Best Toothpaste for Porcelain Veneers

Dr. Nicholas Perry Orchard wants to make sure your dental work lasts as long as possible, which is why he pays attention to all aspects of dental care. This means letting you know important do’s and don’ts about dentistry, including the right toothpaste to use and ideal oral hygiene practices.

For instance, let’s consider porcelain veneers. While veneers are made of durable material, they are not indestructible. Wear and tear can affect veneers over time, and that damage can be caused or exacerbated by certain ingredients in your toothpaste. Our Corpus Christi, TX dental care team explains why you should avoid abrasive toothpastes and toothpaste with whitening ingredients if you have porcelain veneers.

Why You Should Avoid Abrasive Toothpastes

Abrasive ingredients are common in many toothpastes. Baking soda, for example, is an abrasive ingredient. Even if they are common, abrasives are not good for your veneers. Abrasive ingredients act like fine grain sandpaper on the veneer material, wearing away the surface every time you brush your teeth.

In addition to baking soda, other common abrasive ingredients in toothpastes include:

• Calcium carbonate
• Dehydrated silica gels
• Hydrated aluminum oxides

Why You Should Avoid Teeth Whitening Toothpastes

Your porcelain veneers won’t be bleached by teeth whitening ingredients, but they can be adversely affected by them. Hydrogen peroxide, even at low concentrations, can soften your porcelain veneers. That means that they are more likely to wear away while brushing your teeth.

The Ideal Toothpaste: Non-Abrasive Gels

We tell our Corpus Christi porcelain veneer patients that the ideal kind of toothpaste is a non-abrasive gel. These kinds of toothpastes won’t sand away the veneer material, won’t soften the veneers, and will keep your smile clean.

These kinds of toothpastes are typically marketed as cosmetic dentistry toothpastes, stating that they are ideal for people with porcelain veneers or tooth-colored crowns. Be sure to check the labels on toothpastes while shopping. We can also make some recommendations to you during the consultation process if you wish.

Your Toothbrush Can Also Make a Major Difference

In addition to having the right toothpaste, your toothbrush can also make a major difference with regard to veneer condition. Hard bristles and stiff bristles can wear down your veneers, and they can also do serious harm to your gumline.

It’s best to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. This will allow you to gently polish your teeth and reach all of the hard-to-reach places of your mouth in the process.

How Often Should I Brush and Floss with Veneers?

As usual, it’s best to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a night. Ideally, you should brush and floss after each meal to keep your smile as clean and healthy as possible.

How Long Will My Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers will last for up to 10 years, give or take. When you need new veneers, we’ll be able to craft them for you.

Learn More About Enhancing Your Smile

For more information about porcelain veneers and how they can help you achieve an excellent smile, be sure to contact our team of cosmetic and restorative dentists.