A little over two months ago, I had a complete smile makeover done. I was thrilled with the results. Because of how beautiful they were I took even more care of them than I did with my natural teeth. I found the best toothpaste possible at the store, Crest 3D Glamorous White toothpaste. I also use a mouthwash once a week. In the last week, I have noticed that my beautiful smile makeover has lost its shine. Is there any way to get it back? Do you think my toothpaste caused the problem? What do I do?

Amanda

Dear Amanda,

I wish I had a bit more information about your smile makeover, specifically who was your dentist and do you know what type of material he or she used. Without that information, I see two basic possibilities though you’ll have to figure out which one with the help of an expert cosmetic dentist.

I will say I don’t think your toothpaste is the problem. Porcelain is even more stain-resistant than your natural teeth. It would not become dull and stained that quickly from simply using a new toothpaste.

One possibility is that your dental hygienist did something to remove the glaze from your porcelain veneers. This protective glaze can be damaged by your hygienist using either a power prophy jet or acidulated fluoride during your cleaning and checkup. Some hygienists and dental assistants are not as well-versed in care for cosmetic dental work and may be unaware of the damage they can do.

A second option, when it comes to your smile makeover losing its shine, is that your dentist did not actually provide you with porcelain veneers. Instead, he or she may have made composite veneers. This is not nearly as resistant as porcelain. Composite is actually softer than tooth structure and will easily damage. Even just a whitening toothpaste could take off its shine.

I would like you to see a dentist who has received accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. AACD accredited dentists are the top cosmetic dentists in the country. They will be able to look at your smile makeover and tell you whether or not your dentist provided porcelain or composite. If you thought you were getting porcelain and did not, that is fraud and you can get your money back with ease, then have this done correctly with a skilled and artistic cosmetic dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.