Can Veneers Get Cavities?

If you’re looking for a way to improve your smile’s appearance, veneers are an excellent choice. It’s a long-term solution to address many cosmetic imperfections, from badly stained teeth to closing gaps, and improving the tooth shape.

However, even if you get veneers, you will still need to take care of your oral health with daily brushing and flossing. Veneers do not protect your teeth from cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems. Here’s why: 

How Veneers Are Placed

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain that gets attached to the surface of a tooth to change its appearance. It's added by first shaving a small amount of tooth enamel to create a rough texture. This allows the veneer to properly bond with your tooth and remain firmly in place for years.

Note that veneers are not the same as dental crowns. The latter covers the entire tooth to restore both size and strength. Veneers only cover the front of your teeth.

Veneers and Cavities

Cavities form when the bacteria found in the mouth start eating the food particles that linger after every meal. As they eat, bacteria release acids that slowly break down tooth enamel and create a permanent hole in the tooth, which gets bigger and, over time, can lead to a tooth infection.

Veneers are made of porcelain, so the bacteria in the mouth can’t break them down. But since only your front tooth surface is covered, you can still develop cavities.

What Happens If You Get a Cavity After Veneers?‍

If possible, a dentist in Shirley may try to treat the cavity without removing the veneers. However, this greatly depends on whether the cavity is easily accessed and how large it is.

Most often, patients may need to get their veneers removed in order to treat their cavities or other dental health issues. Then, the veneers will need to be replaced, since it’s not recommended to leave the tooth without this additional protection once the tooth enamel is shaved.

How to Protect Your Smile from Cavities

With good oral hygiene habits, you can reduce your risk for cavities and maintain your veneers for a long time. Patients can enjoy their new smile for 10–15 years or longer in some cases.

Here are some tips that can help:

• Brush your teeth at least two times a day.
• Floss daily
• Get routine dental cleanings and preventative dental care
• Stop smoking
• Get a mouthguard if you grind your teeth.
• Reduce snacking and sugary treats.
• Don’t use your teeth to open packages or chew on hard objects.
• Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.

Getting Veneers at Nashoba Valley Dental

If you want to change your smile’s appearance with porcelain veneers, our Shirley cosmetic dentist can help you find out if you’re a good candidate or recommend an alternative cosmetic treatment. Schedule an appointment at Nashoba Valley Dental today.