Cosmetic dentistry has grown in popularity over the years. While there are many reasons people may choose to get porcelain veneers, the top might be the fact that veneers are a simple way to cosmetically repair teeth. Veneers are a great way to dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile. Unfortunately, though, having veneers doesn’t make you immune to dental health problems. If you have veneers, you may ask: Can you get cavities with veneers?

The answer is simple. Yes, dental cavities can form in veneers. Read on to learn why porcelain veneers are still susceptible to common dental issues, and discover what you can do to prevent tooth decay and protect your smile.

Dental Cavities and Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic tiles that are adhered to the front of the teeth to fix or restore various dental issues. As the name implies, veneers are made of porcelain, and dentists use dental concrete to attach them to the tooth enamel.

People get veneers for a variety of reasons. They’re a quick cosmetic fix for chipped or missing teeth, gaps in the teeth, or stained teeth. While porcelain veneers are permanent and durable, they still require proper dental hygiene practices.

A veneer itself cannot get tooth decay, but it’s still possible for a cavity to form in a tooth that is covered by a veneer. When we eat and chew food, small particles of food, bacteria, and plaque will begin to accumulate on all the surfaces of the teeth, including the back. As the plaque starts to build up, tooth decay, dental cavities, and gum disease all become possibilities, whether the teeth have veneers or not.

This is because porcelain veneers are only protecting the front of the tooth and the sides and back of the tooth are still just as vulnerable to dental issues. Additionally, the plaque can become trapped along the gum line of the front of the teeth, leading to gum disease.

Improperly installed veneers can also invite tooth decay. A veneer with a bad fit leaves the natural tooth vulnerable to decay, especially since some of the enamel is removed during installation.

Some patients with veneers 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 for veneers in the first place. Individuals with active gum disease or tooth decay are more prone to experience a cavity after getting veneers.

How to Prevent Dental Cavities 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. The easiest way for you to avoid a cavity in a tooth that is covered by a veneer is with a healthy at-home oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing daily helps to remove plaque that can later lead to tooth decay. Additionally, scheduling regular comprehensive dental exams and routine dental cleanings also ensures that your oral health stays at its best with veneers.

After getting veneers to improve your smile’s appearance, 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.

We believe that everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Our doctors here at Endodontic Specialists of Colorado work to restore patients’ smiles and relieve their pain. With offices in Colorado Springs and Pueblo, convenient care is just a phone call away. Contact us to schedule an evaluation and learn how we can restore your smile!