Crooked, stained, or misaligned teeth can affect your smile and your self-esteem. Fortunately, porcelain veneers in Webster are an option to improve the look of your smile, and with proper care, they can last 15 or more years.
Veneers aren’t a substitute for oral hygiene, however. Though veneers themselves can’t get cavities, the teeth they adhere to can still decay.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin layers of porcelain or resin-based composite that bond to the surface of your teeth.[1] They cover up imperfections like stains or misaligned teeth, enhancing the appearance of your smile. The color of the veneers is shaded to match the color of your natural tooth enamel, so they look just like a real tooth and blend in with your smile.
The procedure to put on veneers involves a few steps. The first step is preparing the tooth by slightly grinding the surface of the tooth and then taking molds of the prepared tooth or teeth. Temporary veneers may be placed at that time. The mold gets sent to a lab for your custom veneers to be fabricated. When the permanent veneers come back from the lab, the teeth are cleaned with a special abrasive paste and prepared for the veneer installation. The teeth are etched, and the veneers are bonded to the teeth using a special adhesive that hardens with blue light.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Dental veneers may be a good choice if you’re unhappy with your smile. Seriously damaged teeth may be better off with crowns, but veneers are a good option if your teeth are:
- Chipped
- Discolored
- Fractured
- Undersized
- Misaligned
You can speak to your dentist about the best options for your desired look and budget. If you have more severe issues with your teeth, a restorative procedure or orthodontic care may be necessary.
What Are Cavities? Can Veneers Get Cavities?
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth, leaving openings or holes.[2] Also known as tooth decay or caries, cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth, sugary foods and drinks, and poor oral hygiene.
If cavities aren’t treated, they grow larger and affect the deeper layers of your tooth. As the cavity progresses, it can cause severe toothache, infection, and eventual tooth loss.
Visiting your dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene at home is the best way to prevent cavities and tooth decay.
At first, cavities may not have pain or sensitivity, visible holes, or staining on your tooth, so you may not know they have them. Your dentist can identify cavities when they’re smaller and easier to address rather than waiting until they compromise the deeper parts of your tooth.
This is especially true with veneers, which could cover up small cavities. As mentioned, veneers themselves are simply placed over your existing tooth – they can’t decay. The tooth they adhere to is still a natural tooth and may decay, which is why it’s so important to care for your teeth with proper oral hygiene.
If a cavity forms underneath the veneer, your dentist will have to remove the veneer, treat the decay, and replace the veneer. It’s important to visit your dentist for checkups to identify small cavities in your natural teeth – including the tooth where the veneer was placed – to address them early.
How to Maintain Your Veneers
Properly cleaning your veneers is the best way to get the most out of your investment, and the process is the same as caring for your natural teeth!
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily to remove food particles, bacteria, and debris.
- Floss twice daily to remove cavity-causing plaque that collects between your teeth.
- Avoid using abrasive toothpaste that can scratch your veneers.
- Use mouthwash regularly to kill germs, stop plaque buildup, and prevent gingivitis.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months.
- Visit your dentist for regular cleaning and checkups.
How Your Dentist Can Help You Care for Your Teeth and Veneers
Without a proper oral care routine, your teeth and gums are vulnerable to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health conditions. You should always visit your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
At these appointments, your dentist can check on your teeth and identify small issues before they become a problem. They’ll also remove tartar and stains and ensure your veneers are in good condition, helping them last the full 15 years or more.
Looking for Porcelain Veneers in Webster?
If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist for porcelain veneers in Webster, Empire Dental Care can help. Our progressive dental practice offers both general and cosmetic dentistry to families in the Webster and Rochester area. Contact us today at 585-671-1650 to schedule your consultation!
Sources:
[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-do-veneers-last#bottom-line
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
