Porcelain veneers can transform your smile, closing gaps, hiding chips, discoloration, or masking other flaws, in just a couple of dental visits.

Caring for porcelain veneers is about as easy as caring for your natural teeth, but choosing the right toothpaste is key. At Smiles for Life Dental Care, our dentists in Harrisonburg, VA, Staunton, VA, and surrounding areas explain what to look for when choosing the best toothpaste for porcelain veneers.

Let’s take a moment to consider what to look for when selecting a toothpaste after porcelain veneers treatment. 

Do I Need to Stick to Toothpastes Formulated for Veneers?

There are a number of toothpastes that have been specifically developed for porcelain veneers. While they are certainly not harmful to your natural teeth or to the veneers themselves, they can be expensive and don’t necessarily work better than more affordable over-the-counter options. 

When looking for an over-the-counter toothpaste to care for porcelain veneers, patients should consider the following…

Avoid Abrasive Toothpastes

Abrasive toothpastes, like those that contain baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, can be harmful to porcelain veneers. 

These substances are more likely to scratch veneers, which can leave them looking worn and torn over time. Food and dark drinks can also become lodged in the scratches, which can contribute to discoloration. 

Avoid Whitening Toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes may seem like a good idea for maintaining a bright white smile after porcelain veneer treatment, but it can actually undermine your smile.

Porcelain veneers do not respond to whitening treatments. However, any natural teeth near the veneers will still be affected by whitening treatments. This can cause the teeth to become mismatched in color. 

Setting aside cosmetic concerns, whitening chemicals can actually damage veneers. Oftentimes, they are too abrasive and deface the surface of the veneers. 

Use Gel Toothpastes  

When choosing a toothpaste for veneers, it’s best to stick to gels as they are often free of abrasives, like baking soda. Most gels are effective at cleaning the teeth while also being gentle enough for use on veneers. 

Remember that Fluoride Toothpastes Are Beneficial

When looking for a gel toothpaste, it’s best to find one with fluoride and anti-cavity protection. Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent cavities. 

Toothpastes with fluoride are important to use even with porcelain veneers because veneers only cover the front surface of the teeth. The natural structure underneath, as well as areas along the gum line, can still develop cavities without proper care.  

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Perhaps more important than the type of toothpaste used is simply using the toothpaste and practicing good oral hygiene every day. After all, even the best toothpaste is ineffective if not used properly or frequently.

Good oral hygiene habits include:

• Brushing the teeth for two minutes with toothpaste at least twice a day, making sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line.
• Flossing along each side of each tooth at least once a day.
• Scheduling regular dental exams and cleanings every six months to prevent tartar buildup, gum disease, and to catch any oral health problems early.

Learn More About Caring for Your Veneers

If you live in or around Harrisonburg and would like more information about caring for your porcelain veneers, please call (540) 828-2312 or (540) 887-3304 to schedule a consultation.