Your leading source for cosmetic dentistry
information and referrals.

Fluoride in Supersmile toothpaste

Posted on by .

Dr. Hall,
Does Supersmile toothpaste come without fluoride? My search was “do zirconia crowns stain” This site told me how to properly take care of my bridge. Happy I found this. Thank you for providing this information.
Susan from Arizona

Susan,
You’re right that Supersmile is a great product for keeping stains off teeth. However, all Supersmile products have a small amount of fluoride in them.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, and it’s virtually impossible to avoid ingesting it. When it is in toothpaste, the object is for it to bathe your teeth briefly in a small concentration of fluoride, which helps re-mineralize early decay spots. And then you rinse and spit. But otherwise, most natural well water has some fluoride in it, as well as canned juices and vegetables, soda, milk, and most other products that are liquids or that are processed with water. When I practiced in Iowa, we would sometimes have families come in from surrounding farms who drank well water. We would get samples of their well water and send it in for analysis. It always had some fluoride in it.

The efforts of dentists to encourage the use of fluoride is, to me, an evidence of the basic altruism of the profession. It does reduce tooth decay, which means less work for dentists. And while is is possible to get too much fluoride , in small amounts it is very healthy. It is of the same elemental family as table salt (sodium) and potassium. You can get too much sodium, but getting no sodium would be fatal. And the right amount of potassium is also essential to life, but if it is injected directly into a vein, it could stop your heart and kill you.

About your zirconia crowns or bridge – they should be very resistant to stain. Usually the core is made out of pure zirconia and it has a porcelain coating baked onto it. As long as the glaze on that porcelain is intact, it should resist almost any kind of stain. The advantage of Supersmile toothpaste is in its gentleness to the margin of the zirconia crown, which is a luting composite that would be vulnerable to stain and also to wear.
– Dr. Hall

We thank our advertisers who help fund this site.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Supersmile for porcelain crowns

Posted on by .

Hello: Although your website reassures that Supersmile is effective for veneers, I am unclear if the toothpaste also safely whitens porcelain crowns. Please clarify. Thank you very much.
– Thomas from California

Thomas,
Yes, Supersmile toothpaste is perfectly safe for any cosmetic dental work. It was specifically made to help in the maintenance of cosmetic dental work, which would include direct bonding, porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, and bridges. It is formulated to keep all of it at its maximum brightness, and to be safe. I emphasize it for porcelain veneer maintenance because porcelain veneers are the most vulnerable. But I think it’s a worthwhile investment for the maintenance of any cosmetic dental work, especially expensive work.
Dr. Hall

We thank our advertisers who help fund this site.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Posted on by .

Is Supersmile toothpaste sold in stores or do you have to buy it through someone?
– Misty from Georgia

Misty,
They do sell Supersmile toothpaste in some exclusive department stores, but you can’t find it in drugstores, supermarkets, or discount stores.

The best and cheapest way to get it is online. That’s why we offer it on our website.

– Dr. Hall

We thank our advertisers who help fund this site.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

https://www.mynewsmile.com/blog/1207/

Using a toothpaste with baking soda on porcelain veneers

Posted on by .

One question I have about the Supersmile toothpaste is about the baking soda. I saw where someone else had also asked you about that. There is conflicting info on the web about whether you should use baking soda or not on veneers due to scratching.

You mention that there is no risk of that with the Supersmile. What makes it safe to use even though it has the baking soda? Is it just small amounts of the baking soda? Right now I’m just using Colgate total but would like to order the Supersmile to prevent stains from forming.

I’m torn on what to do. My cosmetic dentist doesn’t seem to be familiar with Supersmile but advises against using anything with baking soda. It seems to be a great product and you have listed a lot of other cosmetic dentist’s recommendations about it. Just want to make sure I make the right decision.

– Monica from Maryland

Monica,

This is one of the problems with the Internet – you get all kinds of information, good and bad.

I followed the links you provided, and tracked down some of their sources. There is not really a conflict here. They are quoting sources saying that straight baking soda is abrasive. That is true. But these sources are also saying that toothpastes that contain baking soda are fine. The one comment that said not to use toothpaste with baking soda on porcelain veneers was citing the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, but I looked at that original article and it said nothing about baking soda.

With one exception – this one dentist from Nebraska who has tips for taking care of veneers:

On his CARE TIPS list, he tells you to use a toothpaste with baking soda: “Use non-abrasive toothpaste or toothpaste with baking soda.”
But on his DO NOT list he says not to use a toothpaste with baking soda: Do NOT use abrasive tooth pastes such as ones with baking soda or “smoker’s” toothpaste.

So his information is contradictory. This is a case of someone with a website who either isn’t an expert or hasn’t proofread the content carefully enough.

