Veneers are cosmetic dental appliances designed to be cemented over troubled teeth to reshape them and cover up flaws like cracks, chips, gaps, and stains. While these thin shells are made from high-quality materials that are inedible to harmful oral bacteria, the teeth they cover and protect can still develop cavities if they don’t receive the proper care. Here’s how you can get cavities after receiving veneers as well as how to maintain your beautiful new smile.
How Can Veneers Get Cavities?
Veneers can be made from porcelain or ceramic, both of which are high-quality materials that are durable, stain-resistant, and completely immune to cavities. However, the teeth wearing them are still vulnerable to tooth decay and will become infected without the proper care. To make matters more difficult, the veneers, being designed to cover up defects in teeth, can make it harder to detect cavities so they can go untreated for much longer than they would otherwise. Untreated tooth decay will eventually lead to tooth loss, which undoes all of the benefits veneers provide.
How Can I Keep My Teeth Healthy After Receiving Veneers?
Luckily, caring for teeth wearing veneers is no different from normal dental hygiene. A few tips for keeping your teeth and veneers in great shape include:
- See your dentist regularly: Seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings twice a year allows them to catch and correct cavities in their early stages, which prevents them from causing toothaches and tooth loss.
- Choose the right products: Abrasive toothpastes such as those marketed for whitening purposes can scratch your veneers, making them duller and less visually pleasing. Stick to gel toothpastes that are not as abrasive.
- Practice excellent oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing every day will remove bacteria, plaque, and food debris that cause tooth decay.
- Use fluoride: Dentists call fluoride “nature’s cavity fighter.” You can get fluoride in store-bought mouthwash or prescription-strength toothpaste from your dentist.
Veneers should be a long-term investment that keeps your smile beautiful and healthy. With the proper care, they can last for fifteen years or more before needing replacement.
About the Author
Dr. Michael O’Brien earned his dental degree at the University of Las Vegas Nevada School of Dental Medicine and has received advanced training in dental implants from the Misch Resnik International Implant Institute. He is also a proud member of the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Tulsa, OK, offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers. For more tips on caring for your veneers, contact his office online or dial (918) 477-9000.