Best Toothpaste for Porcelain Veneers
Not all toothpastes are the same when it comes to keeping your teeth clean and being delicate on enamel and dental work. The toothpaste you use may be doing unintentional harm to your teeth as well as ceramic materials present in your mouth. You should avoid certain toothpastes if you have porcelain veneers, crowns, or any ceramic dental restorations.
Dr. Byron J. Nordhus offers oral hygiene advice to all of his Wichita, KS porcelain veneers patients in order to prolong the cosmetic benefits. Let’s discuss the ideal toothpaste for people with porcelain veneers, and offer some additional dental care and oral hygiene advice.
The Problem with Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes are popular since they enhance the brightness and appearance of your smile. Unfortunately, the hydrogen peroxide in many whitening toothpastes can have negative effects on ceramic dental materials. The hydrogen peroxide can soften the ceramic materials, which means a veneer can suffer serious wear over time simply from brushing your teeth.
Since porcelain veneers can’t be whitened with toothpaste, there’s generally no reason to use whitening toothpaste if you have porcelain veneers.
The Problem with Abrasive Toothpastes
Abrasive ingredients are common in many toothpastes. Baking soda, for instance, is a common abrasive. These little particles help polish the teeth, or at least that’s the general idea. Unfortunately, abrasives can do more harm than good. These abrasive ingredients act like fine grain sand paper, wearing down tooth enamel and veneer material.
If you use a toothpastes that contain abrasive ingredients and also have whitening properties, you could be doing severe damage to your smile.
The Ideal Option: Non-Abrasive Gel Toothpastes
We often advise our Wichita cosmetic dentistry patients to use non-abrasive gel toothpastes to keep their teeth clean. These kinds of toothpastes are free from harmful ingredients and help you polish your teeth without doing unintentional damage.
These kinds of toothpastes are sometimes labeled as cosmetic dentistry toothpastes, or note that they are ideal for people with veneers and crowns. We can make some recommendations to you during the consultation process, or help you know what to look for on the labels while you’re at the store.
You Toothbrush Also Makes a Difference
We should also note that your toothpaste can make a major difference when it comes to the condition of your porcelain veneers. It’s best to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. The soft bristles will reduce the wear and tear on your teeth and veneers, and can also protect your gumline from harm. The small head will help you clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth with relative ease.
The Lifespan of Your Porcelain Veneers
On average, porcelain veneers will last about 10 years if not a little longer. This assumes you’re brushing gently and regularly and taking good care of your teeth.
Be sure to visit us regularly for cleanings and checkups. We can let you know how your veneers are holding up and when it’s time to have them repaired or replaced.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers and how to prolong the benefits and results, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. You can reach our office in Wichita by calling (316) 778-6543.
