Can You Still Get Cavities with Veneers?
Whether you have tooth discoloration or just want to recreate the youthful, vibrant smile you once had, veneers are the cosmetic procedure to consider. Veneers cover the front of existing teeth and are a less invasive solution than dental implants or dentures. But before you choose veneers for your new smile, you’ll want to understand if they’ll help protect your teeth from cavities. While veneers themselves can’t develop cavities, there are steps you can take to prevent your existing teeth from developing a cavity and compromising your beautiful new smile.
How veneers work
Veneers are a cosmetic dental solution that attaches to and covers only the front of the tooth. They’re typically sought out by people who want an aesthetic fix for a dental issue like stains, cracks, chips, or other damage.
To apply veneers, the dentist scrapes some enamel from the front of the tooth to create a surface for the veneer to adhere to. They then apply a special cement adhesive and set the veneer. After the cement hardens, the dentist polishes and buffs the teeth to shiny perfection before sending you on your way. Depending on the material and how well you care for your smile, veneers may last up to 15 years.
Can you get a cavity with veneers?
A cavity occurs when tooth enamel is damaged and forms tiny holes. Cavities are often caused by poor oral hygiene or failure to clean teeth appropriately, giving bacteria a chance to form plaque that can wreak havoc on enamel.
Veneers are not susceptible to cavities because of the ceramic and composite materials used to create them. However, your underlying tooth is still exposed in the back and is open to a cavity or other oral infection. Practicing good oral health habits is the only way to reduce your chances of developing a cavity with veneers.
How to avoid cavities with veneers
You can take several steps to limit the chances of getting a cavity on a tooth with veneers:
- Brush and floss daily: Brushing twice daily and flossing once can help prevent plaque build-up before it becomes a cavity.
- Choose whole foods: A diet of whole foods, including raw vegetables and fruits, can help remove plaque from teeth, build tooth enamel, and keep them clean.
- Drink water throughout the day: Flushing your teeth and gums with water throughout the day can reduce the leftover food available between teeth for bacteria to feed on.
- Attend regular dental visits: After having veneers put in, you should continue attending regular dental check-ups. Your dental care team can help identify potential cavities early and offer tips to help you clean those areas more thoroughly.
The bottom line
While veneers themselves can’t develop cavities, your underlying teeth still can. It’s incredibly important to maintain good oral hygiene after having veneers put in. Regular brushing and flossing, eating whole foods, drinking water, and attending your regular dental visits can all help alleviate plaque build-up and cavities before they start.
