So, you’ve recently taken the plunge and invested in your appearance by getting porcelain veneers in Herndon. You’re thrilled with your results and you feel fantastic every time you look in the mirror. Your only regret is that you didn’t do it sooner! But, now that you love your smile, what’s the best way to maintain it? Porcelain veneers can’t get cavities, so they’re kind of maintenance free, right? Wrong! Find out why you can still get decay around your veneers and learn the best way to take care of them so they look great for as long as possible!
Can Porcelain Veneers Get Cavities?
Porcelain veneers themselves can’t get cavities, but the underlying teeth they’re adhered to can. A veneer is a thin shell that’s only placed on the front surface of your teeth, which still leaves the remaining tooth structure (that you can’t see) susceptible to decay.
Unfortunately, if a cavity forms around or underneath a veneer, the decay must be removed – and a new veneer must be done.
How Can You Care For Your Veneers?
Fortunately, caring for your veneers is easy and doesn’t require any special effort. Here are some guidelines for helping your veneers last as long as possible:
- Get regular dental care – If a small cavity is forming around a veneer, sometimes a cosmetic dentist in Herndon can catch it early enough to simply do a small filling – instead of needing to remove the veneer altogether!
- Use the right products – Avoid toothpaste with abrasive ingredients (such as those in whitening formulas) that can scratch and dull the glossy surface of your veneers. It’s also helpful to use a gel formula, which isn’t as abrasive.
- Brush and floss – It’s crucial to thoroughly remove the cavity-causing plaque, bacteria and food debris that collects around veneers the same way it does around regular teeth.
- Use topical fluoride – Fluoride is incredibly effective at preventing decay and will benefit all your teeth, including those with veneers. You can simply swish with a store-bought mouthwash or get a prescription-strength fluoride paste from your dentist.
Veneers are an investment of time and money that has a big pay off: a beautiful smile and the self-confidence to go with it. But everyone can agree that they don’t want to have their veneers re-done until it’s absolutely necessary. With these tips, you’ll get many years of enjoyment from your veneers!
About the Author
Dr. Farshad Bakhtyari is a general, restorative and cosmetic dentist who loves seeing his patients’ reactions after they get porcelain veneers. His goal is to help them enjoy their great results for as long as possible, so he always educates them about the best way to maintain their new dental work. If you have any questions, he can be reached via his website or at (703) 860-8860.