Through the years, porcelain veneers have transformed considerably. Originally tailored to perfect the smiles of Hollywood stars, they have since become available to the wider public, offering individuals a means to improve the aesthetics of their teeth. Despite their success in addressing various cosmetic issues, a pertinent question arises: What about cavities? Can they still occur with veneers? Dive into the intricacies to unveil the answer.
Can You Still Get Cavities with Veneers?
Manufactured from high-quality dental-grade porcelain, veneers are thin shells adept at concealing the frontal portion of a tooth. Despite their composition differing from that of natural teeth, it’s crucial to recognize that the underlying tooth may still be prone to decay.
Insufficient oral hygiene practices, such as not brushing for two minutes both morning and night and neglecting to floss before bedtime, are frequently identified as the main contributors to cavity formation.
Furthermore, an excess intake of sugary, acidic, or starchy foods and beverages can play a role in decay. If a cavity develops in a tooth with a veneer, the dentist will need to remove the veneer to facilitate proper treatment.
4 Tips for Maintaining Your Veneers
Preventing cavities with veneers requires a dedicated focus on your oral care. Key steps include:
- Embracing good oral hygiene practices – Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid enamel damage. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth against decay.
- Regular dental check-ups – Schedule biannual dental appointments for proactive monitoring of emerging cavities or other oral health issues. These visits also include a comprehensive cleaning to maintain oral hygiene.
- Eating mindfully – Exercise caution with hard or sticky foods like crunchy bread, taffy, and peanut brittle, which may damage or loosen your veneers. Consider avoiding such foods to preserve the integrity of your veneers.
- Breaking unhealthy habits – Refrain from using your teeth for tasks like opening bottles, smoking, chewing ice, and excessive alcohol consumption, as these habits can harm both your veneers and the underlying teeth.
Preserving the health and durability of your veneers requires cultivating mindful habits and avoiding potential risks. Consistent adherence to good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and steering clear of certain habits and foods will contribute to the ongoing enhancement of your smile with veneers!
About the Practice
At United Dental Centers of Merrillville, patients are welcomed with exceptional care, reflecting the team’s profound passion for dentistry. Committed to delivering an outstanding experience, they specialize in providing porcelain veneers to elevate the aesthetic appeal of smiles. Beyond cosmetic enhancements, the team offers valuable insights to prevent cavities with veneers. For appointments or further information on porcelain veneers, feel free to reach out to United Dental Centers of Merrillville at (219) 980-4900 or explore their website.