Best Toothpaste for Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a durable and versatile cosmetic dentistry solution. Many Virginia Beach, VA patients at The Smile Center have had their smiles dramatically enhanced thanks to porcelain veneers. The best way to prolong the benefits of veneers is to practice good oral hygiene. What many people don’t realize is that the toothpaste they use could be doing serious damage to their veneers.
Dr. Scott Parr and Dr. Tara Frey would like to go over the impact certain toothpastes can have on porcelain veneers. Our team will then suggest the ideal toothpaste you should be using to keep your smile looking its best.
Does My Toothpaste Really Make a Difference?
Yes, it does.
While porcelain veneers are durable, some toothpastes contain ingredients that are harmful to veneer materials. There are two particular kinds of toothpastes that you should avoid if you have porcelain veneers or crowns:
- Toothpastes with abrasives
- Whitening toothpastes
Let’s tackle each in more detail individually.
Why Abrasive Toothpastes Are Bad for Veneers
Abrasives are small particles that are included in toothpastes to help polish the teeth. Baking soda is a common abrasive, for instance. While baking soda and other abrasives may seem benign, they can act like fine-grain sandpaper on your veneers, wearing away the surface gradually over time. In fact, abrasives can have a similar effect on your natural tooth structure.
Why Whitening Toothpastes Are Bad for Veneers
First things first, we should note that porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and cannot be bleached. Using a tooth whitening toothpaste won’t have an effect on the appearance of the veneers whatsoever.
Second, the whitening ingredients can impact the structure of the veneer. Hydrogen peroxide slightly softens the veneer material, which means you could be scrubbing away your veneer over time.
The Ideal Option: Non-Abrasive Gel Toothpastes
Given all of the facts above, we usually tell Virginia Beach patients who have porcelain veneers to use non-abrasive gel toothpastes. These kinds of toothpastes contain no harmful ingredients, and are gentle on veneers, crowns, and your natural tooth structure.
We can recommend various non-abrasive gel toothpastes to you as part of the consultation process. Generally, these kinds of toothpastes are identified as “cosmetic dentistry” toothpastes on the label, and may say that they’re great for people with porcelain veneers or crowns.
The Ideal Toothbrush: Soft Bristles
Your toothbrush can make a difference too. We recommend that patients with porcelain veneers use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. This allows you to clean your teeth, veneers, and dental work gently. The small head allows you to access the hard-to-reach places of your smile, improving your fight against tooth decay and gum disease.
How Long Will My Porcelain Veneers Last?
On average, porcelain veneers will last about 10 years, perhaps longer with good maintenance and care. When you stop by our practice for a checkup, we can let you know if your veneers need to be replaced. The process is simple and straightforward, and will help keep your smile looking its best.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
For more information about porcelain veneers and whether or not they are ideal for you, be sure to contact our team of cosmetic and restorative dentists. You can reach our practice in Virginia Beach by calling (757) 204-5227.
