Can You Still Get Cavities With Veneers?

can you get cavities with veneersAllred Dental uses dental veneers to improve the appearance of patients’ smiles at our dentist office in San Marcos, CA. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are adhered directly to the front of the teeth. Dr. Allred can use these veneers to make minor improvements to create a natural-looking, beautiful smile. They are custom made for each patient to match their natural teeth and to change the color, shape, size, or length of the teeth. During an initial consultation, he can examine your teeth and gums thoroughly to determine if you’re a candidate for veneers. He also can answer your questions about the process, including whether or not you can get cavities after getting veneers.

How cavities form

Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which occurs over time. Plaque forms and coats the teeth. Plaque that stays on the teeth can harden both above and under the gumline into tartar, making plaque more difficult to remove. When plaque is left for a period of time, it removes minerals in the outer enamel. This erosion will cause tiny holes or openings, which is the first sign of a cavity. Once the enamel wears away, the bacteria and acids can reach the next layer of the tooth, which is softer than the enamel. The dentin has direct communication with the nerve of a tooth, which can lead to tooth sensitivity. Oftentimes, this is when a patient knows that there’s a problem.

Can you get a cavity with veneers?

Cavities are damaged areas in the teeth that develop into holes or tiny openings. Veneers aren’t a magical solution for the teeth and gums. A veneer itself cannot get tooth decay, but it’s possible to get a cavity in a tooth that is covered by this veneer. This makes having regular dental examinations important as Dr. Allred can determine problems before they advance into something more serious.

Improperly installed veneers can provide a bad fit over natural teeth, which leaves them vulnerable to decay, especially since some of the enamel is removed during their installation. Some patients may take medications that promote dry mouth, or have a compromised immune system, which increases their chance of tooth decay or infection in the mouth. Ultimately, many people who experience cavities with veneers may not have been good candidates to begin with. Individuals with active gum disease or tooth decay, or with weakened teeth, are more prone to experience a cavity after getting veneers.

Caring for veneers

The easiest way for you to avoid a cavity in a tooth that is covered by a veneer is with an efficient at-home oral hygiene routine. Twice daily brushing and flossing daily helps to remove plaque that can later lead to tooth decay. Scheduling regular comprehensive dental exams and routine dental cleanings also ensure that your oral health stays at its best with veneers. Treating your teeth with veneers the same way that you treat the rest of your mouth is important to ensure that your veneers last a long time.

How to treat a cavity

At Allred Dental in San Marcos, CA, Dr. Allred uses tooth-colored fillings to fill and seal a tooth that has been infected with a cavity. These cavities and tooth decay can be detected during a comprehensive dental exam. Fillings are used to repair these teeth. Tooth-colored fillings can also treat cracked or broken teeth, as well as teeth that are damaged due to grinding or nail-biting. Since they are made from a composite resin, they can be easily matched to the patient’s natural tooth color. Tooth-colored fillings are natural-looking and help to maintain your smile’s appearance. With proper care, these tooth-colored fillings can last and protect the teeth for years.

Learn how to care for teeth with veneers

After getting veneers to improve your smile’s appearance in San Marcos, CA, it’s important to take proper care of them. Cavities can happen to anyone, but they don’t have to ruin the appearance of your smile. For those who have veneers, Dr. Jeffrey Allred at Allred Dental suggests frequent comprehensive dental examinations and routine dental cleanings since they will help protect patients’ teeth underneath their veneers. A regular at-home oral hygiene routine also keeps teeth and gums looking and feeling their best. To schedule a comprehensive dental exam or routine dental cleaning, call our professional team at our San Marcos, CA office today.

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