Porcelain veneers can be an excellent way to transform your smile into a straighter, whiter, more beautiful state by covering stains, chips, and other imperfections. They require the same hygiene as your natural teeth, but selecting the right toothpaste can make a big difference in how long they will last. Here’s some information to help you make the best decision as to which toothpaste you should use for your porcelain veneers.
What Kinds of Toothpaste Can Damage Veneers?
Porcelain does not work in exactly the same way as enamel, and some toothpastes can shorten their lifespans. Some toothpastes contain abrasive agents like baking soda that help eliminate plaque and polish the surface of a tooth. While this might be great for natural teeth, it can also ruin the texture and shine of your veneers by scratching the porcelain.
Some toothpastes contain whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide. While these ingredients cannot whiten porcelain, they can damage its structure. It might also whiten the surrounding teeth while your veneers remain the same color, leading to an unevenly colored smile.
What Kinds of Toothpaste Are Good for Veneers?
Luckily, you won’t need a specially formulated toothpaste. The ideal toothpaste for your porcelain veneers is both gentle and effective at cleaning your teeth. This means you should find a non-abrasive option without any whitening ingredients. Gel toothpastes are usually great non-abrasive choices for porcelain veneers.
What About My Toothbrush?
Your choice of toothbrush is also important when caring for porcelain veneers. Just like you should avoid abrasive toothpaste, toothbrushes with hard bristles can be too harsh on the veneers’ surface. They can even scratch and wear down the porcelain over many uses.
A soft-bristled brush can provide the gentle touch your veneers need. However, even with soft bristles, brushing too hard can wear down and damage the porcelain. Brush twice a day with light pressure and special care to clean along the gumline by holding the brush at a slight angle. You should also take care to floss and use antibacterial mouthwash daily.
Your veneers can keep your smile looking great for up to twenty years with proper care. Excellent oral hygiene will go a long way to making sure that you get the most you can out of your investment.
About the Author
Dr. Ashley Civetti earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry, graduating with Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honors. She is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her practice in Palm Beach, FL offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers. For more information on caring for your veneers, contact her office online or dial (561) 771-5239.