Best Toothpastes for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers bond to the facial surface of the teeth to conceal imperfections such as dental stains, discoloration, minor misalignment problems, and superficial structural damage. Porcelain veneers are durable and can enhance the appearance of the smile for many years.

However, patients must take precautions to protect porcelain veneers so that they don’t age or wear prematurely. Good oral hygiene habits are especially beneficial, but the right toothpaste needs to be used to avoid damaging the veneers.

Here, Redwood City, CA, dentist Jean Barthman discusses the key factors our patients should consider when choosing the best toothpastes for porcelain veneers.

What to Look for in a Toothpaste

There are many toothpastes that are effective enough to clean the teeth and gums, yet gentle enough to preserve porcelain veneers so they maintain their color and shine. To be sure that a toothpaste will not damage the ceramic materials that are used to fabricate porcelain veneers, there are several characteristics patients should look for:

• Non-abrasive ingredients: The only way to really know if a toothpaste is ideal for porcelain veneers is to consider the ingredients. Non-abrasive ingredients are best for dental prosthetics. A toothpaste’s abrasiveness is rated by its RDA, or relative dentin abrasivity. Consumers can find a toothpaste’s RDA online. Low abrasive toothpastes are those with an RDA of 70 or below, while an RDA of 100 or below is considered to have medium abrasivity. Any toothpaste with an RDA below 100 should be suitable for porcelain veneers.
• Gel formula: There are some pastes that are gentle enough for porcelain veneers, but in general, our Redwood City patients are better off choosing a gel formula. Gels are smoother than pastes and are less likely to scratch the surface of veneers.
• Fluoride toothpastes: Fluoride slows down demineralization, a process that breaks down tooth enamel. By preserving tooth enamel, fluoride decreases the risk of tooth decay and other dental complications. It is important for patients to choose a toothpaste with fluoride so they can prevent oral health problems that could require the removal and replacement of porcelain veneers.

Toothpastes to Avoid

Just as there are characteristics that make a toothpaste ideal, there are those that make a toothpaste a poor choice for patients with porcelain veneers. When shopping for a toothpaste, porcelain veneers patients should avoid:

• Whitening toothpastes: Whitening toothpastes will not brighten the color of porcelain veneers, and are likely to cause damage to dental prosthetics.
• Toothpastes with hydrogen peroxide or baking soda: These toothpaste ingredients are especially abrasive and may scratch the delicate surface of porcelain veneers.
• Toothpastes without adequate cavity protection: If cavities develop on the teeth beneath porcelain veneers, restorative dentistry treatment will be necessary, which will require the removal of veneers. To prevent dental problems, patients need to choose a toothpaste with cavity protection.

Schedule an Appointment

Dr. Jean E. Barthman offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic dentistry treatments to enhance the appearance of your smile. To learn more about these treatment options, including porcelain veneers, contact us online at your earliest convenience. You can also call us at (650) 367-4967 to schedule an appointment.