Fluoride toothpaste is a great option because its properties are designed to prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is one of the common causes for dental veneers to fall off, and fluoride toothpaste can extend the lifespan of your veneers.
Gel toothpastes tend to be the best choice for porcelain veneers because they are not as abrasive as pastes.
Aftercare for Your Porcelain Veneers
We recommend non-abrasive toothpastes like Sensodyne ProNamel. If you use a mouth rinse, we recommend using one that does not contain alcohol, such as Listerine Total Care or Crest Clean Mint.
Low abrasiveness: Veneers are durable but can still be susceptible to scratching or damage from abrasive toothpaste. Look for toothpaste specifically formulated for use with cosmetic dental work, as these products are typically lower in abrasiveness and gentler on your veneers.
Cleaning Techniques for Veneers
Brush at least twice a day. This helps remove plaque and prevent gum disease. Floss daily. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line.
After 10 years, well-maintained porcelain veneers often still look great, but signs of wear like slight dullness, minor chips, or discoloration can appear, often around the edges, due to gum recession or heavy use; some may need replacement around this time, though many last 15 years or more with excellent oral hygiene and avoiding hard foods/grinding, while composite veneers might show more wear and staining.
Although veneers are typically made from porcelain and do not stain easily, regular cleaning is essential. Use a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste to brush them. Clean any food residue with dental floss, and use an alcohol-free mouthwash. For optimal results, try brushing twice.
The 4-8-10 rule for veneers is a cosmetic dentistry guideline suggesting common numbers of veneers for balanced smiles: 4 for minor fixes (front teeth), 8 for a wider enhancement, and 10 for a full upper smile makeover, covering teeth visible in a full smile for natural, harmonious results. It helps dentists ensure symmetry and prevent an "unnatural" look, though individual needs always dictate the final plan, often focusing on the "smile zone" (visible teeth).
Caring for veneers is the same as cleaning natural teeth. Brushing and flossing form the foundation for good oral health. Use a toothpaste like Colgate Total ® Professional Clean Paste that helps maintain a dentist-clean feeling with advanced-cleaning silica similar to what dentists use.
Gentle Care for Sensitive Teeth and Gums
Products from CariFree or Sensodyne Pronamel are specially designed to protect weakened enamel and gum lines, offering effective cleaning while reducing irritation.
Both Colgate and Sensodyne are useful in their respective areas, and the decision is solely based on the user's expectations and availability. Colgate Toothpaste relieves the discomfort of tooth irritation by still addressing the root causes.
Phillips Sonicare 2 Series - This electronic toothbrush is safe on All-On-4 dental implants and porcelain veneers. Its gentle motion makes it so you can brush without worry to your dental implants or veneers.
Nano-Medical Hydroxyapatite is showing up in toothpastes as an alternative to fluoride. It is a gold standard ingredient for oral health products in Japan known to combat tooth decay by remineralizing and repairing teeth.
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean your teeth in gentle, circular motions. Harsh brushing or stiff bristles can cause premature wear or scratching on the veneer surface. Spend at least two minutes brushing each time, focusing on all surfaces of your teeth.
Avoid Rinsing Often With Alcohol-Based Mouthwash
These types of mouthwash stain veneers through the combination of high alcohol concentrations and the dye included in their formulas. Use mouthwashes that are alcohol-free, especially sodium-fluoride mouthwash.
How to Keep Your Veneers White
Choosing the best toothpaste for porcelain veneers is a crucial step in maintaining their beauty and longevity. Opt for non-abrasive formulas with fluoride content, and consider options like Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening, Colgate Total Daily Repair, or Crest Pro-Health.
According to the American Dental Association, veneers last about ten years; however, they're not permanent—and how long veneers last depends on how you care for them. Most veneers are made out of porcelain that provides excellent esthetics and longevity.
The best way to keep your veneers clean is to brush and floss them regularly. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day. This will help remove plaque and food particles that can accumulate on your veneers and cause staining.
Dentists may not recommend veneers due to the irreversible removal of tooth enamel, high cost, potential for tooth sensitivity, and risk of chipping or damage, especially with habits like teeth grinding (bruxism), requiring lifelong maintenance and addressing underlying issues like decay or severe misalignment first, making them unsuitable for some individuals.
If veneers are not replaced when they show signs of wear or damage, issues such as discoloration, cracks, or loosening can occur. Over time, this can lead to discomfort, an uneven appearance, or even damage to the underlying natural teeth.
Porcelain is softer than enamel, so toothpaste designed to scrub your natural teeth might scratch up your veneers. That not only weakens them, it also creates a small ridge that can collect bacteria. You should take care to avoid gritty toothpastes that contain baking soda or charcoal.
Steps To Refinish Wood Veneer Furniture
For the best cleaning results, use soap and water for cleaning with a microfiber cloth that will pick up dust particles instead of just pushing them around. Be sure to thoroughly dry a veneer surface to prevent water damage.