There are several cosmetic treatments available to conceal aesthetic imperfections and enhance the overall appearance of your smile. Porcelain veneers are commonly used to mask chips, cracks, discoloration, and other cosmetic flaws. Dr. Steven Hochfelder offers this treatment at our Lake Mary, FL, dental practice.
Proper care and maintenance are essential for the long-term success of porcelain veneers. Patients should brush and floss their teeth and veneers every day. However, it is important to note that some toothpaste can actually cause micro-scratches on dental ceramics. Here, we will explore three of the best kinds of toothpaste for porcelain veneers so patients can know what to look for when making their next purchase.
#1: Gel Toothpaste
Many pastes contain harsh ingredients. Gels are much gentler and are usually recommended for patients with veneers and other custom dental restorations. Avoid any toothpastes that contain hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. These ingredients can be too abrasive and may damage your porcelain veneers. Non-abrasive gels help preserve the structure of restorations and keep your smile brighter for longer.
#2: Non-whitening Toothpaste
Many of our Lake Mary patients choose porcelain veneers to cover deep intrinsic stains. It is only natural that they would want to keep their new veneers looking bright and beautiful. Many individuals assume that whitening pastes are the best way to achieve this. While whitening pastes break up stains on natural teeth, they do nothing to brighten porcelain or dental ceramics. In fact, whitening toothpaste actually ends up doing more damage than most patients realize.
The majority of whitening pastes have ingredients that could scratch the surfaces of porcelain veneers. This will eventually cause the restorations to lose their natural-looking sheen. Scratches can also harbor debris, food particles, and other staining agents.
#3: Fluoride Toothpastes
Fluoride toothpaste is not only safe for porcelain veneer patients, they are actually recommended. While veneers themselves are impervious to cavities, the underlying tooth structure is still vulnerable. Fluoride helps keep the teeth strong and healthy, ultimately prolonging the life of your veneers.
Because tooth decay is one of the most common reasons why veneers need to be removed, we suggest that all of our patients use fluoride toothpaste. Ask Dr. Hochfelder for product recommendations during your next visit.
What Type of Toothbrush Should I Use?
In addition to choosing a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, patients should also be aware of the type of toothbrush they are using. Whether you have porcelain veneers or not, we recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Much like abrasive ingredients, medium and hard bristles can also permanently damage your veneers, not to mention your natural tooth enamel.
When shopping for any oral healthcare product, it is important to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This indicates that the product has undergone rigorous testing and is considered safe for use.
Learn More about Porcelain Veneers
If you are considering porcelain veneers, proper long-term care is essential. To learn more about veneers, or any of the other services we offer, schedule an appointment at our Lake Mary dental practice. Call our office at (407) 321-8900 or contact us online anytime.
