Best Toothpaste for Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are durable, but they are subject to wear and tear just like natural teeth. When you brush your teeth, you may be doing subtle damage to your veneers as well as your natural tooth structure that will add up over time. Your toothpaste matters because it’s used to polish your teeth and veneers. Certain ingredients may be worse for your than you expected.
Dr. C. Mike Meek and Dr. David. J. Tasch have provided advice for people with porcelain veneers throughout the Austin, TX area. Below, the team at 38th Street Dental discuss the ideal toothpaste to use if you have porcelain veneers or crowns in place.
Avoid Toothpastes with Abrasive Ingredients
Abrasives are common in some many toothpastes. These kinds of ingredients include:
- Baking soda
- Dehydrated silica gels
- Calcium carbonate
- Hydrated aluminum oxides
These abrasive ingredients act like fine grain sandpaper on your teeth as well as your veneers. Over time, this wears away tooth enamel as well as the veneer materials. Because of that, patients should avoid toothpastes that have abrasive ingredients.
Avoid Toothpastes with Whitening Ingredients
Whitening toothpastes are able to brighten your smile by several shades. While the hydrogen peroxide in these toothpastes is fine for your natural tooth structure, it can have a negative impact on your porcelain veneers.
The hydrogen peroxide can actually soften the veneer material slightly. This means a little bit of the veneer may be worn down each time you brush your teeth with a whitening toothpaste.
Use Non-Abrasive Gel Toothpastes
We recommend that patients who come to our Austin practice for porcelain veneers or crowns use non-abrasive gel toothpastes. These kinds of toothpastes won’t wear away your veneers and will help you get your entire mouth clean. These kinds of toothpastes are often marketed as cosmetic dentistry toothpastes or ideal for people with veneers and crowns.
During the consultation process, we can recommend a few different toothpastes. We can also provide advice on what to look for on labels.
The Right Toothbrush for Patients with Porcelain Veneers
In addition to your toothpaste, your toothbrush can make a major difference. We recommend that patients use toothbrushes that have soft bristles and small heads. The soft bristles will allow you to gently and thoroughly clean your teeth, veneers, crowns, and any dental work. The small head will help you reach all of the hard-to-access places in your mouth where plaque might be hiding.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
With porcelain veneers in, you’ll want to continue practicing good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss at least once a night. Ideally, you will want to brush and floss after every meal.
What Happens When My Veneers Need Replacement?
Porcelain veneers will eventually need replacement after about 10 years or so. When that time comes, do not fret. Just come back to our Austin dental practice for an appointment. We can remove the old veneers and take impression for new ones to revitalize your smile.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
To learn more about proper care for porcelain veneers, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. The team at 38th Street Dental can be reached by phone at (512) 458-6222.
