Veneers were first invented to temporarily alter an actor’s smile for a Hollywood movie scene, but they have since evolved into a long-term cosmetic dental treatment that has allowed countless patients to completely transform their smiles. While these appliances are designed to be remarkably durable and stain-resistant, their appearance can degrade over time if they do not receive proper care, which will require them to be replaced sooner. Here’s a guide to choosing the best toothpaste for veneers.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells made from ceramic materials such as porcelain, and they are designed to mimic the ideal appearance of natural dental structure. When these appliances are placed over teeth with defects such as cracks, stains, gaps, chips, and misshapenness, they can conceal these flaws to transform the smile into a beautiful new state. Since the teeth receiving veneers must be permanently altered, they will need to wear veneers from then on for protection against injury and infection.
What Can Harm My Veneers?
Veneers can degrade in appearance or fail early for reasons such as:
- Teeth grinding
- Using your teeth to open packages or bottles
- Chewing on ice
- Poor oral hygiene
- Frequent exposure to stain-causing agents such as the pigments and dyes in coffee, tea, red wine, berries, dark sauces, colas, and colorful candies
- Abrasive toothpaste
Which Toothpaste Should I Choose if I Have Veneers?
It’s best to use a gel-type toothpaste if you have veneers since it will not contain any abrasive agents that can leave unsightly scratches. Regular or whitening toothpastes are typically too harsh for veneers and can leave unsightly blemishes upon them. To make matters worse, your veneers cannot be whitened by whitening toothpaste, so it may leave your natural teeth whiter than your restorations. This can leave you with an unevenly white grin, which can be distracting or frustrating.
Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions can help you keep your veneers in great shape. With excellent care, your veneers can last for fifteen years or more before needing replacement.
About the Author
Dr. Salari earned her dental degree at the Université Libre de Bruxelles and completed a three-year residency at Nova Southeastern University. She is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association and the American College of Prosthodontists. Her office in Annandale offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers. To learn more about proper veneer care, contact her office online or dial (703) 763-0800.