What’s the Best Toothpaste Option for Veneers?
Once your porcelain veneers are placed at our Canton, OH, dental practice, you will want to take steps to clean and maintain your new porcelain shells. Taking simple aftercare steps can preserve the appearance of your veneers and prevent tooth decay from eroding the natural structure that supports your veneers. Here, we discuss the best toothpaste options for patients with porcelain veneers.
Cleaning Products to Use and Avoid
There are several factors to consider when choosing a quality toothpaste.
Toothpaste products that are abrasive can gradually wear down porcelain. Abrasive products have ingredients that are gritty in texture. While these whitening products can be effective at removing extrinsic stains on enamel, over time, they will wear down porcelain. To extend the life of your veneers, we advise against using abrasive toothpaste options.
A toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide will wear porcelain over time. While these products are effective on enamel, they are not intended for use on veneers. Veneers are highly stain-resistant, and the material cannot be whitened using over-the-counter products.
If you are unsure of which product to use, a member of our Canton dental team will be glad to list safe options. In general, any toothpaste gel that is non-abrasive should work fine.
Smooth gel toothpastes are generally good options, as are products that have the ADA of Acceptance.
We also recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can damage your veneers and lead to premature gum recession, which can expose the base of veneers.
Tips for Maintaining Your Veneers
Patients should never use their veneers to tear or pry open objects or packages. Maintaining good oral health by brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting our office twice a year (or as recommended) can ensure that your veneers remain healthy for 10 years or longer.
It is possible for the natural tooth structure beneath your veneer to suffer from disease or decay. Regular check-ups at our dental practice allows Dr. Treiber to check your veneers to ensure that they are structurally sound and strongly attached to your teeth.
Why You Should Regularly Brush Your Teeth, Even with Veneers
Porcelain veneers are durable, but they are still susceptible to gradual wear. If the veneers are worn down by abrasive cleaning products, they may need to be replaced earlier than normal. To save you time and money, anyone with porcelain veneers should exercise good oral care.
Brushing regularly can prevent tooth decay. Advanced decay can weaken the tooth the supports a porcelain veneer. If the decay goes untreated for long enough, there may not be enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support a veneer.
Oral health problems can also lead to gum tissue recession that can leave the natural tooth exposed near the root. This can undo the cosmetic benefits of having veneers.
Schedule Your Cosmetic Consultation Today
Dr. Bruce Treiber has been a practicing dentist for over 25 years in the Canton area. Porcelain veneers can deliver drastic cosmetic results. If you have always wanted a more attractive smile, Dr. Treiber can determine if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers. To learn more, please contact our office or call (330) 478-4949.
