You are eager to flaunt your new smile. With the help of dental veneers, you managed to fix some cosmetic imperfections that have been bothering you for a while. Whether it was a chip, crack, or stains, the problem is gone now.
But if you want to preserve your smile for as long as possible, it's important to know one thing:
You can get cavities even if you have veneers.
How is that possible? Keep reading to find out!
Let's start by explaining how veneers work. These thin porcelain or composite resin shells are attached to the surface of your tooth using a dental adhesive. The dentist will trim down some of your tooth's enamel to give it a rougher texture and then use dental cement to bond the veneer to the tooth. The veneer is then shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth.
Veneers are made of a material that is resistant to staining and does not decay like natural teeth. However, keep in mind that the veneer is bonded to your natural tooth. So, while the veneer in itself cannot get damaged by harmful bacteria, the tooth underneath and the surrounding tissues can.
Veneers will not cover the entire tooth. There is a portion, also known as the line of demarcation, that remains exposed. Bacteria can accumulate there and lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
You have higher chances of developing tooth decay if:
If you don't brush and floss regularly, bacteria will build up around the veneers and cause tooth decay.
A diet high in sugar and starches can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Saliva plays a key role in neutralizing harmful bacteria and protecting your teeth from decay. People with dry mouth have a higher risk of developing cavities.
Prevention is key here. If you want to avoid cavities developing under or around the veneers, then you need to:
If you do get a cavity, the dentist may need to remove the veneers to treat it.
Do you want to make sure that your veneers are in good condition? Or maybe you have a cosmetic issue that you want to address and are thinking about getting veneers?
Whatever you may need, the team at Cibolo Family Smiles is here to assist you and help you achieve the best oral health.
Do you have any questions? Get in touch with us online and let us know about your problem.