What’s the Best Toothpaste for Lumineers?

I recently had Lumineers done on my two front teeth. I’m happy with how it looks now, but a friend of mine who had a similar procedure done says hers picked up stains. I started using whitening toothpaste as a preventative measure. Will this be enough to make sure they keep their shade?

Thank you,

Chaundra,

Dear Chaundra,

Actually, stop using the whitening toothpaste right away. Whitening toothpaste is abrasive- that’s how it works. It keeps teeth whiter by removing external stains and buildup. That’s generally fine on normal enamel and when you don’t have sensitive teeth, but porcelain and resins used in cosmetic work aren’t as tough as your enamel is. You can actually put microscopic scratches across the surface of your Lumineers, which would give buildup and bacteria tiny crevices to collect in, making them look dingy or dirty. The only way to fix that once it’s happened is to redo the work.

Rules for Choosing the Best Toothpaste for Lumineers

Before we begin, it’s worth noting that you don’t actually need toothpaste to have clean teeth. You do, however, need to use a soft-bristled brush. The mechanical action alone is enough to remove debris and keep teeth clean. Floss, a water pick, or something else to clean between your teeth is also essential.

• Choose a brand and style that’s non-abrasive. Toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth are usually safe in this respect.
• Look for a fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride will help keep you cavity-free.
• When possible, opt for a toothpaste that has been tested as safe on cosmetic work. Certain versions, such as Supersmile, work by dissolving the protein pellicle layer that bacteria and stains adheres to, rather than by using abrasives to scrub it off once it’s already there. Options like this aren’t usually found in stores, so you’ll have to plan ahead and order online.
• If bad breath is a concern, get an exam first. Bad breath can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or untreated dental needs. If everything checks out ok, you may be happier with a solution like BreathRx, which is specially designed for freshness.

All dental work will stain over time, just like your natural teeth will, though the degree to which it happens and the rate at which it happens will vary from person to person. Personal habits, such as smoking, drinking coffee, and drinking wine, can increase stains. While there’s no telling what happened with your friend’s dental work, you can certainly keep your smile brighter and maintain it for longer by choosing your toothpaste wisely.

This blog is sponsored by Dr. Steve Sirin. While Dr. Sirin does not do Elgin Lumineers, he does create beautiful smiles using his preferred brand of ultra-thin veneers.