Can You Get Cavities With Veneers?

Veneers can help improve your smile in several ways. However, remember that cavities still develop even when the tooth is covered. Therefore, preventing tooth decay should be a part of preserving your veneers. This blog will walk you through the details of getting cavities with veneers, along with their prevention. 

What is a Dental Veneer?

A dental veneer is a thin covering of porcelain designed to cover the front of a tooth. It provides strength and resilience similar to enamel while also mimicking the natural appearance of teeth. Since each dental veneer is made specifically for the tooth it is applied to, the fit is nearly flawless in every case, and the veneer's color complements other teeth. The main purpose of dental veneers is to help people have a nicer, more appealing smile. They are often applied to the front teeth, which are more noticeable in the mouth.

Does Veneer Offer Protection against Decay?

The natural tooth structure beneath and around the veneer is still vulnerable to cavities, even though the porcelain or resin substance of the veneer itself is not. Here’s why:

1. Cover: Veneers usually just cover the tooth's front surface; they do not cover the entire tooth. Bacteria, plaque, and food particles are still present in the back, sides, and vicinity of the gum line.
2. Growth of Bacteria: Bacteria can accumulate on the exposed portions of your tooth and around the veneer's borders if you don't practice proper oral care. Acids produced by these bacteria have the ability to degrade enamel and cause decay.
3. Existing Decay: Veneers are usually only applied to teeth that are completely cavity-free. Any deterioration that has not been completely eliminated prior to veneer implantation may continue to spread beneath the veneer.
4. Ill-fitted Veneers: If a veneer is not properly fitted, there may be tiny spaces between it and the tooth, which can trap food particles and germs. Additionally, the veneer's glue may deteriorate with time, leaving gaps for germs to enter.

How Can You Prevent Cavities with Veneers?

After veneers are applied, your dentist may offer guidance on how to keep the teeth safe. This is not very different from how most individuals maintain their teeth without veneers. The primary distinction is that because veneers cover a portion of the tooth, specific care must be devoted to the exposed parts.

The following are the important steps that patients with veneers should follow:

1. Diet: Foods with high sugar or starch content can expose veneers to danger and dramatically raise the risk of cavities. Leafy greens, lean meat, low-fat dairy products, and crunchy fruits and vegetables are healthier substitutes for dental health.
2. Regular Checkups: A dentist can look for any warning signals of tooth decay that the patient may have overlooked. They can verify the continued health of the tooth that holds the veneer and provide a solution to prevent the problem from worsening if cavities are discovered.
3. Oral Hygiene: Maintaining proper oral hygiene may greatly lower the risk of decay by eliminating dangerous, cavity-causing bacteria.

Ending Note!

Veneers are a fantastic choice if you wish to whiten your teeth, repair damaged teeth, or restore your smile. However, veneers cannot replace proper dental hygiene or shield your teeth from cavities. Brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups are still necessary when wearing veneers.

For further queries and concerns, consult our experts at Riverside Family Dental. Call us at (586) 468-0983 to schedule an appointment.