Are you unhappy with your natural smile? If so, you are not alone. Studies show that more than 30% of Americans are unhappy with the appearance of their smile. Crooked, stained, and chipped teeth are among the common causes of low self-esteem among people of all ages. Fortunately, you can brighten your smile with safe, affordable options simply by getting dental veneers near you. That also begs the question, can you still get cavities after getting dental veneers? We will address that in the article as we touch on other areas revolving around dental veneers.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin outer shells dentists use to restore cracked, stained, and chipped teeth. They are also used for reducing teeth gaps, which may look unattractive therefore improving the appearance of your smile. Although there are numerous benefits to using dental veneers, people usually get them for their cosmetic appeal. When fitted properly by an experienced dentist in Park Ridge, dental veneers closely resemble natural teeth and are almost indistinguishable.
Can You Get a Cavity With Dental Veneers
Although veneers resemble natural teeth, they are not the same. The teeth covers are made from highly durable materials such as porcelain and resin. Since dental veneers are artificial, they’ll not decay, as is the case with natural organic teeth, even when exposed to bacteria and plaque. However, it’s important that you still practice good dental hygiene since the veneers only cover part of your teeth, which means the rest of your teeth can still get cavities.
When you take starch and foods or beverages filled with sugar, bacteria can form on the back and front of the teeth. If you don’t brush your teeth shortly after, these particles will find space on the non-covered parts of the tooth and cause cavities.
Many cases of teeth cavities among patients with veneers are caused by the following:
Poor Dental Hygiene
You shouldn’t stop practicing good dental hygiene just because you got fitted with artificial teeth or veneers. Dental veneers only cover up the front surface of natural teeth meaning other parts of the teeth are still vulnerable to decay. So ensure you keep practicing good dental hygiene to protect your teeth from cavities.
Veneers That Weren’t Fitted Properly
For your veneers to be effective, they should first be fitted properly. Your dentist should prep your teeth prior to veneer placement and use a high-quality bonding agent to bond your veneers to your natural teeth. Poorly bonded or fitted veneers may leave tiny spaces that bacteria can use to enter and attack your natural teeth.
Side Effects From Some Medications
Are you under any form of treatment that causes dry mouth? If so, then you are at more risk of getting tooth decay. The reason for that is quite simple. Saliva is what protects your teeth from damage resulting from acid released after the consumption of acidic and sugary food and drinks. Don’t just quit taking these medications; talk to your doctor for advice. They may recommend alternative medications to curb these side effects.
Benefits of Getting Dental Veneers
Covers up Tough Dental Stains
Your teeth may get stained after consuming colored and acidic food and beverages for a while. These stains can be tough to remove entirely, even after regular brushing. Although teeth whitening may help, it is not very effective against tough dental stains. Get dental veneers from a dentist near you to cover up tough dental stains in your teeth.
Repairing Damaged Teeth
Practicing good dental hygiene may help strengthen your teeth, but it won’t make you immune from tooth damage. Fractures and cracks can still form on your teeth and weaken your teeth. The most common cause of tooth damage in people with healthy teeth is trauma and wear. It’s important to repair damaged teeth as soon as possible since they are more susceptible to decay. Visit a dental clinic in Park Ridge, IL, for veneer restoration.
Changing the Shape of Teeth
Genetics and other factors may cause you to have a bad dental formula which results in an unattractive smile. Since it’s nearly impossible to prevent genetic inheritance, your only option is to visit a dental clinic to have your teeth altered to look more symmetrical and attractive. Treatment won’t take long, so you can go back to smiling as soon as possible.
Reducing Dental Gaps
Wide dental gaps are not only considered unattractive, but they can also provide room for food particles to hide in. Food particles can be hard to remove once they stick on these spaces, therefore, making room for plaque and bacteria to form. Dental veneers can help reduce these gaps, therefore, improving your teeth’ appearance and promoting good dental hygiene.
Tips for Maintaining Dental Veneers
Practice good oral hygiene using nonabrasive tooth cleaning products to protect your veneers from damage.
- Don’t use your veneers to bite on hard food or objects
- Wear a mouth guard if suffering from bruxism or engaging in high-contact sports
- Watch your diet. Don’t smoke or drink wine regularly, as it can stain your teeth.
Conclusion
Dental veneers are strong, durable, and resistant to cavities. However, the thin shells only cover part of the tooth, leaving the remaining areas exposed to plaque and cavity-causing bacteria. Therefore, we recommend all patients with veneers keep practicing good dental hygiene and go for regular dental checkups and cleanings to prevent cavities. Visit Complete Health Dentistry of Park Ridge today for a consultation, checkups, and veneer installation.