San Francisco and Marin CA
For decades, people have chosen veneers to remedy their oral insecurities. Veneers are thin shells, usually made of either a composite material or dental porcelain, that are bonded in place over the front of your natural teeth by your cosmetic dentist in San Francisco. Veneers are a great solution to address stains, chips or gaps in your teeth–or resolve all of the above aesthetic issues at once. In this article, we’ll explore how veneers affect your oral hygiene, and specifically your risk of future cavities.
Are veneers right for you?
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?
Because veneers cover the front of your teeth, it may seem as if they can alter the course of your oral care. In reality, veneers don’t make as much of a difference as you may think. With proper care, your veneers can last for 10 to 20 years with no issue. In some cases, veneers can last even longer. Therefore, if you already have a healthy oral hygiene routine, veneers will not drastically change the course of your oral habits and care.
For the most part, you want to continue with your normal routine of dental care, as recommended by your Marin dentist and the American Dental Association. This should include brushing twice a day with a non-abrasive 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 not accelerate the 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?
The answer is a bit complicated. While the veneers themselves cannot hold cavities, the tooth structure underneath remains susceptible to decay. Keeping a normal oral hygiene routine, which includes regular dental visits every six months, will help in preventing this.
Whether you want to learn more about cosmetic dentistry or preventive care, Glen Park Dental is here to help. We offer a wide array of different dental services. And, 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.
Ready to find out more? Schedule your consultation. Just visit us online or call us at (415)-799-3900
