One of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if yours is riddled with flaws, you might not make a positive impression. Imperfections like discoloration, chips, cracks, slight gaps, and mild misalignments can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
Your dentist can place porcelain veneers to upgrade your grin and boost your confidence, but many patients wonder whether these covers prevent cavities. If you’re curious whether your covered teeth can develop decay, continue reading to learn more!
What Are Veneers?
These thin, ceramic shells are customized to be just the right tone, shape, and size to fit over the front surfaces of your enamel. Then, they’re arranged and cemented in place to address one or several aesthetic concerns.
Your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel for them to fit correctly, which doesn’t regenerate. This irreversible alteration slightly increases your vulnerability to damage and decay, but fortunately, your veneers are strong enough to shield them from additional harm. Plus, they can last 20 or more years if cared for correctly, making them an excellent long-term solution.
Can I Still Get Cavities with Veneers?
Tooth decay occurs when harmful germs in your mouth produce acids that work in tandem with the foods you eat to slowly erode the protective outer layer of your teeth. Your veneers are coated with a glaze durable enough to resist chipping and staining, so many patients may assume their grins are completely protected.
However, your restorations only cover the front surfaces of your pearly whites. The rest of your enamel remains exposed to bacteria in your mouth that can penetrate your teeth or gums to cause cavities, gum disease, and other oral issues.
How Can I Prevent Oral Issues with Veneers?
Veneers can potentially last for years if they’re properly maintained, and it’s only natural to want to do everything you can to preserve your recent cosmetic enhancements. Fortunately, caring for them is simple!
Typically, you can keep them in excellent condition by brushing and flossing twice daily to remove harmful bacteria and plaque that contribute to many common dental issues. It’s also recommended that you schedule a routine checkup and cleaning with your dentist every six months. This allows them to monitor your oral condition so they can catch and treat problems before they worsen.
If you still have unanswered questions about what to expect from life with veneers, consulting your dentist directly is the best way to get accurate answers based on your unique circumstances!
Meet the Author
Dr. Evan Pedersen is passionate about helping patients improve their dental health so they can look and feel their most attractive and healthy selves. He earned his dental degree from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and is committed to continuing education so he can offer the most current treatment options. He provides a comprehensive menu of services, including cosmetics like veneers, to meet all your needs at one convenient location. His caring approach is combined with advanced technology to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (512) 777-0866.