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Contact Information

Jean E. Barthman, DDS
801 Brewster Ave Ste 255
Redwood City, CA 94063
Ph: (650) 367-4967

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Meet Dr. Barthman

Dr. BarthmanBeauty, Health and Comfort. These words best describe the office of Dr. Barthman. Because of her years of experience and education, she possesses the latest knowledge and techniques in restorative and cosmetic dentistry to help you achieve optimal results.

Dr. Barthman is a Member of

  • American Dental Association
  • Las Vegas Institute for
  • Advanced Dental Studies
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Did You Know?

Above all else, Dr. Barthman wants for you to have a beautiful, new smile. Prevention is the key to staying healthy and so we recommend the following tips to get you on your way:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Chew sugarless gum instead of sugary varieties.
  • Floss daily and if possible, after every meal.
  • Prevent plaque and cavities by reducing your daily intake of sweet snacks.
  • Schedule a cleaning and oral examination with Dr. Barthman once a year.

 

Can Porcelain Veneers Be Whitened?

April 22, 2021 @ 04:50 PM -- by Dr. Jean Barthman
Tagged with: Veneers

Choosing the right porcelain veneer shadeVeneers are long-lasting prosthetics adhered to the anterior surface of front teeth. High quality porcelain material is used to fabricate veneers because it is translucent like a natural tooth’s enamel, resists staining, and it is durable. 

Veneers can eventually become discolored. Unfortunately, porcelain veneers can’t be whitened. Dr. Barthman and her competent and compassionate dental team can whiten your teeth before placing porcelain veneers at our Redwood City, CA, cosmetic dentistry office to ensure that your natural teeth and bright new veneers match. If you have been wearing veneers for several years and they are stained, it may be time to seek replacement.

Darkly Colored Drinks

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, but they can become discolored with time. Similarly, your teeth and the bonding agent used in veneers treatment can also become stained. Continuous exposure to deeply pigmented liquids can cause the natural teeth and veneers to take on yellow or brown hues. If you regularly enjoy tea, coffee, red wine, or other dark-colored beverages, rinse your mouth out with water after consumption, or when possible, drink through a straw. These simple habits will help wash away substances that cause discoloration, and preserve the color of your natural enamel so that it continues to match your porcelain veneers.

Injury

If you experience extreme dental trauma to a veneered tooth, the tissue inside of your tooth may be damaged. When tissues below your veneer change color, you may notice the dark hue through the veneer. 

If this happens, do not tempt yourself with at-home whitening gels or kits. At-home kits may cause more harm than good. Ask Dr. Barthman what you can do to improve the color of your teeth at our Redwood City office.

Gum Recession

In addition to discoloration, gum recession can affect the appearance of porcelain veneers. The gums recede for many reasons, including: 

  • Inconsistent Oral Routines
  • Aggressive Tooth Brushing
  • Smoking
  • Age
  • Hormones
  • Genetics
  • Smoking

Type of Veneers

If your veneers were placed more than 20 years ago, they are not fabricated with the same type of porcelain that is used today. Back then, it was common for veneers to be manufactured from a more porous, inferior porcelain or even plastic. With proper care, modern porcelain veneers are more durable, natural-looking, and cost-effective over time than older veneers or composite bonding. Worn-out, aged veneers can be removed and replaced with a new set.

What Can Veneers Treat?

Veneers are a thin, ceramic shells that address teeth that are:

  • Misshaped
  • Stained
  • Chipped
  • Widely Spaced
  • Small 

How Do I Maintain My Veneers?

If applied and cared for properly, porcelain veneers can last a lifetime. To lengthen the life of your veneers, consider the following:

  • Avoid staining food and drinks.
  • Avoid alcohol and alcohol-based mouthwash. 
  • Avoid biting hard food or objects.
  • Use a night guard.

Find Out If You Are a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers

If your veneers change color, it may be time to replace them. Upgrade your smile with Dr. Barthman. Call us in Redwood City at (650) 367-4967 or message us online.