Veneers in Fox Point are designed to help you improve the look of your smile and correct most types of cosmetic imperfections.
If you’ve been looking at photos or information about the procedure, you might have come across people claiming to develop cavities after getting veneers and are now understandably confused.
The thing is, it can happen. Keep reading to understand how, and how to avoid it.
Cavities are permanent holes in your teeth caused by harmful bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria is always there, just waiting for the opportunity to feed on the food you consume.
When doing this, they also release acids that slowly break down tooth enamel, eventually leading to decay, cavities, and, over time, even a tooth infection.
However, by brushing and flossing your teeth daily, you significantly reduce your risk for cavities as well as other oral health issues like periodontal disease.
Veneers can’t prevent cavities, but your teeth can still decay even if they are covered with them.
A veneer is often confused with a dental crown, but they are completely different. The crown will cover the entire natural tooth, offering it protection against cavities, while the veneer will only cover the surface.
It’s designed to be a cosmetic procedure. By covering the front, veneers will update your look in just one procedure, leading to better self-confidence and more visually pleasing smiles.
The only way veneers would increase your risk for cavities is if you saw them as an opportunity to skip brushing and flossing your teeth.
This concern usually stems from the fact that veneers require some enamel shaving in the preparation stages, which allows proper bonding between the veneer and the tooth. Many patients fear this stage may weaken their teeth, which could increase the risk of other oral health issues.
However, you should know that the dentist will only shave a small amount of enamel, which will not affect the tooth’s strength, or sensitivity, or increase its risk for damage. But this process is permanent since enamel doesn’t grow back. Once you get veneers, you will need to commit to them for the rest of your life.
If you’re not comfortable with such a commitment, a cosmetic dentist may help you discover other great ways to improve your smile’s aesthetics. But, no matter what you end up getting, you will always need to brush and floss your teeth diligently every single day.
Come see Dr. Major or Dr. Krenzke for a short assessment to find out if you’re a good candidate for veneers or discover your other dental cosmetic options.
You can request a visit to Fox Point Dental Studio online or call us at 414-236-5885 to learn more about our services and how we can help.