Porcelain veneers can transform the smile by masking chips, stains, and other imperfections. Although caring for porcelain veneers is essentially no different than caring for your natural teeth, choosing the right toothpaste is important to prolonging their lifespan.
At Shemen Dental Group, Drs. Eddy Sauer and Nathaniel M. Avirett explain how to find the best toothpaste for porcelain veneers. If you live in or around Amarillo, TX, or Pampa, TX, and would like more information about porcelain veneers and caring for your smile, we welcome you to schedule a consultation.
The Type of Toothpaste Matters
The type of toothpaste used after porcelain veneers treatment matters and can mean the difference between prolonging the life of your veneers or causing them damage.
Those with porcelain veneers should look for gentle toothpastes and avoid ones that are overly abrasive or are formulated for whitening the teeth.
How Can Some Toothpastes Damage Veneers?
Abrasive and whitening toothpastes can be harmful for porcelain veneers and shorten their lifespan. Let’s consider some ways in which these types of toothpastes can damage porcelain veneers.
- Abrasive toothpastes: Many toothpastes include abrasive agents, such as baking soda, to help remove plaque and polish the teeth. Unfortunately, abrasive toothpastes can scratch the surface of porcelain veneers, potentially ruining the shine and texture of veneers.
- Whitening toothpastes:Although porcelain veneers cannot be whitened with whitening toothpastes, some people choose to use such toothpastes to remove stains from untreated, surrounding teeth. This isn’t always a good idea as the whitening agents, including hydrogen peroxide, can damage the structure of porcelain veneers.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
When it comes to choosing the right toothpaste for porcelain veneers, the good news is you don’t need to find a specialty toothpaste designed for dental restorations (although it probably wouldn’t hurt). You simply need to find a toothpaste that is gentle and effective at cleaning the teeth.
With that said, non-abrasive toothpastes without whitening agents are best for those with porcelain veneers. When choosing a toothpaste that will be safe for porcelain veneers, the team at Shemen Dental Group recommends that our patients look for non-abrasive gel toothpastes and avoid toothpastes with hydrogen peroxide or other whitening ingredients.
Your Toothbrush Also Matters
It’s important to note that your toothbrush also matters when caring for porcelain veneers. Toothbrushes with hard bristles can be too abrasive, even when paired with a non-abrasive toothpaste. In addition, they can scratch and wear down the surface of veneers with repeated use.
Instead, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. Also, be sure to use light pressure when cleaning your teeth. Using a heavy hand can also lead to wear and damage, even with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
The Importance of Proper Oral Hygiene
Although using the right type of toothpaste and toothbrush is important, they must be used properly.
Practicing good oral hygiene is vital to maintaining oral health, even when porcelain veneers are in place. Good oral hygiene habits consist of gently brushing the teeth at least twice a day, usually in the morning and before bed, and flossing at least once a day.
When brushing, take your time and use small, circular motions along each surface of every tooth and hold the brush at a slight angle to clean along the gum line.
Learn More about Porcelain Veneers
For more information about porcelain veneers treatment, including proper aftercare, please call (806) 358-2472 at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment.
