Veneers are a great way to enhance your smile. But they won’t protect you from cavities if you don’t care for your teeth.
Veneers have become a go-to cosmetic dental procedure in recent years. Made of either porcelain or composite resin, veneers improve the appearance of a tooth that is discolored, chipped, or oddly shaped. Veneers can also close the gap between widely spaced teeth. These thin shells of tooth-colored material are a more affordable and less invasive option than a crown.
But if you have veneers, does that mean you can’t get cavities?
Unfortunately, veneer-treated teeth can still decay if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene. Let’s explore why veneers don’t offer full protection from dental decay—and how to keep both your veneers and natural teeth healthy.
Why Do Cavities Happen?
Your mouth naturally contains bacteria. When not cleaned away with brushing and flossing, these bacteria mix with sugars and starches from food to create acid. That acid eats away at your tooth enamel—the hard outer layer—leading to decay.
In the early stages, your body can remineralize some enamel loss with the help of saliva and fluoride. But once decay reaches the softer dentin underneath, it forms a cavity. At that point, only a filling can repair the damage.
And veneers? While the veneer itself can’t decay, the natural tooth underneath it can—especially since a small amount of enamel must be removed during veneer placement. If bacteria and acids sneak in under the veneer, they can cause cavities that go unnoticed until significant damage is done.
That’s why veneers are not typically recommended for patients with existing tooth decay or gum disease.
How to Take Care of Your Veneers (And Your Teeth)
Veneers are durable and long-lasting, often staying strong for up to 15 years with proper care. Here’s how to protect both your cosmetic investment and your natural teeth:
- Brush and floss daily. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to clean your veneers and teeth twice a day. Don’t skip flossing—bacteria love to hide between teeth!
- Rinse with fluoride mouthwash. This helps remove lingering plaque and strengthens your enamel.
- Drink tap water. Unlike bottled water, most public water systems include fluoride, which protects your enamel and prevents cavities.
- Limit sweets and starches. Sugary and starchy foods fuel cavity-causing bacteria. Minimize your intake of soda, candy, chips, and desserts—or brush soon after eating them.
- See your dentist regularly. Professional cleanings remove plaque that brushing can’t. Your dentist will also check for decay under or around veneers, ensuring your smile stays healthy and beautiful.
Also, avoid using whitening products on veneers—they don’t respond to bleaching—and steer clear of biting hard objects that could chip the porcelain.
The Bottom Line
Veneers are a fantastic cosmetic solution, but they don’t make you immune to cavities. The tooth beneath the veneer is still vulnerable, which is why consistent oral hygiene and routine dental care are essential.
Thinking of Veneers? Visit Espire Dental
At Espire Dental, our expert team can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted while keeping your teeth healthy and protected for the long haul.
Schedule your appointment with Espire Dental today and learn if veneers are the right choice for you!
.svg)
