Though veneers were originally made to temporarily improve the look of the smiles of movie stars while they made films, they have since become available to the general public. This treatment uses thin shells made from dental-grade porcelain to cover up cosmetic imperfections. I thin layer of tooth enamel is removed so the veneers fit snugly, and they are color-matched to the surrounding teeth so they blend in. if you have veneers or are preparing to get them, you may be wondering if you can still develop tooth decay with this treatment. Read on to learn if it’s possible to develop cavities with veneers.
Can You Still Get Cavities with Veneers?
Veneers aren’t made from the same material as your natural teeth, so they can’t develop cavities. Even so, the teeth under them can still decay. Improper oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of cavities. Consuming too many sweet, starchy, or acidic foods can also lead to tooth decay. If the teeth under your porcelain veneers begin to decay, your veneers will need to be removed so your dentist can treat your cavities.
5 Tips for Maintaining Your Veneers
Cavities with veneers are generally avoidable as long as you take good care of them. Some ways to maintain your veneers include:
- Practice good oral hygiene – One of the best ways to keep your veneers in good condition is to practice excellent oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth in the morning and at night for two minutes each time. You also need to floss every night before you go to bed.
- Use the right products – When brushing, make sure to use toothpaste that is non-abrasive so you don’t accidentally scratch your veneers. It should also contain fluoride to strengthen your beam. Additionally, use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Visit your dentist regularly – Visiting your dentist twice per year is one of the best ways to avoid developing cavities with veneers. During these biannual checkups, your dentist will perform an examination of the oral cavity to ensure that no issues are developing. Your teeth will also be cleaned so you can leave your visit with a fresh beam.
- Eat with caution – Crunchy bread, taffy, marshmallows, peanut brittle, and other foods that are hard or sticky can damage your porcelain veneers or may cause them to become loose. Either avoid these foods or be extra cautious when eating them.
- Quit unhealthy habits – Don’t use your teeth to open bottles or packages, which can chip or break your veneers. Additionally, avoid other bad oral habits like smoking cigarettes, eating ice cubes, eating large amounts of sugar, or drinking excessively.
Though you can still get cavities with veneers, they are generally easy to avoid as long as you take good care of your smile. With the above tips, you can keep your pearly whites looking lovely for years to come!
About the Practice
Laguna Niguel Family Dental Care, led by Dr. Damon Anderson, aims to help patients keep their smiles in good condition. They offer a range of preventive, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency treatments to give you a healthy, happy smile that you love. They also offer porcelain veneers to improve the look of your smile and can give you tips on how to avoid cavities with veneers. To set up an appointment with Laguna Niguel Family Dental Care or for more information on preventing cavities with veneers, call their office at (949) 643-3129 or visit their website.
