Can You Get Cavities With Veneers?
If you have veneers or are considering them, you might wonder if you can still get cavities. The short answer is yes, teeth with veneers can still develop cavities. While veneers themselves don’t decay, your natural teeth behind them remain vulnerable.
What Veneers Do and Don’t Do
Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They enhance your smile by concealing stains, chips, and minor gaps. But veneers only cover the front of your tooth. The sides, back, and gumline are still exposed and at risk for cavities if bacteria accumulate in these areas.
Think of veneers as shields only for the front of your teeth. While porcelain resists decay, the rest of your tooth structure remains vulnerable. The American Dental Association emphasizes that porcelain veneers aren’t a substitute for good dental hygiene.
“Porcelain veneers transform your smile beautifully, but they don’t replace daily care,” explains Stephen Forrest, DDS, a cosmetic dentist at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center. “Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits remain essential.”
Why Cavities Can Still Occur with Veneers
Cavities develop when bacteria on your teeth produce acids after consuming sugars. Even with veneers, these bacteria remain active around the edges of veneers, between teeth, and at the gumline. If you don’t remove plaque daily, cavities can start in these areas.
Your diet also matters. Frequent sugary or acidic foods and drinks increase cavity risks. Habits like smoking or alcohol consumption can dry your mouth and promote bacterial growth. Veneers won’t protect you from decay caused by poor habits.
How to Prevent Cavities When You Have Veneers
Preventing cavities with veneers requires the same diligence as caring for natural teeth:
- Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently along the gumline and the edges of the veneer.
- Floss Every Day: Clean carefully between each tooth to remove hidden plaque.
- Watch Your Diet: Limit sweets, sodas, and acidic foods. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
- Avoid Damaging Habits: Don’t chew ice, hard candy, or use teeth as tools. These actions can crack veneers, allowing bacteria underneath.
- Break Bad Habits: Smoking and heavy alcohol use increase bacteria growth. Reducing these habits helps protect your oral health.
- Regular Dental Visits: Visit your dentist every six months for cleanings and exams. Early cavity detection keeps treatments minimal.
- Use a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth or play sports, ask your dentist about custom mouthguards to protect your veneers.
Quick Oral Care Checklist for Veneers
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice daily
- Floss thoroughly every day
- Limit sugary and acidic foods/drinks
- Rinse your mouth after sweets
- Avoid hard or sticky foods
- Schedule dental visits every six months
- Use a mouthguard if needed
“Veneers enhance your smile, but diligent hygiene maintains your dental health,” says Dr. Forrest.
Common Veneer-Related Issues to Watch For:
Sometimes, veneers can cause minor issues like tooth sensitivity, gum inflammation, or minor edge chipping. If you notice sensitivity or discomfort, contact your dentist promptly. Using toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can help. Gum inflammation usually signals plaque buildup; improved flossing often resolves it quickly.
Treating Cavities Under Veneers
If you develop a cavity under or near a veneer, prompt treatment is essential. Small cavities might be treatable without removing the veneer. However, larger cavities typically require the removal of veneers. Your dentist will carefully remove the veneer, treat the cavity, and then restore your tooth with a new veneer or crown. Early detection through regular dental checkups simplifies treatment.
“When cavities develop around veneers, quick action keeps treatment simple,” explains Dr. Forrest. “Regular exams help catch decay early.”
Do Veneers Increase or Decrease the Risk of Cavities?
Veneers themselves don’t directly increase or decrease your risk. The risk entirely depends on your oral hygiene habits. If you maintain good care routines, veneers won’t negatively impact your teeth. However, neglecting hygiene can significantly increase cavity risks.
In short, veneers neither cause nor fully prevent cavities. Maintaining diligent hygiene ensures that veneers enhance your smile without negatively affecting your dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can veneers themselves get cavities?
No, porcelain veneers can’t decay. However, the tooth behind or around veneers can still develop cavities if not properly cleaned.
How can I detect cavities under my veneers?
Symptoms include sensitivity, mild toothache, gum inflammation, or a feeling of roughness on the veneer edges. Regular dental visits and X-rays ensure early detection.
What happens if I have a cavity under a veneer?
Dentists typically remove the veneer to treat larger cavities. Small cavities may be treatable without removing veneers, depending on their location.
Do veneers need special care?
No special products are necessary. Simply continue brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental visits.
Can I get veneers if I have existing fillings or cavities?
Existing cavities must be treated first. Small fillings usually don’t prevent the need for veneers later.
Ready To Get Started With Veneers?
Your smile deserves both beauty and health. If you’re considering veneers or already have them and want to ensure long-lasting results, schedule a dental checkup today. Dr. Stephen Forrest and our friendly team at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center are here to help you maintain beautiful, strong, and cavity-free teeth. Contact us now and take the next step toward protecting your smile!
