It’s certainly true that veneers protect the teeth they’re placed on. These porcelain shells are sturdy, so they keep a lot of bacteria and debris at bay. Even so, you may wonder: Could you still get cavities with veneers? The question is very relevant, so your Federal Way dentist is here to provide an answer. That said, here’s a primer on whether veneered teeth can get cavities and how to look after your own veneers and teeth.
Context: What are Veneers?
Before you go any further, you should review what veneers are. Doing so provides context that helps address the “veneers and cavities” question.
Veneers are small, porcelain shells placed on the fronts of a patient’s teeth. Their main role is to hide various smile flaws, including tooth stains, chips, cracks, misalignments, and more. Since they use high-quality porcelain, the shells look incredibly lifelike and blend seamlessly with a patient’s adjacent teeth.
Can Veneered Teeth Get Cavities?
Veneers themselves can never get cavities, as they’re artificial. However, the teeth beneath them still can.
While protective, a veneer can’t fully prevent tooth decay. It only covers a tooth’s front surface; the shell leaves other areas vulnerable to bacteria. Adding insult to injury, poorly-placed veneers can let germs sneak beneath themselves. The result would be that the veneered teeth could yet suffer from cavities.
A cavity beneath a veneered tooth could ruin your treatment. Your dentist would have to remove your shell to treat the decay, forcing you to get a new veneer.
How to Look After Your Veneers (and Teeth)
To keep veneered teeth from getting cavities, you need to care for your veneers. So, remember to use the following tips:
- Stick to Good Oral Hygiene: If you brush your teeth twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse with mouthwash, you’ll remove the bacteria and plaque that cause cavities.
- See Your Dentist Often: Regular dental checkups and cleanings will protect your veneers. After all, they let your dentist treat your teeth before cavities form.
- Avoid Bad Oral Habits: If you aren’t careful, bad oral habits could chip your veneers and the teeth beneath them. So, try to avoid practices like teeth-grinding, ice-chewing, etc.
- Try a Mouthguard: Injuries and other trauma can damage veneers, so consider wearing a mouthguard for sports and a nightguard for sleep.
You can still get cavities with veneers, but the future isn’t inevitable. Just keep your veneered teeth strong and pretty by looking after your smile!
About the Practice
Precision Dental Care is based in Federal Way, VA. Led by Drs. Mace and Navi, our practice (per its name) is dedicated to patient-first, top-of-the-line dentistry. We tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to your specific smile needs! By taking this approach, our team ensures you and your family sport thriving grins for years to come! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (253)-838-2018.