Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Veneers have become the gold standard of tooth restoration in the dental world. The durable, wafer-thin porcelain shells are custom-fabricated to cover many different tooth imperfections and create a seamless smile by matching surrounding teeth in color, size and function. Many people choose veneers to cover teeth that are stained intrinsically (from the inside) and don’t respond to professional teeth whitening treatments. Aesthetic issues such as cracks, breaks, chips and minor crookedness in teeth can also be masked by veneers.
Porcelain veneers, themselves, do not decay, but the tooth underneath them can. That’s why it’s important to put your trust in a cosmetic dentist like Dr. Christine Tenaglia who crafts tooth restorations with precision, experience and skill.
Once you have a veneer correctly placed, how do you take care of it to prevent tooth decay around or under it? We’re tackling that very question on today’s blog:
How could a cavity develop under a veneer?
A tooth’s edge is the area that’s most susceptible to decay because bacteria tend to form and grow there. Proper placement of veneers is necessary to prevent cavities from forming and growing around and underneath them.
How can I prevent a cavity under my veneer?
A strong oral health regimen and routine checkups and cleanings by our Okemos family dentist are critical. You should be visiting the dentist twice a year. Not only will a dental hygienist thoroughly clean your teeth, including around veneers, but the dentist can spot potential issues in your mouth and teeth, including cracks and decay.
Other ways to prevent cavities from forming and growing under veneers:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, paying special attention to the area around your veneer.
- If you grind your teeth at night, wear a mouthguard to prevent damage to the veneer. Over time, the unconscious clenching and grinding of teeth (called bruxism) can cause the veneer to chip or break, leaving sharp edges that can stand in the way of a thorough cleaning around the veneer.
- Alcohol erodes the bonding agent that our Lansing cosmetic dentist uses to attach a veneer to the tooth, leaving the tooth underneath more susceptible to bacteria buildup that leads to decay. If you have a veneer, it’s best to limit your alcohol intake.
- Choose a non-abrasive toothpaste that won’t damage your veneers over time.
Dental Veneers in East Lansing and Okemos
Veneers can address a multitude of aesthetic dental issues, but they need to be applied by a dentist who is trained and experienced in their application. An ill-placed veneer is a breeding ground for bacteria and, consequently, tooth decay. If you’re interested in how veneers could benefit your smile, or if you have an older veneer that needs our attention, give Tenaglia Smiles a call at (517) 940-8684, or reach us online to schedule a consultation today.