Choosing the Best Toothpaste for Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers transform the smile by concealing a comprehensive range of aesthetic flaws, including dental stains, discoloration, chips, cracks, and minor misalignment problems. Porcelain veneers are extremely thin, but they are surprisingly durable. Under ideal circumstances, porcelain veneers can last for ten years or more.
To get the most out of porcelain veneers, Dr. Louis J. Buono advises patients to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing. However, it is important that patients choose the right type of toothpaste after porcelain veneers treatment. The best toothpaste for porcelain veneers will help our Long Island, NY, and Garden City, NY, patients maintain the health of the natural teeth, as well as the beauty of their veneers.
What Will the Ideal Toothpaste Do for My Porcelain Veneers?
The goals for a toothpaste that will be used on porcelain veneers are not very different than the goals for a toothpaste that will be used on untreated teeth. In fact, porcelain veneers are typically only placed on the front teeth, so it is essential that patients find a toothpaste that will benefit both their natural, or untreated, teeth and their porcelain veneers.
The ideal toothpaste after porcelain veneers treatment will:
- Remove sugars, starches, and food particles to prevent bacteria buildup and minimize the risk of tooth decay
- Preserve tooth enamel so that the teeth are more resistant to tooth decay and dental damage
- Effectively clean the teeth and gums without causing damage to porcelain veneers
- Maintain porcelain veneers’ luster and bright color
Features to Look for in a Toothpaste
Most toothpastes promise to protect the teeth and preserve the beauty of the smile, so what exactly should our patients be looking for when they are shopping for a toothpaste after porcelain veneers treatment? Again, it is important that patients choose a toothpaste that will clean and protect their natural teeth and their porcelain veneers. Some features that are good choices when caring for porcelain veneers include:
- Cavity-fighting toothpastes that contain fluoride
- Gel formulas, which are smoother and softer than pastes
- Minimally abrasive toothpastes, or those formulated for sensitive teeth
Features to Avoid
Just as there are certain features that are ideal for porcelain veneers, there are those that should be avoided. Porcelain veneers are structurally sound, but the ceramic materials used to fabricate veneers can be scratched or damaged. Even minor imperfections on the surface of veneers can cause them to look dull, and make them more susceptible to discoloration. To preserve the appearance of porcelain veneers, and prolong their lifespan as much as possible, our patients should avoid:
- Toothpastes with highly abrasive ingredients, like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda
- Whitening toothpastes, which often contain hydrogen peroxide and other harsh ingredients
- Toothpastes that lack adequate cavity protection
Send Us a Message
Whether you would like more information about caring for your porcelain veneers or are interested in finding out if porcelain veneers treatment is right for you, Dr. Louis J. Buono can help. Send us a message at your earliest convenience to learn more, or call (516) 294-0375 to schedule an appointment at our Garden City practice on Long Island.