Hi,
My husband recently purchased the Sonicare Diamond toothbrush for both of us to use. However, I have been reading that people who have dental bonding or veneers (which I have) should avoid the use of ultrasonic cleaning devices. Will the vibrating speed of this toothbrush damage my veneers? I have Dura-Thin porcelain veneers. Should I just avoid using this brush on the teeth with veneers?
Thanks,
Lina in Boston
Dear Lina,
Electric toothbrushes are designed to be used with dental work and will not harm porcelain veneers or dental bonding (providing the dental work has been properly done by a qualified dentist). The ultrasonic cleaning devices you are referring to are those used by dental hygienists during professional cleanings. Ultrasonic scalers, for example, have a metal tip that vibrates at ultrasonic speeds. If this tip were to nick the edge of a veneer or composite bonding, it could cause damage that would shorten the life of these elements. Toothbrushes, on the other hand, have soft tips that will not damage dental work. In addition, most actually vibrate at “sonic” (versus ultrasonic) speeds, which are slower than the professional ultrasonic devices used in dentists’ offices.
Electric toothbrushes, particularly the newer ones, are a very good way to maintain your dental work and your overall oral health and do offer significant benefits over manual brushing. Your husband has made a good investment.
This post brought to you by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.