Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
For nearly a century, dentists have been using veneers to improve the appearance of their patients teeth. A thin shell of dental porcelain, a veneer is bonded permanently to the front of the tooth or teeth being treated, able to simultaneously resolve an assortment of aesthetic flaws. One of the most common questions we receive about veneers is whether they raise or lower the risk of tooth decay. Today on the blog, we explore that topic.
Are you a good candidate for veneers?
If you have any imperfections in your smile that you’d like to remedy, veneers could be the right fix for you.
Veneers can help with any of the following:
- Correcting the appearance of misshapen teeth
- Permanently whitening your teeth to a brighter shade
- Resolving unevenly sized teeth
- Concealing an unwanted gap between teeth
When considering cosmetic dentistry, it is important that you have a high level of oral health and hygiene. Certain pre-existing conditions, such as gum disease, need to be treated before you receive veneers.
How do veneers impact your oral health and hygiene?
In reality, veneers don’t make as much of a difference as you may think in your oral condition. With proper care, your veneers can last up to 20 years, or even longer, with no issue. Therefore, if you already have a healthy oral hygiene routine, veneers will not drastically change the state of your oral condition.
For the most part, you want to continue with your normal routine of dental care, as recommended by the American Dental Association. This should include brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste. You should also floss once a day, and may consider using an antibacterial oral rinse. Veneers do cover up the visible part of your teeth, but the enamel underneath still may decay without proper cleaning and care. Moreover, a non-abrasive toothpaste is necessary to prevent accelerated deterioration of your veneers.
You also want to ensure you continue with your biannual visits with your dentist, being sure not to miss the appointment six months after your veneers are placed. This will ensure your smile stays looking its best, and that the veneers have maintained their bond to your natural teeth. This appointment also gives your dentist a chance to remove any stubborn tartar and plaque from the surface of your veneers.
So, can you get cavities if you have veneers?
While the veneers themselves cannot hold cavities, the tooth structure underneath remains just as susceptible to decay as teeth that do not have veneers. Keeping a normal oral hygiene routine, which includes regular dental visits every six months, will help in preventing this.
Porcelain veneers in Greeneville, Jonesborough and Erwin in Tennessee
If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your teeth, getting veneers can give you the confidence in your smile you never knew you could have. You can trust the skilled cosmetic dentists at Tusculum Dental Care to transform the appearance of your smile. The first step in receiving any cosmetic procedure is to meet with Dr. Craig Shepherd or Dr. Nathaniel Renner for a consultation. Schedule an appointment today by calling (423) 639-7575 or contacting us online.