an issue that needs immediate treatment if you do not want it to worsen. It is crucial to find out the exact cause of the problem to treat it as soon as possible. A dentist’s intervention is necessary to treat the root of the problem. Common causes of discolored veneers are poor bonding, cheap veneers, etc. 

In this article, you will find more detail on these issues:

So why is my veneer going black?

If you suddenly find your veneers are going black, it is time to see your dentist immediately. Although your dentist will tell you the exact cause, here are the most common causes of this dental veneers complication:

• Poor bonding or fitting
• Cheap or substandard material
• Gum Recession
• Enamel Erosion
• Damaged Veneer Glaze
• Inexperienced Dentists

Poor Bonding or fitting

The biggest sign of veneer discoloration is a black line that appears near the gum line. This happens when veneers do not fit well and there is a gap between the gum line and the veneer. The dirt and bacteria tend to accumulate in the space and form a black line. It is a sign that your veneer fits poorly and if you do not pay attention to it, it may get worse. Moreover, the black line also forms when there is a leakage or food keeps going under the veneer. It is best to visit your dentist and figure out the exact cause. 

Cheap or substandard material

Sometimes the cause of veneers going black is cheap and poor-quality materials. Real porcelain is the best choice for veneers because it is thin, durable, and most natural looking. Other materials such as porcelain-fused-to-metal tend to degrade faster and thin down from the edges. When the edges get thin, the metal base begins to show and affects the appearance of teeth.  

Gum Recession

Gum disease or periodontitis and extreme tooth decay can cause gum recession. When gums recede, a space forms between the gums and veneers. Bacteria and debris can accumulate in this space and form an unattractive black line. It has drastic effects on your smile and needs dental intervention immediately. In such a situation, treatment for gum disease and tooth decay is necessary for long-lasting veneers. 

Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel begins to deteriorate faster due to poor oral hygiene, smoking, alcohol, or poor diet. When the layer under the enamel, dentin starts to show, it gives a darker tinge to teeth. Your veneers may be looking darker because the teeth behind them get darker due to dentin exposure. Sometimes the only way to treat it is to get new veneers or to whiten the original teeth. 

Damaged Veneer Glaze

Veneers are thin shells with a sensitive structure. The glaze or varnishing of veneers is damageable if mishandled or due to harsh products. A damaged glaze may induce dark stains that are easily distinguishable on teeth. Visit your dentist immediately to figure out why your veneers look darker than usual. If it is because of a damaged glaze, there’s no other way than to replace your veneers. 

Inexperienced dentists

Since veneers improve the aesthetics of your smile they need advanced training. It is important to choose a well-reputable cosmetic dentist for long-lasting veneers. Getting veneers from unknown and unqualified dental facilities can result in discolored veneers. We recommend you do your research thoroughly before choosing a clinic for your veneers. 

What can you do to fix discolored veneers?

If you are noticing your veneers are turning black, it is best to reach out to your dentist ASAP. The good news is that there are ways to fix this issue. Based on what your symptoms are, your dentist may advise you to go for these treatments:

Dental Bonding

It is an inexpensive treatment to hide imperfections on teeth. They tend to work on faulty veneers only if the issue is aesthetic. If your veneers are turning black due to an internal issue, bonding may not work. The black line may appear again if the issue lies behind the veneers. It is better to consult with your dentist to know if bonding will work.

Get new veneers

Sometimes if the veneers are turning black due to a complex issue, the only way to treat the issue is to get new veneers. New veneers may cost you more but you will see a drastic difference. If you have a valid warranty for your last veneers, you can get new ones at a cheaper price or free of cost. It is best to check with the insurance provider or your dental clinic to be sure. 

Whitening the real teeth

Veneers can also look black or gray when the back teeth darken. Whitening the natural teeth may improve the dark appearance of veneers. We do not advise you to whiten your veneers because whitening bleach can damage the veneers permanently. It is crucial to choose a qualified cosmetic dentist to perform the whitening procedure after removing the veneers. Since veneers are thin and delicate, extra care is necessary to avoid complications. 

Polishing or reglazing the veneer 

Scratches or surface stains on veneers can also make them look dull or dark. The easiest way to fix this issue is veneer polish or reglazing. It is not advisable to polish veneers at home so make sure you visit a dentist. Reglazing the veneers brings back their luster and improves their color. 

How can you avoid black veneers?

Although faulty veneers are unavoidable if your dentist did not do a good job, there are ways to minimize or avoid this situation. Here are ways you can avoid veneers from going black:

• Go for references when choosing a dentist
• Do not smoke 
• Steer clear of excessive alcohol consumption
• Do not use harsh products without asking your dentist
• Follow a proper oral hygiene routine
• Visit your dentist every 4 months 
• Consume a healthy diet

Check reviews when choosing a dentist

Picking a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist for veneers is important to avoid complications. It is better to go for a dentist whose work you are familiar with rather than one you know nothing about. A way to pick a dentist is to check the clinic’s reviews and testimonials on the web. It can help you narrow down your choices. 

Do not smoke

Smoking poses some serious dangers to your general health and your oral health. If you don’t want your veneers to turn black or lose their luster, we’d say put that smoke down this instant. Most of the complaints we receive about veneers getting black come from smokers.

Steer clear of excessive alcohol consumption

Alcohol too can turn veneers into a dark mess and may leave black lines on them. Limiting your alcohol consumption can add years to your veneers. Stay away from tooth-staining alcohol types such as red wine, particularly, to avoid deep-set stains. 

Do not use harsh products

Certain ingredients in dental products can also damage veneers. Bleaching chemical, Hydrogen Peroxide when used excessively may make the veneers dark. Whitening products must not be used on veneers because they are super sensitive and may damage easily. 

Follow a proper oral hygiene routine

A proper oral hygiene routine prevents you from many dental complications. It enhances the health of your veneers and prevents them from getting black. Thus, make sure to follow an oral hygiene routine to stay away from veneer complications.

Visit your dentist every 4 months

Apart from an at-home oral hygiene routine, try and visit your dentist every 4 months for routine check-ups. It allows your dentist to monitor your oral health and to see if your veneers are doing fine. It gets easier for them to address any issues before they get worse.  

Consume a healthy diet

A healthy lifestyle may add years to your life if you are consistent with it. It can also boost your oral health if you stay away from sugary foods and drinks. Consuming a healthy diet keeps teeth in good shape and prevents discoloration also. 

What is a leaky veneer?

Leakage from veneers means the bonding was not done correctly. It can happen due to the inexperience of dentists or an unaddressed internal issue. When a veneer is not bonded properly, food and saliva can enter the space and cause leakage. The best way to find out what went wrong is to visit an experienced cosmetic dentist.

Is tooth decay under veneers possible?

Yes, decay is possible under veneers because of a past root canal, cavity, or gum disease. Getting veneers does not mean your teeth are protected from decay. If you continue to ignore your oral hygiene, smoke, and consume alcohol, tooth decay can still damage your teeth. The best way to address any form of damage is to visit your dentist for regular check-ups. 

What if veneers turn blue?

Veneers can take on a blue shade mostly when the bonding is not done properly. The bonding substances or liquid can leak from your veneers and cause damage to the rest of the teeth also. This situation needs immediate dental intervention and should not be ignored. In extreme cases, it can also cause irritation in your gums and sensitivity issues. Thus, we recommend you don’t wait until the situation worsens and wreaks havoc on your oral health.