Porcelain veneers can transform your chipped, cracked, stained, or misshapen teeth into one of your most prized features! These ultra-thin shells of porcelain can completely change a tooth’s size, shape, and color to mask any cosmetic imperfection with a dazzling smile. However, you can’t just stop brushing your teeth just because they look flawless. Find out how you can still get a porcelain veneer cavity in Norwalk if you don’t take care of your new look.

Can Porcelain Veneers Get Cavities?

One of the reasons porcelain is an excellent material for dental veneers is that bacteria can’t eat through it to cause cavities. However, while your porcelain veneers are immune to decay, the teeth they’re attached to are not. Veneers only cover the front of your teeth, which means the back is still just as vulnerable to plaque and bacteria as it was before.

What Causes Cavities with Porcelain Veneers?

While there are numerous factors that cause cavities, there are a few to be on the lookout for if you have porcelain veneers:

• An improper fit: If your porcelain veneers don’t fit properly, plaque and bacteria may be able to reach the tooth underneath and attack it.
• Bad oral hygiene: Just because your porcelain veneer won’t yellow doesn’t mean that you can slack off on your brushing and flossing. You need to continue to brush and floss regularly if you want to keep your smile healthy and cavity-free.
• Dry mouth: Some health conditions, lifestyle choices, and medications can cause chronic dry mouth, which is a breeding ground for bacteria and tooth decay.
• Unhealthy mouth: If you have weakened teeth, unhealthy gums, or an inadequate amount of enamel, you’re more likely to develop cavities while wearing veneers. These issues should be treated before getting porcelain veneers.
• Dark-colored sodas: Since porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, you can continue to enjoy your dark-colored sodas without worrying about discoloring your smile. However, you should still be mindful of how much sugar they contain, which fuels the bacteria that creates cavities.

How Can I Protect My Smile from Cavities?

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to protect your porcelain veneers and your smile from cavities:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and use mouthwash and floss regularly.
• Use toothpastes, mouthwashes, and dental floss approved by the American Dental Association.
• See your Norwalk cosmetic dentist twice a year to detect and treat any cavities as early as possible.

About the Practice

At Sommers Family Dentistry in Norwalk, OH, we want to help improve your quality of life by transforming your smile. We offer several easy, comfortable, and effective cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers that can revamp your appearance and rebuild your confidence. Additionally, we provide regular dental cleanings to keep your smile healthy and cavity-free. If you’d like to learn more about porcelain veneers or how to care for them, feel free to contact us via our website or at (419) 668-3606.