I have porcelain veneers, but I would like to use some kind of over the counter whitening product on my teeth that don’t have veneers. What kinds are safe for use? I’ve had the porcelain veneers for long enough that my other teeth have yellowed noticeably compared to the veneers.
Danielle in Honolulu
Dear Danielle,
The only over the counter teeth whitening products we recommend are Crest Whitestrips or imitation products, and then only in limited capacities. The whitening agent in the strips is peroxide, and it is contained in the gel on the strips. When the strips are placed on the teeth the peroxide is held in place long enough to penetrate and whiten the teeth.
Other OTC products are on the teeth too briefly to penetrate for real whitening, such as whitening toothpastes. Some products actually etch the surface of the tooth, and then use a whitening powder which adheres to the roughened surface. These products can actually result in darker teeth over time, as the etched surfaces of the teeth will also pick up stains more readily.
So the whitestrips are really the best choice, though you will have to cut them to fit, as they are designed to go on the top front six teeth. Your best choice might be to go in to your dentist and have the teeth professionally whitened. The results will be much quicker and with no risk of damage to your veneers.
This blog post produced for Grosse Pointe Woods cosmetic dentist Dr. Hadgis.