If you’ve put considerable time, effort, and money into improving your smile with veneers, it’s understandable that you’d want them to last as long as possible.
Veneers have become increasingly popular for their ability to hide imperfections such as chipped or discolored teeth, providing patients with a perfect, movie-star smile. As a result, they’ve become a top choice for many people looking to achieve their ideal smile.
However, despite the excitement and life-changing benefits veneers offer, an important question remains: Can veneers get cavities?
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, delicate shells made from porcelain or composite resin. They are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth and enhance your smile.
Whether you’re looking to whiten stained teeth, fix slight misalignments, or reshape uneven teeth, veneers offer a minimally invasive way to achieve the cosmetic results you desire.
Can Veneers Get Cavities?
Now, to answer the key question: Can veneers get cavities?
The simple answer is no—dental veneers themselves cannot get cavities.
Veneers are typically made from materials like porcelain or composite resin, which are inorganic and don’t support bacterial growth. However, the natural tooth beneath the veneer is made of mineralized tissue, which can be weakened by acids produced by mouth bacteria, potentially leading to decay.
How Can Your Tooth Get Cavities Despite Having Veneers?
Whether you currently have veneers or are thinking about getting them, it’s important to know that veneers only cover the front surface of your teeth and don’t fully seal them off from the oral environment.
This means the edges of the veneers remain exposed to plaque accumulation on the uncovered areas of your teeth, especially at the junction where the veneers meet the natural enamel. Over time, this plaque buildup can cause cavities to form in the underlying tooth structure.
How Can Your Tooth Get Cavities Despite Having Veneers?
Brush & Floss
Brush your teeth and veneers twice daily and floss consistently to eliminate plaque and food debris. Focus on the areas where your veneers meet the tooth’s natural enamel to ensure a complete clean.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Choose a fluoride toothpaste and consider incorporating a fluoride mouthwash to help strengthen your tooth enamel and protect against decay.
Reduce Sugar Intake
Cut back on sugary foods and drinks, as they are major contributors to cavities. Do your best to rinse your mouth with water after consuming sugary items.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups
Book regular dental appointments for professional cleanings and check-ups. These visits enable your dentist to check the condition of your veneers and natural teeth, identifying any potential issues early.
Quit Smoking
Smoking heightens the risk of gum disease and decay, eventually affecting both your veneers and natural teeth. Quitting smoking altogether will help improve your oral health and overall well-being.
When to Consult a Professional
If you think you have developed a cavity under your veneers, consult a professional if you begin noticing the following symptoms.
- Tooth Sensitivity: If you experience increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, it may indicate that a cavity has formed beneath the veneer.
- Changes in Veneer Appearance: Discoloration, staining, or any changes in the appearance of your veneer could be a sign of decay beneath it, requiring professional evaluation.
- Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain or discomfort in your tooth or gums, possibly accompanied by swelling, redness, or tenderness, could signal significant decay beneath the veneer and needs immediate attention.
- Loose Veneer: If a veneer becomes loose or falls off, it may indicate decay or damage to the underlying tooth, and it’s important to seek prompt care to prevent further complications.
Treatments for Cavities Under Veneers
Composite Bonding
For small, localized cavities, your dentist may use dental bonding to repair the damage. This procedure involves applying a tooth-colored composite material to fill the cavity, followed by shaping and polishing the material to blend smoothly with the surrounding tooth and veneer.
Dental Fillings
If the cavity is more extensive, your dentist may recommend traditional dental fillings. These fillings, made from durable materials, are shaped to match the natural contours of your tooth, thereby ensuring a smooth and aesthetically pleasing result.
Veneer Removal & Replacement
If decay extends beneath the veneer, your dentist may need to remove the veneer to treat the affected tooth structure. Once the cavity is addressed, a new veneer will be applied to restore both the appearance and functionality of the tooth.
Takeaway
While veneers are resistant to decay, the natural teeth underneath can still develop cavities if oral hygiene is not properly maintained. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for professional evaluations and cleanings to spot any decay and address potential dental issues.
With consistent care, veneers can significantly improve your smile for many years, offering confidence and a beautiful, healthy appearance.
Get Custom Dental Veneers at Smile Boutique
At Smile Boutique, our custom dental veneers give you the flawless, radiant smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Book your consultation today, and let us help you achieve a perfect, confident smile!
FAQs
Cavities under veneers are often caused by poor oral hygiene, sugary diets, or not properly sealing the edges of the veneer where bacteria can accumulate.
While veneers provide an extra layer of protection, they do not prevent decay in the underlying tooth.
If you develop a cavity under your veneer, your dentist may need to remove the veneer to treat the cavity and then reapply a new veneer afterward.
Yes, porcelain veneers are generally more durable and resistant to stains, but the underlying tooth still requires care to prevent cavities.
