Veneer Whitening: Understanding Color and Options

Once a dental veneer is bonded in place, you cannot change its color. The dentist must grind it off and reapply a new veneer. But you can whiten the underlying tooth.

Color of the Veneer

• If the combination of veneer and its cement are translucent, what lies underneath will show through and influence the final color.

Teeth Whitening

• Whitening the underlying tooth beforehand may be effective if you want the veneer to appear lighter. Your dentist may recommend a method like tray-based whitening at home.

Darker Teeth

• If your own teeth are dark and you whiten them, you may like the color and decide against getting the veneer.

Opaque Veneers

• More opaque veneers help to hide darker colors underneath. If you whiten your teeth, the veneer will not have to be as opaque and its final appearance will look more natural.

Ask Your Dentist

• Other than whitening, there is a try-in stage before your dentist cements the veneer during which you can discuss the cement color. You can't change the color afterward.