Straight baking soda, in powder form, is abrasive. However, when the baking soda is dissolved in a toothpaste, it is no longer abrasive. One of the benefits of baking soda is that it is a buffer that fights the acids created by decay-producing bacteria.

Go with the experts. You have all these expert cosmetic dentists recommending Supersmile. Here’s the complete list of Supersmile testimonials. They don’t mention it, but Drs. Jeff Morley, George Freedman, and Jeff Golub-Evans are all past presidents of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. And then, as you can see, they also quote me. You may want to print that out and show it to your dentist and bring him or her up to speed on this.

Dr. Hall

We thank our advertisers who help fund this site.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Did my toothpaste damage my porcelain veneers?

Posted on by .

Hi Dr. Hall,
I just got veneers and found out that Crest Pro Health shouldn’t be used on them. I used the toothpaste for three days (I was unaware), is there a chance I damaged them or should I be concerned? Other than Supersmile, is there another toothpaste I should use until receive the Supersmile in the mail?

Thank you,
Jason from Massachusetts

Jason,
The effect of your toothpaste on your porcelain veneers is a long-term effect. I wouldn’t worry about using a particular toothpaste a couple of times.

The problem is that most toothpastes are more abrasive than what would be ideal on cosmetic dental work. So yes, I would recommend the Supersmile toothpaste for your porcelain veneers to maximize their lifespan. Other ordinary toothpastes are a little too abrasive and if you use them consistently, they may wear away the bonding composite that is found on the margin between the porcelain and the tooth.

A good second choice toothpaste is Rembrandt, but you have to be careful about which Rembrandt you use. Rembrandt has been bought by Johnson and Johnson, and they have new formulas on the market. You want the Rembrandt Low Abrasion Whitening Toothpaste with Citroxain. It has gotten difficult to find. Don’t get the Deeply White toothpaste or the Intense Stain toothpaste, because they have new formulas that may be just as abrasive as other ordinary toothpastes.

If you can’t find the older formula Rembrandt, I would just use the Crest until the Supersmile arrives, and just brush gently. It is better to keep your teeth clean.

Dr. Hall

Links: Read all about taking care of porcelain veneers.

We thank our advertisers who help fund this site.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

How long do resin veneers last?

Posted on by .

Dear Dr Hall Hope you don’t mind a question from across the other side of the world! I came across your website and thought I should order some of the supersmile toothpast that you recommend. My question is, have you heard of resin veneers lasting a very long time, i.e. 10 years and counting? I’m worried that they might all start to deteriorate at the same time! Many thanks for your time – much appreciated.
– Ruth from Adelaide

Ruth,
Do not mind questions from you Aussies. This makes two from Australia this month.
It isn’t unusual to see porcelain veneers lasting ten, even twenty years. I had some patients I watched for about 15 years after doing their porcelain veneers and never saw them “wear out.”  

Resin veneers require much more care. Their surfaces can get dull very easily, and I have seen some start to get dingy within a year or two. But you do extend their life by taking care of them well, and gentle yet powerful Supersmile toothpaste gets stains off without abrasives. Whenever any of my patients had extensive composite resin work, I gave them a free starter tube of Supersmile, and I encouraged them to use that as their only toothpaste.

And I would watch that your dental hygienist doesn’t use anything abrasive in your cleanings. They typically use pumice to polish your teeth, but this will scratch the resin veneers. Aluminum oxide polishes can help restore their luster.

Thanks,
Dr. Hall

Links: read more about care of porcelain veneers. Read about post-operative instructions for care of dental bonding and resin veneers.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Is Supersmile safe for porcelain veneers?

Posted on by .

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: https://www.supersmile.com/pages/press.
You may also be interested in reading about baking soda as a toothpaste ingredient on the SaveYourSmile consumer information website.

Dr. Hall

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Can I use Supersmile toothpaste with porcelain crowns?

Posted on by .

Dr. Hall,
I would like to know if I can use supersmile toothpaste with porcelain crowns? I have porcelain crowns.
Linda in Louisiana

Dear Linda,
Yes, Supersmile toothpaste works great with porcelain crowns. Supersmile was designed for use with extensive cosmetic dental work. It keeps stains away, yet it is non-abrasive.
– Dr. Hall

Related links:
Read all about whitening toothpaste
Read Dr. Hall’s opinion about what is the best toothpaste

We thank our advertisers who help fund this site.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Where can I buy Supersmile?

Posted on by .

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.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Will Supersmile take the stains off my porcelain veneers?

Posted on by .

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

We thank our advertisers who help fund this site.

About David A. Hall

Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.

Categories

Follow this blog

Get every new post delivered right to your inbox.