Do crooked, stained, or mismatched teeth negatively impact your self-esteem? If so, you might be surprised to learn that 33% of American adults are unhappy with their smiles. And while many people think that cosmetic dental procedures like braces and crowns are necessary to fix unattractive teeth, there is another option that does not require drilling into your tooth enamel.
That option is called a dental veneer. A porcelain veneer procedure involves applying a thin layer of ceramic material over your existing teeth. These materials bond to your natural teeth, creating a smooth surface that looks like your natural teeth. They can even improve your appearance by covering stains, gaps, chips, cracks, and uneven surfaces.
If you have veneers or are considering getting them, you might have some questions.
Can you get cavities with veneers?
Can veneers get cavities?
Keep reading to find out if dental veneers are susceptible to common dental issues, as well as seven tips to keep your veneers looking great for a beautiful smile.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of veneers and how they work, let’s take a look at what they are and how they affect your dental health.
Porcelain veneers are ceramic coverings (thin shells) that can mask various cosmetic flaws, such as chips, gaps, and discolored or misshapen teeth. The veneers are made to fit snugly over your natural teeth on top of your enamel and can be stained to match the color of your other teeth. When placed by a cosmetic dentist, they can drastically enhance the appearance of your smile.
Although porcelain veneers cannot get cavities, the teeth they attach to are still subject to tooth decay. Therefore it is crucial to practice good oral hygiene post-procedure. Without proper care, a cavity can form under the veneer, causing the dentist to extract the decayed area and replace the veneer.
Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which happens over time. A thin film called plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth, forming a sticky substance known as dental plaque. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque can build up quickly and eventually hardens into tartar. Over time, tartar can wear down the protective layers of the teeth, exposing the inner layer of the tooth (dentin).
Once exposed, the bacteria and acid produced by plaque can eat away at the underlying dentin. As the process continues, tiny holes develop in the enamel. These holes allow bacteria and acids to penetrate deeper into the tooth, causing decay. Eventually, the hole grows large enough to expose the nerve inside the tooth. This causes pain and tooth sensitivity and can lead to infection.
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover the front surfaces of your teeth. They’re designed to improve the appearance of your smile without altering the shape of your teeth. To maintain your veneers, follow these simple steps:
Veneers, unlike real teeth, will not decay. Veneers are artificial structures made of porcelain or composite materials.
Although veneers can have a long lifespan, they will eventually wear down and need to be replaced. Porcelain veneers can last 15+ years, while composite veneers are more likely to last 5+ years. Veneer longevity depends on both your oral health, hygiene, and the material used in construction.
Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They can provide some protection for the front of your teeth but not for the back. They also do not prevent gum disease, which can be just as serious as a cavity. Regular dental cleanings and a good oral hygiene routine can prevent tooth decay.
To have veneers placed, you must have healthy teeth and gums. If you have cavities or serious gum disease, your dentist will need to treat these conditions first before your dentist can start the veneer process.
As long as you see a qualified cosmetic dentist, a veneer won’t hurt your teeth, but it will permanently alter your smile. When a dentist bonds a veneer onto your teeth, your dentist will carefully shave away some of your natural enamel. Your dentist will use the remaining enamel to help form the veneer’s final shape. Afterward, the dentist will polish the veneer smooth.
If you want to restore your smile, whiten your teeth, or fix chipped teeth, veneers are an excellent option. However, they don’t protect against cavities, and no matter how great they look, they can’t take the place of good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly are still a must! If you have any other questions about porcelain veneers, see if you’re a good candidate for veneers, or if you’re looking for expert veneer advice, please let us know!
Sloan Creek Dental is a Fairview dental office with a welcoming environment and highly-trained staff. We’ve helped hundreds of people in their journey to a new smile. Our dentist is ready to consult with you and perform the cosmetic or restorative procedure that’s right for you. Whether you already have veneers, want to start the veneer conversation, or have other dental concerns, we’re here for you. To schedule your appointment, contact Sloan Creek Dental, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. You can reach us at our Fairview, TX dental office to schedule an in-person consultation with us today – 972-468-1440.
Our dental office is located in Fairview, Texas, and our patients visit us from across the surrounding areas, including Allen, Plano, McKinney, and Lucas.
