Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today. Used by celebrities, social media influencers, and everyday people alike, these thin shells of porcelain are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth and essentially redesign their appearance. However, while veneers can dramatically improve your smile, you might wonder, “Can I still get cavities with veneers?” Here is what you should know about cavities and veneers.
Can I Get Cavities With Veneers?
First and foremost, it’s good to understand how cavities form. Cavities develop when the enamel on your teeth is damaged by acid produced by bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria feed on sugar and food bits left behind on your pearly whites after eating. They break down the food and produce acids. Over time, the enamel is eroded by the acid, leaving cavities.
Poor dental hygiene is the main culprit in cavity formation, as it allows bacteria-ridden plaque to build up on teeth.
The porcelain shell that makes up veneers is resistant to decay. You don’t have to worry about plaque breaking them down, but they don’t fully surround your teeth. Veneers cover the front of your teeth, but the sides and back are exposed. Bacteria can accumulate around the edges where the veneer bonds to the tooth. These exposed parts of your natural teeth can erode if the plaque is improperly removed.
Even though you aren’t immune to cavities once you have veneers, the right prevention can dramatically reduce your risk of them. You need to ensure you’re taking good care of your teeth to avoid getting cavities with veneers.
How to Care for Veneers & Avoid Getting Cavities
As always, a solid oral hygiene routine can help maintain your veneers and the natural teeth underneath. It’s crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss between your teeth daily to remove food particles and plaque. If you can stop cavity-causing plaque from building up on or around your veneers, you will give your teeth the best chance not to get tooth decay underneath.
Regular visits to your dentist will allow them to monitor the condition of your veneers and the underlying teeth. If you give your dentist a chance every six months to check for any decay or damage, they can address it before it becomes a serious issue.
While cavities aren’t something of your past when you enhance your smile with veneers, you can help prevent them in your future.
About the Practice
At Advanced Dental Concepts, you are in the hands of a team of dentists with 20+ years of combined experience. They have helped countless people achieve their ideal smiles through personalized, high-quality care. We understand the importance of veneers in boosting your confidence and are passionate about keeping your veneers looking their best for years to come. Whether you’re considering veneers or already have them, schedule an appointment to keep them clean or call us at (219) 663-6878.