Rejuvenating your smile with veneers is no small investment, which is why it’s a good idea to do everything you can to preserve your new restorations and maximize their lifespan. One of the ways you can get 25 or more years of use out of them is with a good oral hygiene routine, which includes a non-abrasive, yet effective toothpaste and toothbrush. Read on to learn more about how the toothpaste you use can impact the health of your veneers.
Does it Matter What Toothpaste You Use on Your Veneers?
While dental veneers are crafted from versatile, high-quality materials, just like natural teeth, they can wear down with time. It’s crucial to use non-abrasive dental hygiene products, like soft-bristled toothbrushes and gentle, cleansing toothpastes, to keep them from becoming damaged, all while warding off the threat of common oral health problems like cavities.
Is it Possible for Some Toothpastes to Damage Veneers?
There are two main types of toothpastes you want to avoid if you have veneers due to the materials that they’re crafted from. Porcelain and ceramic are both non-porous and can be superficially damaged using abrasive materials. This means that toothpastes designed to whiten your natural teeth are likely not good options for your veneers.
It’s best to avoid the following types of toothpaste:
- Ones with abrasive ingredients, like baking soda and activated charcoal, are designed to polish and thoroughly clean your natural teeth, but could harm your veneers by scratching them. This can make them appear dull.
- Whitening toothpastes won’t brighten your veneers, and because they may whiten the natural teeth surrounding your restorations, it could cause your smile to be two-toned.
Preserving Your Veneers with Good Oral Hygiene Habits
The key to veneers that stand the test of time is good oral hygiene habits, which includes brushing your teeth twice each day using a non-abrasive toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash daily. It’s also important to visit your dentist twice a year for professional checkups and cleanings. That way, if your dentist spots any damage or the cement holding a veneer onto your tooth is giving out, they can restore it before it fails when you least expect it.
About the Author
Dr. Hamid Ranjbaran, affectionately referred to as Dr. R by his patients, is passionate about restoring smiles affected by aesthetic imperfections. He understands just how much of an impact cosmetic treatments like veneers can have on a patient’s self-esteem and confidence, which is why he’s always excited when he gets these types of cases! To schedule a consultation to learn more about how you can transform your grin, visit Southwest Dental’s website or call 505-896-9399.