Porcelain veneers dramatically improve the appearance of the smile by concealing cosmetic blemishes. Porcelain veneers can provide patients with long-lasting results, as long as the patient does his or her part to preserve the structure and color of the veneers and natural teeth.
Brushing is one of the most helpful habits for maintaining good oral health and preserving porcelain veneers. However, if patients brush with the wrong type of toothpaste, they could do more harm than good. Dr. Thomas Tang offers our Brookfield, WI, patients tips for choosing the best toothpaste for porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers hide the natural teeth to give the appearance of a straight, white, unblemished teeth. Although porcelain veneers can make the smile look more attractive, the teeth beneath the veneers are still susceptible to dental complications, including cavities. The best way to prevent cavities is by maintaining good oral hygiene habits, which includes brushing the teeth at least twice a day.
For optimal protection against tooth decay, patients should look for a toothpaste that is formulated for cavity prevention. Many toothpastes are labeled as cavity-preventing toothpastes, but to be sure they will be effective, consumers should check if the toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities because it strengthens the natural minerals in tooth enamel.
Cavity prevention is the most essential factor to consider when selecting a toothpaste for porcelain veneers, but finding a gentle formula is also important. Porcelain veneers are strong prosthetics that sustain the force of biting and chewing. However, the surface of porcelain veneers is somewhat delicate. If a harsh or abrasive toothpaste is used, small scratches can develop. While the scratches themselves may not be noticeable, they can eventually wear down the veneers so that they lose their bright sheen.
Almost all toothpastes contain some abrasive ingredients, so our Brookfield patients want to find a formula that is as gentle as possible. Gels are always a good option since they are softer than pastes. Toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth also tend to be less harsh. When in doubt, check the ingredient list. If an abrasive ingredient like baking soda is one of the first items listed, the toothpaste may be too harsh for porcelain veneers.
Most patients want to find a toothpaste that will keep their veneers looking white. Naturally, these patients tend to gravitate toward whitening toothpastes. However, the bleaching agents in whitening toothpastes are only effective on tooth enamel, not the ceramic materials that make up porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers patients also need to consider that whitening toothpastes are more abrasive than regular toothpastes, so they can dull veneers and actually compromise their bright white color. As contradictory as it may sound, if our Brookfield patients want to keep their porcelain veneers looking white, they should stay away from whitening toothpastes.
If your smile has been compromised by dental stains, superficial cracks, or other cosmetic flaws, you may be an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers. To find out more about porcelain veneers treatment and how to prolong the lifespan of these prosthetics, contact us online at your earliest convenience, or call (262) 207-4867 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomas Tang.
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