I’m looking for a safe way to get stains off my porcelain veneers without scratching them. I’ve seen ads for Supersmile toothpaste, but I don’t want to purchase it without a recommendation. Does it get stains off veneers? How long will the whitening last? I’m wondering if it’s worth it or if I should ask my dentist to polish my veneers. Thanks. Braelynn from Little Rock, AR
Braelynn,
Some brands of non-abrasive toothpaste, including Supersmile®, will temporarily remove stains from veneers. But the results you’ll get depend on the cause of stains on your veneers.
What Is the Source of Stains on Your Veneers?
The source of stains on your porcelain veneers determines how to treat the stains.
- Surface stains – Protein pellicle, or a film, naturally builds up on teeth from the protein in saliva. You can minimize the stains with a non-abrasive toothpaste approved for use on porcelain veneers.
- Stains from damaged veneers – Power polishing equipment in a dental office gives luster to natural teeth. But the equipment is abrasive on porcelain veneers and will damage the glaze and attract stains. If the glaze on your veneers is damaged, a cosmetic dentist can help, but polishing toothpaste won’t make a difference.
- Matte veneers – If there is a matte—non-shiny—finish on your porcelain veneers, the lack of smoothness over your teeth will attract stains. A cosmetic dentist can polish your veneers and give them enough luster to resist future stains.
How Long Will Whitening Last?
Avoid damaging your veneers with baking soda or abrasive toothpaste
If the stains on your veneers are from a buildup of protein film, daily use of the toothpaste will lighten the stain. But the stains will gradually return as protein film accumulates on your teeth. If you choose Supersmile toothpaste, use it daily.
Rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after consuming food and drink that promote stains:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Wine
- Dark berries
- Soda, or other acidic drinks
Keeping Your Porcelain Veneers Bright
- Avoid smoking – Smoking also accelerates a buildup of stains on porcelain veneers and limits the effects of brushing your teeth with whitening toothpaste.
- Avoid abrasive products – Baking soda, abrasive toothpaste, and all toothpaste not approved for use on porcelain veneers will scratch them and create more stains.
- Schedule professional dental cleanings – Return to a cosmetic dentist and hygienist regularly for dental cleanings, exams, and veneer polishing. Ensure they are trained on how to care for veneers without damaging them.
Accredited cosmetic dentist, Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge sponsors this post.
Read our post about what to do if your dentist made your veneers the wrong color.
