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Sonic Toothbrushes and Porcelain Veneers

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My roommate just got porcelain veneers. Tonight she was using a sonic toothbrush. I remember when my aunt got porcelain veneers and her dental hygienist ruined them with some kind of sonic tool. I told my roommate about that, but she said her dentist told her it was fine. How could the sonic thing ruin my aunt’s veneers but be fine for my roommate? I like her, but she’s sort of rich and spoiled and I don’t think she always values the awesome things she has. Yes, her parents can afford to get her new ones if these are damaged, but I’d hate to see all that money go to waste. Are her veneers in danger?

Myka

Dear Myka,

A single porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

 

It is lovely that you are looking after your roommate. While there are some sonic things that are dangerous for dental work, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding, a sonic toothbrush is safe.

I am guessing what happened to your aunt was that her dental hygienist used something like a power prophy jet on her veneers during her cleaning. This will destroy the glaze on her veneers, which is what both gives it its shine as well as protects it from staining. Your aunt’s veneers would have begun picking up stains within a few days.

A sonic toothbrush does not have that same strength and capability. If you want to help your roommate, you can tell her about the power prophy jet for when she goes to see her dentist for a cleaning. She should also make sure her hygienist does not use acidulated fluoride which can etch the glazing.

One other tip is that the best toothpaste she can use is Supersmile Whitening Toothpaste. It was specifically developed for cosmetic work. Unlike over the counter whitening toothpastes, Supersmile does not use abrasives. It will safely keep her teeth, as well as her porcelain veneers white.

I can tell you are a caring friend. It’s great that you are looking out for others.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Dentist Dr. Alan Yount.
Auburn, AL College Dentist

Porcelain Veneers and Stains

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I am considering getting porcelain veneers to deal with my stained, ugly teeth. I am a smoker and drink quite a bit of red wine. I’m worried that I will spend all this money on porcelain veneers and they will end up as ugly as my current teeth are. My dentist said they don’t stain. Before I move forward, I wanted to get a second opinion.

Carl

Dear Carl,

A single porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

Personally, I think that it is a bit of an overstatement to say that porcelain veneers do not stain. Instead, I would say that they are very stain resistant. In fact, they are more stain resistant than your natural teeth are. That is good news for you.

The edges where the bonding takes place will pick up some stains but this will happen to everyone, not just smokers. Your dentist can polish the edges up nicely and I would consider that a regular maintenance issue.

You can help your porcelain veneers to stay as stain free as possible by using Supersmile Toothpaste. This is specifically designed for cosmetic dental work and will help keep surface stains off your teeth. Brush two to three times a day, as well as floss daily and you should be fine.

One other word of caution. When you go in for your normal dental cleanings, make sure your dental hygienist does not use anything like a power prophy jet or acidulated fluoride on your teeth. This will take the glaze right off your porcelain veneers. The glaze is what gives them their shine and protects them from picking up stains.

If the only thing that bothers you about your teeth is the color, you would save a LOT of money by having teeth whitening done instead of the veneers. However, if there are other things about your teeth’s appearance, such as their size or shape, that bother you, then porcelain veneers are the way to go.

This blog is brought to you by Auburn, AL Dentist Dr. Alan Yount.
Auburn, AL College Dentist