Cavities and Veneers: How to Keep Your Updated Smile Beautiful

You’ve always wanted a Hollywood-worthy smile, and now you’ve got it! When your dentist has finished putting your porcelain veneers in place, you can’t believe how amazing your teeth look. You likely chose veneers because they are durable and appear so natural; however, before you leave, your dentist stresses the importance of caring for your new veneers.

You’re a little confused—these aren’t made of enamel, so you shouldn’t have to worry about normal dental issues like cavities, right? Is getting cavities really a problem with veneers? Why and how should you maintain your veneers? Read on to find out!

Cavities with Veneers

Believe it or not, it is possible to get a cavity on a tooth that has a porcelain veneer. This thin layer of ceramic material, which is not vulnerable to decay, covers and attaches to your natural tooth, which is very much susceptible to decay. In other words, your veneer itself won’t get a cavity, but the tooth your veneer is bonded to may.

In addition, you need to keep in mind that veneers only cover the front portion of the tooth. As a result, the other surfaces and areas of the tooth can still contract decay.

Why You Need to Maintain Your Veneers

At first glance, veneers provide the perfect cover for troubled teeth. The front surface can appear perfect; however, behind the veneer façade the underlying tooth may be suffering. Without routine care, your teeth won’t be strong enough to support veneers. Additionally, over time harmful bacteria in your mouth can weaken the bond between the teeth and the veneers, causing them to fail prematurely.

How to Care for Your Veneers

The good news is that veneers do not require any extra special maintenance. In fact, you care for them just as you do your natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing prevent plaque buildup, and regular visits to your dentist’s office address any plaque that you have missed. Other veneer-friendly habits include drinking more water throughout the day, consuming less sugar, and avoiding extremely hard foods that could damage the veneers. By making these small lifestyle changes, you can better protect your veneers and your natural tooth enamel for the long run.

In the end, the lifespan of your dream smile will greatly depend on how well you take care of it. Through seemingly small, but very important steps for maintaining your veneers, you can keep your beautiful, new teeth in excellent condition for decades to come!

About the Author

Although Dr. Rina Singh has training in many areas of dentistry, she is particularly experienced and skilled in cosmetic procedures. She is an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of Facial Aesthetics, and the SPEAR Education Club. After finishing dental school, she completed a one-year residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center (now called Northwell Medical Center). If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Singh to discuss porcelain veneers, you can contact the practice by calling 717-937-8180 or click here.