If I Get Porcelain Veneers, Will I Still Have to Worry About Cavities?

Have you heard that porcelain veneers can’t develop cavities? This dental cosmetic treatment is often advertised as being highly aesthetic and durable, so it wouldn’t be too crazy of an assumption. In fact, it’s not entirely wrong! However, after receiving your porcelain veneers, you will still have to worry about cavities. Keep reading to learn why good oral hygiene practices are vital for your teeth and your veneers.

What Causes Cavities?

You might know that cavities are bad for your teeth, but do you know what actually causes them? Harmful bacteria accumulates in your mouth as you go about your day. Your saliva can interact with and dislodge some of this bacteria, but not enough to prevent food deposits from chemically altering it into a stickier, more stubborn film known as plaque. Unfortunately, plaque has a taste for teeth, and when left unchecked, it will eat a hole through your pearly whites – otherwise known as a cavity.

Porcelain Veneers Are Facades

A dental porcelain veneer is a thin, tooth-like shell. It’s custom-crafted from a hard, ceramic material, which is why they look and feel stunning. Due to the nature of this man-made substance, porcelain veneers are indeed stain- and damage-resistant. They’re a far cry from plaque’s preferred flavor profile!

However, porcelain veneers are only adhered to the front-facing portion of your tooth. That means even your treated pearly whites still have plenty of natural surface area to satisfy plaque’s cravings.

Oral Hygiene Best Practices

Since cavities are formed when harmful bacteria interact with food, the best way to prevent them is to clean your teeth on a regular basis. This will not only save your natural teeth from decay and costly dental restorations but will also promote the longevity and pristine shine of your veneers. Here’s what the pros recommend:

• Brush your teeth twice daily. For the best results, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, hold it at a 45-degree angle, and brush in small, circular motions.
• Use toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps protect your teeth against decay.
• Floss at least once per day. Traditional thread works well, but modern water flossers are more effective at dislodging food particles.
• Visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning. Dentists have special tools and training for plaque removal, which ensures hard-to-reach stowaways don’t form secret cavities!

Cavities are a serious and scary dental condition that can affect anyone – even those with hardy cosmetics like porcelain veneers. Fortunately, they can be kept at bay pretty simply. All it takes is a solid oral hygiene routine and some extra help from your dentist!

About the Author

Dr. Joe Kern earned his dental doctorate from The Ohio State University (go Bucks!). He’s been helping patients enjoy healthier, fuller smiles for 22 years, and doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. Dr. Kern and his team have a service-oriented mindset, which is something you can see in their devotion to community involvement and the compassionate way they care for their patients. If you’d like to invest in porcelain veneers and your oral health, they’ll make sure your treatment plan suits you! To contact Dr. Kern’s office, call 701-352-2013.