Did I Damage My Veneers with My Whitening Toothpaste?
Posted by writeradmin
I have porcelain veneers. They are better than my old teeth so I want to take good care of them. I just read an article that said using whitening toothpastes can damage teeth because they have abrasives. I’ve been using a whitening tooth paste to try to keep my veneers as white as possible. Did I damage my veneers? If I did, can I whiten them back? They don’t look damaged, but maybe I didn’t notice it because it happened slowly.
Dana
Dear Dana,
You didn’t say how long you’ve been using the whitening toothpaste, but if it’s only been a few weeks, you probably haven’t done enough damage to matter. I’d stop using it.
There is a toothpaste which is safe to use with your porcelain veneers. For any type of cosmetic work, Supersmile Toothpaste is safe. It uses a protein pellicle to safely remove surface stains.
I was curious about your statement that your veneers are “better than” your old teeth. I was hoping your reaction would have been more along the lines of “They are gorgeous!” or “I love them so much!” You paid a lot for your smile makeover so I’d want it to be something you are thrilled about.
I’m also concerned that it does not appear that your dentist told you how to care for your smile makeover. Because of that, I worry his staff may not know how to handle them when you are their for your cleanings and check ups. It’s important that you don’t let the hygienist use acidulated fluoride or anything like a power prophy jet. They will destroy the glaze on your veneers.
You asked about whether or not teeth whitening can improve the color of your veneers if the abrasives cause them to start picking up stains. Unfortunately, the teeth whitening will only work on natural tooth structure. That is why it is important to protect the glazing, which is what keeps your veneers stain free.
This blog is brought to you by a friendly dentist in Arnold, MD Dr. Meredith Esposito.