Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Porcelain veneers are an effective way to restore your smile, so it looks natural and bright. Typically, porcelain veneers should last approximately 10 years, so long as you take care of your teeth. By practicing good oral hygiene, you may be able to extend the life of your veneers, but on the other hand, neglecting your teeth could also shorten the lifespan of your veneers. Therefore, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, a top-rated cosmetic dentist in Okemos, is sharing some tips on caring for your veneers.
Why Your Toothpaste Matters
Unfortunately, not all kinds of toothpaste are composed of the same ingredients, and some are too abrasive and could harm your teeth or dental restorations. Since it is essential to brush your teeth twice daily, you want to ensure you purchase a toothpaste that should not only clean your teeth but protect your porcelain veneers and other dental work as well. Dr. Tenaglia recommends a quality toothpaste to protect and potentially extend the life of your porcelain veneers.
The Wrong Kinds of Toothpaste
The following kinds of toothpaste are not recommended by your cosmetic dentist in East Lansing at Tenaglia Smiles as they could do more harm than good to your dental work.
- Abrasive Toothpaste – When using abrasive toothpaste, it is like brushing your teeth with sandpaper. As you use the toothpaste, it could gently wear away protective tooth enamel and increase your risk for damage. Even though baking soda seems harmless as a natural ingredient, it could harm dental work such as dental crowns or porcelain veneers.
- Whitening or Bleaching Toothpaste – Most whitening toothpaste contains the ingredient hydrogen peroxide. The chemical will not alter the color of your veneers, but it could cause damage by softening the material causing excessive wear and increasing the risk of cracking or breaking. Whitening or bleaching toothpaste could also decrease the lifespan of your porcelain veneers.
The Ideal Toothpaste for Porcelain Veneers
Your friendly cosmetic dentist in Okemos at Tenaglia Smiles recommends that patients use a non-abrasive gel toothpaste if they have cosmetic procedures done such as dental crowns or porcelain veneers. Since there are no harmful chemicals in the gel toothpaste, you should be able to clean your dental work without fear of shortening its lifespan. Make sure to read the label on the box before purchasing new toothpaste to ensure it should work effectively without abrasive properties.
The Right Toothbrush for Porcelain Veneers
There are several variations of toothbrushes on the market, and it could be confusing to decide which one is best for your porcelain veneers. Be wary of stiff-bristled toothbrushes as they could cause damage to your dental work as well as your natural teeth and gums. Your professional dentist in Lansing at Tenaglia Smiles recommends purchasing a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles to minimize possible damage. While protecting your natural teeth, gum line, and porcelain veneers, a soft-bristled toothbrush should still allow you to clean in those hard to reach areas.
What happens when I need new porcelain veneers?
If you have a crack or notice that your veneers have worn down, it is best to contact your cosmetic dentist in East Lansing at Tenaglia Smiles to schedule an appointment. During the appointment, Dr. Tenaglia will examine the situation and recommend the next steps to have your smile sparkling again. Most of the time, your old veneers will be removed, and new impressions will be taken to have more porcelain veneers created just for your teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing in MI
Even though some people think that any toothpaste will do the trick, when it comes to protecting your smile and your investment in dental work, it is important to choose a toothpaste that will extend the life of your dental work instead of damaging it. So, the next time you are shopping, your board-certified dentist in Okemos at Tenaglia Smiles recommends spending a few minutes to ensure you get the best toothpaste to keep you smiling. If you have questions about the toothpaste you are using or you have problems with your porcelain veneers, feel free to call Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733 or schedule an appointment online.