Picture this:
You chipped a tooth and your dentist restored your oral health with the help of veneers. Now you have a thin porcelain shell bonded to your tooth. So, understandably you may wonder:
Can this tooth ever get decayed?
To answer this question, you need to understand how veneers work.
How Veneers Work
Veneers are thin shells that are custom-made to fit over your natural teeth. But, before they are placed over your teeth, the dentist will have to remove a small amount of enamel to make room for the veneer. Once the tooth has been prepared, the veneer is bonded to the tooth using a special dental adhesive. This makes veneers a permanent dental procedure. That means that if the veneers ever get damaged, you have no choice but to replace them. Because the dentist removed some enamel, your tooth is now exposed without the veneers.
Although veneers are made of durable materials, such as porcelain, they can chip or crack if you are not careful. Additionally, veneers can become dislodged if they are not properly cared for or if they are exposed to trauma.
So, Can Veneers Get Cavities?
Technically, veneers themselves cannot get cavities because they are made of materials that do not decay. However, the natural teeth that the veneers are attached to can still get cavities. Bacteria can get under the veneer and attack the tooth underneath. If that's the case, the dentist will have to remove the veneers, treat the damaged tooth and then create a new set of custom-made veneers.
Proper Oral Hygiene is Key
Just because you have veneers doesn't mean you can skip brushing and flossing. In fact, now it's more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene because you can't see the tooth underneath and can't tell if it's getting decayed until it's too late.
To prevent cavities when you have veneers, it's important to practice good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day to remove plaque buildup
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria that can cause cavities
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize the acid in your mouth
See Dogwood Family Dental for Regular Dental Checkups
If you have veneers in Cookeville, regular dental checkups are crucial for increasing their lifespan. At Dogwood Family Dental, we will examine your teeth and gums to ensure that everything is healthy. We will also clean your teeth to remove any plaque buildup that may have accumulated since your last visit. Regular dental checkups can help prevent cavities and other dental problems and ensure that your veneers will last for years to come.
Go to our contact page to schedule your appointment with us now.
You can also get in touch with us by calling us at (931) 528-6536.
