Are you a lucky recipient of dental veneers? If so, you may be one of many patients who wonder if these thin porcelain shells can protect against cavities. After all, veneers are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. While this offers a great cosmetic solution for discoloration, chips, and gaps, does it also stop tooth decay?
If you want to learn if dental veneers can protect your teeth from the ravages of dental caries, continue reading.
Why Dental Veneers Don’t Stop Cavities
Unfortunately, while veneers can improve the appearance of your smile, they do not make your teeth immune to decay. Dental veneers are adhered to the front of your teeth. This means that while they can effectively mask imperfections, they do not cover the entire tooth surface.
Because of this, the sides and backs of your teeth can still get coated in bacterial plaque and acid. These will slowly wear away at the tooth enamel over time—regardless of the presence of dental veneers. This could ultimately cause the veneers to fail and fall off!
How Can I Protect My Dental Veneers?
Here are some ways you can protect your dental veneers to keep them around for many more years:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Just like normal teeth, any of your pearly whites covered with veneers require regular brushing and flossing to prevent cavities. Good oral hygiene practices are necessary for preserving the health of the underlying tooth structure and preventing decay.
Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods
Consuming sugary and acidic foods and beverages can increase the risk of cavities—with or without dental veneers. It’s important to limit your intake of these by practicing moderation to minimize the likelihood of decay.
Regular Dental Checkups
Routine dental visits are critical for checking the health of your teeth and keeping them clean. Your dentist can monitor the condition of your veneers over time, check for any signs of decay or damage, and provide professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
So, you see, while veneers can enhance the appearance of your smile, they do not provide complete protection against cavities. Even with veneers, you’ll need to keep up with the health of your smile—there’s no shortcut for great teeth. As always, if you have any concerns about cavities or the health of your veneers, consult with your dentist for personalized guidance and recommendations.
About the Practice
Finding the right dentist to enhance your smile with treatments like dental veneers can be tough. At Island City Dental, both Dr. Hasan Yap and Dr. Robert Smith are up to the task! They have the latest training in cosmetic treatments and use advanced dental technology to deliver quality results every time. Call (954) 564-7121 to schedule a dental veneer consultation or visit the website to explore other services they provide.