Veneers have the potential to provide you with years of beautiful smiles. However, in order for them to serve you well, you have to take care of them. Not only do you have to keep your mouth clean through regular brushing, but you also have to be choosy about which oral hygiene products you use. Which toothpaste is best for veneers? This simple guide will steer you in the right direction.
Why Does the Type of Toothpaste Matter?
Most toothpastes on the mainstream market today are safe for natural teeth; they can help you to get rid of plaque, freshen your breath, and provide fluoride to fortify your enamel. However, while you might have a favorite toothpaste, you may need to switch to a different product when you get veneers.
That is because some ingredients that are safe for natural teeth can damage veneers. For example, some abrasive ingredients have been known to create tiny scratches in porcelain. Those scratches may collect tiny pigment molecules in them and cause your new smile to look dull and yellow before its time.
What Should You Avoid in a Toothpaste for Veneers?
There are a couple types of toothpastes that are not recommended for veneers:
- Abrasive toothpastes. Some toothpastes contain baking soda or other abrasive ingredients that can polish the teeth and remove plaque. Unfortunately, those same ingredients could scratch the porcelain.
- Whitening toothpastes. Some whitening pastes are very abrasive. Plus, it is important to remember that veneers do not respond to regular whitening agents. Therefore, your natural teeth may become brighter while your veneers remain the same color. If the difference in shades is significant, you might end up feeling self-conscious about your look.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
Here are a few tips that can help you choose the right toothpaste for your veneers:
- Opt for a gel. Most gel toothpastes are minimally abrasive.
- Avoid whitening formulas. Even toothpastes that do not advertise their whitening benefits can help to prevent surface stains, so they can keep your smile looking good without significantly changing the color of your teeth.
- Look for toothpastes that are specifically marketed for use on veneers. These can be a bit pricier than average toothpastes, but they are generally very safe for veneers, crowns, and other types of restorations.
- Ask your dentist for product recommendations. Your dental team might have a few specific products that they recommend for patients with veneers.
Veneers can look great for decades — but only if you care for them properly. Use the information in this article to make sure that your oral hygiene habits are keeping your mouth clean without harming your cosmetic treatment.
Meet the Practice
The team of experts at Torrington Dental Care are proud to provide a full range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments. Whether you are thinking about getting veneers, or you would like personalized oral hygiene tips, we are ready to serve you. Get in touch with us at 860-259-4073.