SANTA CRUZ, SCOTTS VALLEY CA
Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry method, so learning as much as possible about them is crucial if you’re considering them to enhance your smile. Since veneers are often considered a permanent treatment, it’s important to carefully explore all of your options before committing to them. Dentists use veneers, which are thin but durable ceramic coverings that adhere to the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance. However, veneers don’t provide full protection against tooth decay. So, today on the blog, our Scotts Valley cosmetic dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry answer the question, “Can you get cavities if you have veneers?”
To understand the answer to this question, we must first explore what veneers are and how they cover your tooth.
What is a veneer?
Dental veneers are ultra-thin, shell-like covers that adhere to the front of your teeth to cover smile flaws, such as chips, cracks, gaps, or crooked teeth. The veneer material can be composite resin or porcelain (ceramic), and both are pliable enough to alter the veneer’s size, shape, and color. Veneer treatment requires our dentist to remove a small amount of tooth enamel so that the veneer can adhere to the tooth. The amount of enamel that is removed is no thicker than a strand of hair. But veneers only cover the front surface and biting edge of your teeth. Your natural tooth structure remains visible and intact on the backsides of your teeth.
Veneers and tooth decay are enemies.
According to a study, ceramic restorations have a less than 5% failure rate at five years. However, tooth decay is one reason a dental veneer might fail sooner. Since they only cover the front of your teeth, the remainder of your teeth are still vulnerable to deterioration. Our Santa Cruz cosmetic dentists who offer veneers state that it’s possible to obtain a cavity behind a dental veneer due to poor oral care, dry mouth, a preexisting tooth decay history, or an incorrectly fitted veneer. Veneers are an investment in your smile’s health and aesthetics. Therefore it’s important to practice good oral hygiene and avoid bad habits that might harm your new smile.
Maintaining good oral health is essential
Dental veneers are vulnerable to damage even though they are robust and more resistant to stains and damage than your natural teeth. A lack of maintenance nevertheless leaves them vulnerable to damage such as staining, cracking, and chipping. Using your teeth to open packaging or bottles, biting your fingernails, pens, or pencils, and clenching and grinding your teeth while sleeping could damage your veneers.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices for your natural teeth can also benefit your veneers. Our cosmetic dentists in Los Gatos advise patients to protect their new veneers and natural teeth by keeping up with their regular dental hygiene routine of twice-daily brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups, and a well-balanced diet. The frequency of dental checkups and cleanings is something that should be determined by your dentist based on your circumstances. However, the American Dental Association advises people to visit the dentist once every six months for preventive care.
Veneers in Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley, California
Veneers may improve the look of your smile, but they are not a preventative measure against tooth decay. Therefore, you still need to practice good oral hygiene daily to ensure that they last. If you take good care of your teeth daily and see the dentist twice a year, your sparkling new smile will last a long time. If you have questions about veneers or are ready to schedule your consultation, please contact our cosmetic dentists in Scotts Valley at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry by calling (831) 438-4411 or request an appointment online today.
