By Rafael Mercado, DDS on August 25, 2019
Dr. Rafael Mercado offers the latest cosmetic and restorative dental procedures to people in the Castle Hills, TX area. This includes porcelain veneers, a versatile and remarkable treatment option that makes smile makeovers possible in just two dental visits.
Proper care of porcelain veneers is simple, yet many patients are surprised to learn that the toothpaste they normally use could be doing more harm than good to their veneers. Let’s discuss the right and wrong kinds of toothpastes to use if you have porcelain veneers in place.
How Toothpaste Can Affect Your Porcelain Veneers
While porcelain veneers are extremely durable, they are not completely invulnerable to damage. Chips, cracks, wear, and tear can all happen, and they could all be caused by something as common as your toothpaste.
Certain toothpastes ingredients are bad for porcelain veneers, bonding material, and crowns, causing them to become prematurely worn.
The Wrong Toothpastes to Use
There are two kinds of toothpastes that are bad for porcelain veneers and crowns. They are as follows:
- Teeth Whitening Toothpaste – Teeth whitening toothpaste contains hydrogen peroxide, which can soften veneer material on contact. This means the veneer material gets worn down simply from brushing your teeth.
- Abrasive Toothpastes – Abrasives are common in many toothpastes. Some example ingredients include baking soda, calcium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, and hydrated aluminum oxides. These abrasives act line fine grain sandpaper against the veneer, which can scrape the material away.
The Ideal Toothpaste for Porcelain Veneers
At Castle Hills Family Dental, we tell patients with porcelain veneers and crowns to use non-abrasive gel toothpastes when cleaning their teeth. These toothpastes are delicate on veneer material and can be extremely effective in keeping your mouth clean.
Be sure to check ingredients on labels whenever you purchase toothpaste. Many non-abrasive gel toothpastes are labeled as cosmetic dentistry toothpaste, noting that they are ideal for veneers and crowns.
Your Toothbrush Can Also Make a Difference
We should also note that the kind of toothbrush you use can make a major difference when it comes to the condition of your veneers. Toothbrushes with hard bristles can be too abrasive on your teeth. They can also harm the gumline, making gum recession more likely.
The ideal kind of toothbrush to use is one with soft bristles and a small head. The soft bristles allow you to gently clean your teeth, while the small head helps you reach all of the hard-to-reach places of the mouth. Be sure to brush at least once a day and floss at least once a day. Ideally, you should brush and floss after every meal.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
With proper care, porcelain veneers will last about 10 years, give or take. When you need new porcelain veneers, just return to our practice. We can remove the old veneers and take impressions for new ones, which will help your smile look great for years to come.
Contact a Skilled Cosmetic Dentist
If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers and whether or not they’re ideal for you and your needs, be sure to contact a cosmetic and restorative dentist. The team at Castle Hills Family Dental can be reached by phone at (210) 405-1257.