What Is the Best Toothpaste for Porcelain Veneers?
One of the most common cosmetic treatments available, porcelain veneers conceal chips, cracks, and other flaws to help you achieve a beautifully balanced smile. Proper care is necessary to ensure your new restorations stay in optimal condition. The team at the Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry Center in Yuma, AZ, can provide at-home hygiene tips and discuss the best toothpastes for porcelain veneers.
Choose Gentle Gel Formulas
Veneers themselves are impervious to cavities. However, the underlying tooth structure is not. For this reason, it is important to use a toothpaste that thoroughly cleans the teeth and gums without causing damage to your new restorations. Fortunately, finding the right toothpaste for your veneers should not be too difficult. General tips include:
- Choose gels over pastes. Gels are softer and smoother compared to pastes, so they are gentler and less abrasive. They are also just as effective when it comes to cleaning the teeth.
- Look for a cavity-fighting formula. Tooth decay is the most common reason why veneers are replaced. Be sure to choose a cavity-fighting product that has the ADA Seal of Approval on the packaging.
- Avoid products with harsh ingredients. Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and other abrasive ingredients can permanently damage your veneers.
Is Fluoride Toothpaste Safe for Veneers?
Not only is fluoride toothpaste safe for veneers, it is preferred. Some individuals worry that fluoride will be too harsh for their restorations. On the contrary, fluoride is not abrasive and actually helps protect the underlying tooth structure from decay, prolonging the lifespan of your porcelain veneers.
Can I Use Whitening Toothpaste on My Veneers?
One of the primary reasons that our patients choose veneers is to whiten and brighten their smiles. Many individuals ask if whitening toothpaste helps maintain the color of their veneers. While whitening toothpaste is beneficial for natural teeth, it is not recommended for porcelain veneers or any other dental restorations.
Porcelain veneers are crafted from medical-grade ceramic. Many of the common whitening products are too harsh for veneers and can actually cause micro-scratches. In turn, this can trap stains and pigmentation, causing the veneers to appear discolored.
The good news? Porcelain veneers are naturally stain-resistant. With proper care and hygiene, they should retain their shine and luster for the duration of their lifespan.
What Kind of Toothbrush and Floss Should I Use?
The type of toothbrush you use on your veneers is just as important as the toothpaste. Patients with veneers should never use hard bristles and should opt for soft instead. Hard bristles can scratch and damage porcelain over time. In fact, the same goes for natural teeth too. So, it is best to steer clear of hard-bristled toothbrushes altogether.
For optimal oral health, it is important to clean between the teeth, including those with veneers. Any type of dental floss is effective, but regular nylon floss may shred. We recommend polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) floss, which slides between the teeth easily.
Contact Us for More Information
Whether you already have porcelain veneers or are currently considering this cosmetic procedure, it is important to understand all aspects of treatment, including care and maintenance. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation at our Yuma, AZ, practice, contact us online or call our practice at (866) 223-6147. We provide affordable, convenient care to Mexicali and surrounding areas.