Thanks to state-of-the-art porcelain veneers, Dr. John F. Rink is able to give patients dramatic smile makeovers. Chips, cracks, stains, and gaps are hidden from view, and smiles look brand new and natural. Of course, maintaining the results means that our Charleston, SC have to clean their porcelain veneers regularly. Doing this right means having the right toothpaste.

We’d like to take a moment to consider the ideal toothpaste to use if you have porcelain veneers, tooth-colored dental crowns, or other kinds of restorations and appliances that blend in with your tooth structure.

Does My Toothpaste Really Matter That Much?

Yes.

Patients are often surprised by this, but the toothpaste you use can wind up damaging your porcelain veneers rather than cleaning them. There are certain kinds of toothpastes that are simply worse overall for the condition of your veneers or crowns than others.

Using the right toothpaste means that your veneers will remain healthy and strong for years to come. The wrong toothpaste means your veneers will require replacement sooner than anticipated.

Toothpastes You Should Avoid and Why

There are two kinds of toothpastes that patients should avoid:

• Teeth Whitening Toothpaste - Hydrogen peroxide is a potent whitening ingredient, but it can soften the material of porcelain veneers while brushing. This means added wear to veneers during cleaning. On top of that, the porcelain veneer material can’t be whitened anyway.
• Toothpastes with Abrasive Ingredients - Abrasive ingredients such as baking soda are common in toothpastes. They act as fine grain sandpaper against the veneer material, however, which means that you’re seriously wearing away veneer material unintentionally.

The Right Kind of Toothpaste for Porcelain Veneers

At the Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, we recommend patients with veneers or crowns use non-abrasive gel toothpastes to clean their teeth. These kinds of toothpastes have no ingredients that could wear away a healthy veneer.

When shopping for these kinds of toothpastes, be sure to read labels to identify abrasive ingredients and bleaching agents. Many of these toothpastes even specify that they’re ideal for cosmetic dentistry patients with veneers or crowns.

Your Toothbrush Also Makes a Difference

We should also note that the toothbrush you use can make a major difference when it comes to the overall condition of your porcelain veneers. Hard or stiff bristles are just as bad as abrasive ingredients, and they can also cause serious harm to your gumline.

Ideally, patients should use a toothbrush with soft bristles. This will allow you to gently clean your teeth. Try to find a toothbrush with a small head as well. This will allow you to properly clean all the hard-to-reach parts of your mouth.

How Often Should I Brush and Floss with Veneers?

Like usual, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a night. For the best possible oral health, be sure to brush and floss after every meal.

How Long Will My Porcelain Veneers Last?

On average, porcelain veneers last about 10 years, give or take. Good oral hygiene can extend the life of veneers by a bit.

When you eventually need new porcelain veneers, you can stop by our practice. We’ll be able to remove the old veneers, take impressions for new veneers, and help your smile look its best again.

Contact a Skilled Cosmetic Dentist

If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers and why they may be right for you, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. You can schedule a consummation at the Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry by phone at (843) 212-0674.