When you’ve finally had your veneers cemented in place, it’s easy to feel like all your oral health problems have disappeared. In some ways that’s true–-your veneers will make you look, talk, and feel better than you have in a long time. However, maintaining your oral health is still vitally important.
You might wonder if it’s still possible to get cavities with your veneers. They are made of porcelain, so you might think tooth decay isn’t an issue. If you’re wondering, here’s what you should know about veneers and cavities.
Can I Get Cavities with Veneers?
While the porcelain itself is unlikely to decay, your veneers are attached to your natural teeth. Your veneers can’t get cavities, but those teeth can.
Not only will cavities on your natural teeth still be uncomfortable, but they’ll also compromise the foundation on which your veneers rest. Cavities only get worse with time, so if left untreated, it’s possible you could lose your veneer.
If you discover a cavity has formed on your natural teeth, your dentist will probably recommend you treat it. This means removing the veneer, cleaning up the decay-causing bacteria, filling the cavity, and then replacing the veneer.
How to Take Care of Veneers
After reading that, you probably want to ensure that you don’t have any cavities. Thankfully, with diligent hygiene, you shouldn’t have to worry. Here are a few things you can do to ensure that your veneers—and the teeth underneath them—stay in good condition
- Brush and Floss: The most important thing you can do daily is to keep up a diligent brushing routine. However, it’s best to avoid alcohol-based mouthwash, as this can weaken your veneer’s cement. You should also avoid whitening toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide for the same reason.
- Use Products with Fluoride: Fluoride has been proven to fortify enamel and prevent tooth decay.
- Avoid Abrasive Toothpaste: Baking soda and charcoal can scratch the porcelain on your veneers, causing severe damage to them over time.
- See Your Dentist Often: You can’t easily see behind your veneers, but your dentist can. They’ll be able to catch any signs of decay before they become full-fledged cavities.
About the Author
Dr. Rob Schumacher is a certified prosthodontist who has been practicing for over 14 years. To this day, his favorite thing about his work is being able to provide his patients with a sense of confidence with his cosmetic and restorative treatments. Dr. Schumacher has received dental training at both the University of Kentucky and the University of Michigan.
If you have any questions about caring for your veneers, he can be reached at his website, or by phone at (781) 334-3400.