If you’re about to get veneers in Lewis Center and still have some questions, this article is for you.
Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, but even so, there are a lot of misconceptions about them. And a key one is linked to the amount of protection veneers can offer patients from dental troubles like cavities.
Keep reading to understand exactly how veneers work.
Veneers 101
Veneers are "new faces" for your natural teeth. They are porcelain shells attached to a natural tooth in order to correct various cosmetic imperfections:
- Severe discoloration or staining
- Minor chips and cracks
- Irregularly-sized teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Minor tooth alignment issues, etc.
Veneers are a permanent and irreversible procedure. The prepping stage involves the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel, which allows the shells to stick to the tooth and prevents them from protruding.
But tooth enamel doesn’t grow back, so if your veneers ever get damaged or you want to change your smile’s appearance again, you will need to replace them.
Do Veneers Get Cavities?
Veneers don’t get cavities, but your natural teeth can. Unlike dental crowns, veneers don’t cover the entire tooth.
This means your enamel is still exposed to the harmful bacteria found in your mouth. Without proper oral hygiene, this bacteria can still attack your teeth and create cavities.
If this happens, you might even need to get your veneers changed. If the dentist cannot access to the cavity, they may need to remove the veneer to treat your tooth, which can sometimes damage it.
How to Prevent Cavities and Protect Your Smile
Veneers are a low-maintenance procedure, meaning they don’t require any special treatment.
Daily brushing and flossing are the best ways to care for veneers and enjoy your results for a long time. Couple this with routine dental appointments for professional cleanings, and you can also keep your natural teeth healthy.
Of course, you can up your game and provide even more protection to your veneers by:
- Avoiding highly staining foods and drinks
- Not smoking, vaping, or using any similar products.
- Wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth
- Cutting back on hard foods and sugars
- Brushing your teeth after every meal or chewing sugar-free gum
- Using whitening toothpaste from time to time to remove stubborn stains
- Getting fluoride treatments to strengthen your natural teeth, etc.
How to Find Out If Veneers Are Right for You
Veneers are popular, provide great results, and can last as long as 15 years or more. Unfortunately, they’re not for everyone.
Come see Lewis Center dentist Dr. Harjyot Bhullar for a short consultation to learn if you’re a good candidate for veneers or what other cosmetic treatment can give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
Request a visit to Refine Dental Studio online, or call our office at (740) 201-1330 for more information.
