When cosmetic blemishes compromise the appearance of the smile, many people turn to porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells that sit over the facial surface of the teeth to conceal imperfections and completely makeover the smile.
Porcelain veneers can last for 10 years or more, provided they are cared for properly. Cosmetic dentist Christine Hopkins can help our Plano, TX, patients choose the best toothpaste for porcelain veneers so they can protect their restorations from damage and preserve a bright, white smile.
Toothpaste That Is Gentle on Veneers
When patients are shopping for a toothpaste after porcelain veneers treatment, it is important that they select one that is gentle enough for these prosthetics. Porcelain veneers are strong enough to withstand chewing and biting forces, but they do have a delicate surface. Abrasive toothpastes can scratch or damage porcelain veneers. Superficial damage will not compromise the strength of porcelain veneers, but it can cause them to lose their luster or become discolored.
The best way for our Plano patients to determine if a toothpaste is gentle enough for porcelain veneers is to check the ingredient list. Toothpastes that have baking soda or other abrasive ingredients may be too harsh. To be safe, Dr. Hopkins recommends that patients choose a gel toothpaste. Gels are naturally smoother and gentler than pastes.
Toothpaste That Prevents Cavities
Cavity prevention is essential for patients with porcelain veneers or other dental restorations. Although porcelain veneers cannot be damaged by bacteria, the teeth beneath veneers are still vulnerable to tooth decay. If a patient develops a cavity on a tooth that has been treated with porcelain veneers, the veneers will need to be removed so that tooth decay can be eliminated.
Good oral hygiene habits significantly decrease the risk of tooth decay, and the right toothpaste can cut down the risk even further. Toothpastes that contain fluoride are a good choice for porcelain veneers patients. Fluoride works with the calcium and phosphate that is in tooth enamel to strengthen the teeth and protect them from bacteria.
A Non-whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpastes fight dental stains and help patients maintain a whiter tooth color, so they are a popular toothpaste choice. Unfortunately, whitening toothpastes are not a good option for our Plano porcelain veneers patients. The bleaching agents in whitening toothpastes that enhance tooth color do not work on the ceramic materials used to fabricate porcelain veneers, so they are ineffective at preserving or improving the color of dental prosthetics.
Another problem with whitening toothpastes is that they are rough on porcelain veneers. Most contain hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is an abrasive ingredient that can damage the surface of porcelain veneers. If porcelain veneers are scratched, they will start to look dull. Scratches can also trap pigmentation so that porcelain veneers become stained or discolored.
Contact Us
Porcelain veneers are attractive dental prosthetics that conceal oral blemishes and enhance the appearance of the smile for many years. To learn more about porcelain veneers treatment, contact us at your earliest convenience, or call (972) 597-0471 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Christine Hopkins.