Veneers can give you a perfect smile, but does that mean your teeth are completely protected from cavities?
If you’re receiving veneers from Chevy Chase Dental Care, you might be curious about what happens after the procedure.
How should you care for your teeth, and can teeth get cavities under veneers?
The answer is “yes!” Veneers don’t make your teeth immune to cavities. To maintain your new smile, it’s important to keep up with good oral hygiene.
Keep reading to learn more!
Understanding Veneers
Veneers, the heroes of cosmetic dentistry, are thin, tailor-made shells that cover the front surface of teeth, correcting flaws such as discoloration and chips.
Made from either porcelain or resin, they provide a long-lasting, stain-resistant, and natural-looking enhancement to your smile. This minimally invasive treatment requires little tooth modification, delivering a bright and flawless appearance.
How Are Teeth Prepared for Veneers?
To create a smooth, natural smile without any noticeable bumps, your cosmetic dentist will need to prepare your tooth surface before placing the veneer.
Typically, about half a millimeter of the tooth’s surface is gently shaved down prior to your veneer appointment. This quick, outpatient procedure won’t affect the strength of your tooth or increase the risk of decay.
After the tooth heals, the veneer is bonded using a strong adhesive that hardens under a special light. This ensures a secure fit with no gaps for bacteria to enter and cause decay.
With proper care and the expertise of a skilled cosmetic dentist, your natural teeth should remain healthy beneath the veneers.
But Can Teeth Get Cavities Under Veneers?
Yes, your teeth can get cavities under veneers.
Veneers only cover and embellish the front surfaces of your teeth, not the entire tooth. Even if they did, tooth decay could still affect the natural tooth beneath the veneer.
Food particles can accumulate around or underneath the veneers if oral hygiene is neglected. Bacteria will then feed on these particles, produce acid, and cause decay in the enamel, leading to cavities, even in veneered teeth.
It is also important to note that veneers are typically applied only to the front teeth, not the molars or premolars, meaning your back teeth will remain just as vulnerable to cavities as before.
How Can Teeth Get Cavities Under Veneers?
Poor Oral Hygiene
Inadequate brushing and flossing can allow plaque and food particles to accumulate around the edges of veneers. This buildup encourages bacterial growth, producing acid that can erode the natural tooth’s enamel beneath the veneer.Gum Recession
As gums recede, the margin between the veneer and the natural tooth can become exposed. This leaves areas vulnerable to bacteria, leading to decay at the gumline, where the veneer no longer protects the tooth.Veneer Misfit or Damage
If veneers are not properly fitted or become damaged, they can leave gaps or rough edges. These areas become traps for food and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay in the unprotected sections.Acidic Diet
Consuming foods and drinks high in sugar or acid can weaken tooth enamel around the veneer. Even though the veneer covers part of the tooth, the exposed areas, especially at the edges, can still be affected by acid erosion.Neglecting Regular Dental Checkups
Skipping routine dental visits can result in unnoticed issues beneath or around veneers. Dentists can detect early signs of decay and ensure veneers are properly maintained, preventing cavities from developing under them.How to Prevent Cavities on Teeth With Veneers
Brush & Floss Regularly
Keep your teeth and veneers clean by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing to remove plaque and food particles. Pay extra attention to the areas where the veneers meet your natural teeth for a thorough clean.Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Choose fluoride toothpaste, and consider adding a fluoride mouthwash to your routine. This will help strengthen your enamel and provide extra protection against cavities.Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups
Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. They’ll monitor the health of your veneers and natural teeth, catching any issues before they become serious.Avoid Excessive Sugar Consumption
Cut back on sugary foods and drinks, as they’re major culprits in cavity formation. Opt for healthier snacks, and rinse your mouth with water after indulging in something sweet.Quit Smoking
Smoking raises your risk for gum disease and decay, which can harm your veneers and natural teeth. Kicking the habit improves not just your oral health but your overall well-being, too.Treatments for Teeth with Cavities Under Veneers
Veneer Removal & Replacement
If a cavity forms beneath your veneer, your dentist may need to carefully remove the veneer to treat the decayed tooth. Once the cavity is addressed, a new veneer can be applied, restoring both the look and function of your tooth.Dental Fillings
When a cavity covers a larger area, traditional dental fillings may be needed. Your dentist will use a durable material to fill the cavity, shaping it to match your tooth’s natural contours, resulting in a seamless, beautiful finish.Dental Bonding
For smaller cavities, dental bonding is an effective option. Your dentist will apply a tooth-colored composite material to fill the cavity, then shape and polish it to blend perfectly with the surrounding tooth and veneer, keeping your smile flawless.Takeaway
Dental veneers have the power to dramatically enhance a patient’s smile, boosting confidence and overall self-esteem. However, maintaining that radiant smile requires special care and attention. Patients need to understand the commitment involved in keeping their veneers in top shape.
Before starting the procedure, it’s important for the patient and dentist to discuss proper care techniques to ensure the health of the teeth beneath the veneers. With the right care, patients can enjoy the benefits of their veneers for many years.
Wondering if Veneers Are Right for You?
Schedule a consultation with in Chevy Chase Dental Care MD, and find out how you can get a brand new smile makeover with veneers!
FAQs
Do veneers prevent cavities from forming on my natural teeth?
What happens if I get a cavity under my veneer?
If a cavity forms under the veneer, your dentist might possibly have to remove the veneer altogether in order to treat the decay and replace it with a new one.