Best Toothpaste for Porcelain Veneers
On average, a set of porcelain veneers will last you about 10 years. You might be able to extend the life of your veneers by a few years if you practice good oral hygiene. Of course, bad oral hygiene can also take years off the life of veneers, which includes using the wrong kind of toothpaste.
Dr. Clint Newman and Dr. Scott Harris always take time to discuss proper veneer aftercare with their Nashville, TN patients. With this in mind, the Gulch Dental Studio team would like to go over proper oral hygiene practices and the ideal toothpaste to use if you have veneers in place.
Why Your Toothpaste Matters
Brushing at least twice a day is essential for keeping your mouth healthy and clean, but you have to do it the right way. You may not realize it, but certain kinds of toothpastes wind up doing more harm than good. Not all ingredients are best for you teeth, or for the ceramic materials that comprise porcelain veneers, tooth-colored fillings, and ceramic crowns.
It’s a good idea to be an attentive and informed consumer when it comes to all sorts of oral hygiene products.
The Wrong Kinds of Toothpastes to Use
There are two kinds of toothpastes that are simply bad for porcelain veneers and crowns:
- Abrasive Toothpastes - Toothpastes with abrasive ingredients are like taking a super fine grain sandpaper to your teeth. Even a seemingly harmless abrasive like common baking soda can have a negative effect on the condition of your veneers or crowns.
- Whitening/Bleaching Toothpastes - Whitening toothpastes contain hydrogen peroxide. This chemical won’t bleach your veneers, but it can cause the veneer material to soften and wear away sooner than it should. Like abrasive ingredients, whitening toothpastes can take years off the life of your veneers.
The Ideal Toothpaste for Porcelain Veneers
We recommend that porcelain veneer patients at our Nashville cosmetic dentistry center use non-abrasive gel toothpastes. There are no harmful ingredients in these kinds of toothpastes, which means the ability to clean your teeth and veneers without any worries.
Many non-abrasive gel toothpastes are labeled as being ideal for people with crowns and veneers, so keep that in mind as you’re checking brands and reading labels.
The Right Toothbrush for Porcelain Veneers
We should also mention that the toothbrush you use can make a major difference when it comes to the condition of your veneers. Toothbrushes with stiff or hard bristles can do serious damage to your porcelain veneers, not to mention your gums and teeth.
It’s best to use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. These kinds of toothbrushes will be delicate on your veneers, gumline, and teeth, and will also allow you clean the hard-to-reach spots of your mouth.
What Happens When I Need New Porcelain Veneers?
If you need new porcelain veneers, all you need to do is come back to our Nashville practice. We’ll be able to assess your situation, remove the old veneers, and take impressions so brand new porcelain veneers can be created just for you.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
For more information about porcelain veneers and why they may be the best option for you and your needs, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. The team at Gulch Dental Studio can be reached by phone at (615) 913-5889 or (615) 385-3507.