When you first got your veneers, you felt like a million bucks! You couldn’t stop smiling and showing off the results. No doubt you wanted never to lose that feeling. The good news is that if you take good care of your veneers, you don’t have to!
Veneers are pretty durable, but if you buy and use the wrong kind of toothpaste, they can wear down more quickly. Keep reading to learn which toothpastes could shorten your confident smile’s lifespan and how to lengthen it with healthy choices.
Toothpaste to Avoid
Not all toothpastes are exactly the same. Many contain similar ingredients, but others have substances in them that are beneficial in some situations and harmful in others. Pay attention to the ingredients and watch out for the following types:
Abrasive Toothpastes
In many cases, toothpaste brands use tiny abrasive materials like baking soda to help scrub plaque from teeth. However, these materials can scratch the surface of veneers, which can lead to staining and losing the realistic luster that veneers are supposed to have.
Whitening Toothpastes
Although you may wish to keep your other teeth whitened, these specially formulated toothpastes are not generally a good idea when you have veneers. Whitening agents do not work on veneers, which means your teeth may get whiter, but not your veneers. Also, hydrogen peroxide, a common ingredient in these kinds of toothpaste, can damage the veneer structure.
Safe Toothpaste to Try
As long as you stay away from these two types of toothpastes, other options should be safe for your veneers and the rest of your smile. Choose one that contains fluoride because this mineral strengthens enamel against decay without harming veneers. By purchasing toothpaste that focuses on preventing cavities or controlling tartar, you can keep your veneers and teeth in the best shape possible.
Making Your Veneers Last
In addition to brushing your teeth at least twice daily, there are other healthy habits you should develop if you want your veneers to stand the test of time. Once per day, you should floss your teeth, removing bits of food and plaque between your teeth. Also, regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist ensure the long-term quality of your veneers.
Drinking a lot of water and maintaining a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables will help as well. Mouth rinse, which your dentist can recommend, could also help you minimize oral infections.
You can hold onto that amazing feeling you had right at first with your new veneers. By properly maintaining them with the right toothpaste and other habits, you can extend their lifespan and enjoy that self-esteem boost for many years to come!
About the Practice
At Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center in Midland, we offer advanced cosmetic services along with routine care and dental implants. When our patients are interested in veneers, we create unique treatment plans to meet their individual needs. Are you interested in learning more about this treatment? Do you have questions about maintenance? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Franklin Boyles or Dr. Stephen Boyles by visiting our website or calling 432-685-7011.