Choosing the Best Toothpaste for Veneers

If you have spent money on dental veneers, you want them to last for as long as possible. A big part of the care regime is choosing the best toothpaste for veneers. But with so many options available, how do you decide which toothpaste is best?

In this article, we share everything you need to know about caring for your veneers, and what to look for in a toothpaste.

Can Toothpaste Damage Veneers?

Toothpaste itself isn't going to damage your veneers. The issue is the abrasiveness of the toothpaste. If the formula is too abrasive, then you may be scratching and dulling the surface of your veneers. Over time, abrasive toothpaste can lead to a rough surface that harbors bacteria and reduces the aesthetic appearance of your veneers.

Research shows that surface roughness exceeding 0.2 micrometers promotes bacterial plaque accumulation. When you brush with highly abrasive toothpastes, you gradually increase the surface roughness of composite veneers, creating an environment where biofilm can accumulate more easily.

The strength of porcelain material is largely determined by its surface roughness. Rougher surfaces concentrate stress locally due to surface irregularities, potentially initiating crack propagation at stress concentration points. This is why selecting the right toothpaste is so important for long-term veneer maintenance.

What is RDA?

RDA stands for Relative Dentin Abrasivity. It is a measure of how abrasive a toothpaste is. The RDA scale ranges from 0 to 250, with higher numbers indicating more abrasive formulas:

• RDA 0-70: Low abrasive (safe for veneers)
• RDA 70-100: Medium abrasive
• RDA 100-150: High abrasive
• RDA 150-250: Very high abrasive (avoid for veneers)

For veneers, you want to look for toothpaste with an RDA value below 70. These low-abrasive formulas will clean your teeth effectively without damaging the surface of your veneers.

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers

It's important to understand that porcelain and composite veneers have different properties when it comes to abrasion resistance.

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to abrasion and maintain their smooth surface better than composite materials. Research shows that polished ceramic surfaces demonstrate superior biocompatibility compared to glazed surfaces, and they resist toothbrush abrasion very well.

Composite veneers are more susceptible to surface roughness changes from toothbrushing. A systematic review found that most resin-contained CAD/CAM materials were affected by artificial toothbrushing, with materials like Cerasmart and Shofu Block HC demonstrating greater susceptibility to brushing-induced roughness changes. However, materials like Lava Ultimate and Vita Enamic showed more resistance to surface degradation.

The variation correlates with material composition, particularly filler content and polymer matrix percentages. This means that correct knowledge of the composition of the dental material and toothpastes is fundamental to avoid an increase of surface roughness on your restoration.

Ingredients to Avoid

When choosing toothpaste for veneers, avoid these abrasive ingredients:

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate): Highly abrasive and can scratch veneers
• Charcoal: Very abrasive and not recommended for any cosmetic dental work
• Silica: Common in whitening toothpastes, can be too abrasive
• Calcium carbonate: Another abrasive used in whitening formulas
• Stain removers: Often contain harsh abrasives

Whitening toothpastes are particularly problematic because they rely on abrasive particles to remove surface stains. While this might work on natural teeth, it can damage the surface of your veneers, especially composite veneers.

What to Look For

The best toothpaste for veneers should have:

• Low RDA value (below 70)
• Fluoride for cavity protection on natural teeth
• No harsh abrasives (avoid baking soda, charcoal, silica)
• Gentle cleaning agents
• pH-balanced formula

Some good options include:

• Toothpastes labeled "for sensitive teeth" (often low RDA)
• Fluoride toothpastes without whitening agents
• Gel toothpastes (typically less abrasive than paste formulas)
• Toothpastes specifically designed for cosmetic dental work

Always check with your dentist for their specific recommendations based on the type of veneers you have.

Proper Brushing Technique

Even with the right toothpaste, improper brushing can damage your veneers. Follow these guidelines:

1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Hard bristles can scratch veneer surfaces
2. Gentle pressure: Don't scrub aggressively
3. Circular motions: Use gentle circular motions rather than harsh back-and-forth scrubbing
4. Brush twice daily: Morning and night for 2 minutes each time
5. Floss daily: Remove plaque between teeth and around veneers
6. Professional cleanings: Visit your dentist every 6 months

Research emphasizes that proper finishing and polishing procedures following chairside adjustments are essential for maintaining both mechanical integrity and oral health outcomes. Your dental hygienist should use non-abrasive prophylaxis pastes designed specifically for cosmetic restorations.

Long-Term Care

With proper care and the right toothpaste, your veneers can last 10-20 years or more. Here are some additional tips:

• Avoid grinding your teeth (ask about a night guard if you grind)
• Don't use your teeth as tools to open packages
• Limit staining foods and beverages (especially for composite veneers)
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products
• Maintain regular dental check-ups
• Address any chips or damage immediately

Remember that rougher surfaces of crowns, bridges, implant abutments, and veneer restorations accumulate and retain more plaque. Maintaining smooth surfaces through proper toothpaste selection and gentle brushing is critical for preventing biofilm accumulation and extending the life of your veneers.

Conclusion

Choosing the best toothpaste for veneers comes down to selecting a low-RDA formula without harsh abrasives. Avoid whitening toothpastes, charcoal products, and anything with baking soda. Look for gentle, fluoride toothpastes with an RDA below 70, and always use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle circular motions.

By following these guidelines and maintaining regular dental visits, you can keep your veneers looking beautiful for many years to come.