Do crooked, stained, or misaligned teeth affect your self-esteem? You’re not alone—33% of Americans feel unhappy with their smiles. Fortunately, porcelain veneers offer a solution to brighten, straighten, and perfect your teeth. These durable, stain-resistant shells can last over 15 years and address multiple cosmetic concerns. But can veneers get cavities? The answer is yes. While veneers themselves are not prone to cavities, the underlying natural teeth can still develop decay if not properly cared for. To maintain a healthy smile with veneers, it’s crucial to practice excellent oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Continue reading for more tips on how to keep your veneers and natural teeth in optimal condition and prevent any dental issues.
What are Cavities?
Tooth decay is the cause of cavities, and it happens gradually over time. Plaque, a sticky, white layer of germs on your teeth, is the first sign of the process. Plaque can become tartar both above and below the gum line if it isn't eradicated by consistent brushing and flossing. Tartar is more difficult to get rid of and might cause more tooth problems.
The enamel, or outer coating of your teeth, is eroded when plaque and tartar are left on them for a long time. Tiny holes or openings caused by erosion are the first indications of a hollow. Acids and bacteria can enter the dentin, the tooth's underlying layer, as the enamel erodes. Because dentin has direct access to the tooth's nerve and is softer than enamel, it can be sensitive and uncomfortable. This is usually the time at which people start to realize something is wrong.
Tooth enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth. When this enamel deteriorates due to plaque and bacteria, cavities can form. Plaque continuously forms on your teeth, and when bacteria trapped in plaque produce acids, these acids gradually break down enamel. If you don't maintain a good oral hygiene routine and regularly visit your dentist, these acids can create holes (cavities) in your teeth.
While it's impossible to prevent plaque formation entirely, good oral hygiene can significantly reduce plaque buildup and minimize the risk of cavities. Effective oral hygiene practices include:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth
- Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce plaque
- Scheduling regular dental checkups for professional cleanings and evaluations
Without proper oral care, plaque and bacteria will continue to accumulate, increasing the risk of cavities and other dental problems.
Can Veneers Get Cavities?
While veneers themselves cannot develop cavities because they are crafted from non-dental materials like porcelain or composite resin, the underlying natural teeth are still at risk for decay. Here’s a breakdown of why this is the case:
- Enamel Exposure: To apply veneers, a thin layer of enamel is often removed from the teeth to ensure a secure fit. This exposure can make the remaining tooth more vulnerable to cavities if it isn’t properly cared for.
- Gum Health: If veneers are not fitted perfectly or if there are gaps between them and the natural tooth, this can create spaces where plaque and bacteria can accumulate. This can lead to decay in the natural tooth beneath the veneer.
- Oral Hygiene: Neglecting oral hygiene can result in plaque buildup around the edges of the veneers. This plaque can affect the health of both the natural teeth and gums, potentially leading to decay.
In summary, while veneers themselves are resistant to cavities, the natural teeth they cover can still be susceptible to decay. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups is crucial to prevent cavities from developing around or beneath your veneers. This ensures the health of your natural teeth and the longevity of your veneers.
Caring & Maintaining Your Veneers
Maintaining your veneers in optimal condition and keeping your underlying natural teeth healthy is straightforward with good oral hygiene. Here’s a simplified guide to ensuring your veneers stay cavity-free and your smile remains bright:
- Brush Regularly: Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth gently. Brushing in the morning and before bed helps remove food particles and bacteria that can contribute to decay.
- Floss Daily: Flossing once a day is essential for removing food particles and plaque that brushing alone may miss. This helps prevent plaque buildup between your teeth and under the gumline, where cavities can start.
- Use Mouthwash: Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to kill germs and reduce plaque. Mouthwash also helps to freshen your breath and protect against gingivitis.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help stimulate saliva production, which naturally protects your teeth. Avoid smoking and using oral tobacco, as these can lead to dry mouth and other oral health issues.
- Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods: Reduce your consumption of starchy and sugary snacks, as well as acidic foods and beverages, as these can erode tooth enamel and create cavities. Rinse your mouth with water after eating to help balance acidity.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Plan on having your teeth cleaned and examined every six months. Frequent visits enable your dentist to check the health of your teeth overall, maintain the state of your veneers, and identify any problems before they get worse.
- Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or as soon as the bristles tear. A well-maintained toothbrush guarantees that your veneers are fully cleansed without chipping.
Conclusion
While dental veneers themselves cannot get cavities, the natural teeth they cover can still be susceptible to decay if not properly cared for. By following good oral hygiene practices and maintaining regular dental visits, you can ensure both your veneers and natural teeth remain healthy and functional. If you have any concerns about your veneers or oral health, don't hesitate to reach out to Peak Dental Group for expert advice and care.
For more information on veneers and how to maintain your dental health, contact Peak Dental Group today!
FAQs
Can plaque grow on veneers?
While veneers provide a protective layer over the front surfaces of your teeth, shielding them from direct exposure to sugars, acids, and bacteria, the rest of the tooth remains vulnerable to these elements. Additionally, plaque can still accumulate on and around veneers, so it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene and care for your surrounding gums as well.
How can I clean my teeth under veneers?
A specific bonding cement is used to bind dental veneers, ensuring a firm, long-lasting hold. It's crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene after getting veneers by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild fluoride toothpaste. Furthermore, flossing is still necessary to clean in between your teeth and under your gum line, areas that a toothbrush cannot reach.
Do teeth get yellow under veneers?
Even while veneers cover your teeth, they don’t totally guard your original teeth from decay. Consuming large amounts of soda and fizzy drinks can make your natural teeth turn yellow, which may be evident through your veneers.
