You’ve recently given your smile a complete makeover by covering up all of its imperfections with veneers, and you couldn’t be happier with the results. The confidence boost that came with your veneers is worth every penny. Since veneers are made from durable porcelain, they’re also quite durable and even cavity-proof. Does this mean the teeth under the veneers will always remain decay-free? Not necessarily. Read on as a cosmetic dentist discusses how it’s still possible to get cavities with veneers in Virginia Beach and how you can preserve your bright smile for years to come.
How the Teeth Under Veneers Can Get Cavities
As strong as dental porcelain is, veneers won’t protect the underlying teeth from decay. It’s still possible to develop cavities with veneers for a few reasons:
- The bond between the veneer and the tooth can weaken over time, especially if it has been over a decade since the veneer was placed. Food debris and harmful bacteria might get trapped beneath the veneer and lead to decay in the natural tooth.
- Veneers only cover the front surfaces of the teeth. The back parts aren’t protected from decay-causing bacteria and plaque.
- If a tooth has a pre-existing cavity or weakened enamel, placing a veneer won’t solve the problem.
Preventing Cavities When You Have Veneers
Even though veneers don’t completely protect your teeth from cavities, it’s actually quite easy to keep your new smile in pristine condition. Veneer maintenance is similar to that of natural teeth. Remember to:
- Visit your dentist regularly – If a cavity has begun to form around a veneer, your dentist will be able to detect it at your routine checkups long before you would have noticed it. With early intervention, your dentist will likely be able to place a small filling rather than needing to remove and replace the veneer.
- Brush and floss – Spend two minutes twice a day brushing your teeth. Don’t neglect the area where your gums meet your teeth or the backs of your teeth. At least once a day, floss between each of your teeth, even those with veneers.
- Use the right toothpaste – Veneers are more stain-resistant than tooth enamel, so you shouldn’t need to use whitening toothpaste. These products can actually leave tiny scratches on the surfaces of your veneers. Instead, use a nonabrasive toothpaste that contains fluoride, which strengthens the enamel.
Veneers can create truly dazzling smiles, but they do require a little maintenance. Keep the above tips in mind to help your grin stay stunning and healthy long after getting veneers!
About the Author
Dr. Kapish Goyal has well over a decade of experience in the field of dentistry since obtaining his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University. He has also earned Fellowship status with the Academy of General Dentistry, a feat that only 6% of dentists in the United States ever accomplish! At Goyal Dentistry, he proudly offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services, including customized veneers. He’ll be more than happy to provide you with tips on making your veneers last and keeping your smile healthy. To learn more, you can contact Dr. Goyal by calling (757) 427-0695.
