The Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

I read that toothpastes with baking soda are NOT recommended for people with veneers. If that is the case, why does Supersmile contain it and why is it safe for veneers?
Kristina from Texas

Kristina,
I’m not sure where you’re reading that baking soda isn’t good for porcelain veneers or what it is about baking soda that’s not good for veneers. I’d be interested in knowing where you read that. Baking soda has low abrasivity, and it neutralizes plaque acids, and makes a great ingredient in toothpaste.

Supersmile toothpaste is recommended by a number of leading cosmetic dentists for use with porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dental work. In fact, the Supersmile website not only includes my endorsement, but also the endorsements of three past presidents of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry – Dr. George Freedman, Dr. Jeff Morley, and Dr. Jeff Golub-Evans. The reasons we endorse it are because we are familiar with the studies. It is a very effective cleaning agent. There are some stains, such as Peridex stains, where it seems to be the only thing short of a professional cleaning that will remove them. And, it is one of the most gentle toothpastes and will not scratch or harm any cosmetic dental work.

See these testimonials at: http://www.supersmile.com/category/testimonials/dental-professional.
You may also be interested in reading about baking soda as a toothpaste ingredient on the SaveYourSmile consumer information website.

Dr. Hall

Dr. Hall
Where can I buy Supersmile products other than online? I have tried our local Bed, Bath and Beyond in San Jose…no luck!
- Marjorie

Dear Marjorie,
No, you can’t get Supersmile toothpaste or any of their companion products in any store. As far as I know, there are only two ways to get it: some cosmetic dentists will carry it, and then you can get it online, like from our web site. It’s that the company that makes Supersmile has elected not to offer it retail.
- Dr. Hall

Other links:
Find an expert cosmetic dentist.

Dr. Hall,
Will this toothpaste take the stains off of my porcelain veneers? If so, will they come back immediately? Thank you.
- Lori in Ontario

Lori,
Yes, Supersmile whitening toothpaste should take the stains off your porcelain veneers. It dissolves the protein pellicle that the teeth stains attach to.

But I have to qualify that a little, since I can’t see your veneers. If your veneers are damaged–for example if a dentist used power polishing equipment on them and destroyed the glaze, or if the glaze was destroyed in some other way, then Supersmile or any other toothpaste won’t make them look shiny again–they’ll need professional attention.

If the veneers stained once, they’ll stain again, but the stain will come back slowly–the way it came in the first place. But I recommend when you have porcelain veneers using Supersmile as a regular toothpaste once a day anyway. It just helps keep them in top shape and it prolongs your investment. When I did porcelain veneers, I always gave my patients a free tube of Supersmile to get them started because Supersmile was designed for people with porcelain veneers or dental bonding or other cosmetic dental work.

I hope this is helpful.
- Dr. Hall