Now that you have your veneers, you are enjoying all the great benefits that come with them, right? A brighter, even, and more beautiful smile is now your daily reality, allowing you to embrace new opportunities and feel more confident in your appearance. But are you doing everything you can to make sure you’re maintaining your veneers and avoiding potential cavities? A local dentist shares why caring for your natural teeth is still just as important and what can happen if you choose to neglect your oral health.
Are Cavities Possible Even with Veneers?
Yes, it is possible to develop a cavity while wearing dental veneers. The reason is that these thin sheaths of porcelain or ceramic only fit over the front surface of your teeth. As a result, the natural tooth underneath the veneer is still vulnerable to decay if you neglect your oral health. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing regularly is essential to not only maintaining better dental hygiene but also minimizing the potential for problems to occur with your veneers.
What is the Best Way to Care for Your Veneers?
If you want to make sure that you do not develop tooth decay or gum disease or potentially damage your veneers, there are several things you can do, such as:
- Regularly see your dentist to allow them to examine your smile in its entirety as well as check for any chips or damages to your veneers. If a problem is caught early on, it may be possible to reverse the symptoms and easily treat the issue without having to completely remove and replace the veneer.
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine. You’ll need to brush twice daily for two minutes, floss at least once a day, and rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash.
- Using fluoride can help to strengthen your natural tooth enamel and prevent decay from occurring. Whether you choose to purchase a certain fluoride mouthwash or a prescription from the dentists’ office is up to you.
It’s important to remember that just because veneers cover the front of your tooth doesn’t mean they safeguard the other sides of your smile. Your natural teeth are highly vulnerable to many of the most common dental health risks but by being proactive about your oral health, you can ensure your smile remains cavity-free while enjoying your veneers.
About the Author
Dr. Candice Denison graduated with her dental degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston and is certified in various areas of general dentistry, one of which is cosmetic. Helping patients see new and beautiful smiles, she and the team at Kinsey Drive Family Dental can are here to provide the care you need today to help you feel good about tomorrow. In addition to her ability to place customized veneers, she will go over important information to keep your natural teeth just as healthy. Visit our website or call (903) 561-7604 if you want your pearly whites to remain in optimal condition even while wearing veneers.