A perfect smile is the perfect way to make a good first impression and feel great about yourself. If your teeth aren’t as attractive as you would like, you might be thinking about getting porcelain veneers in Crown Point. They’re a great way to cover over all those unsightly flaws in your pearly whites! However, you might wonder if they’re good for your teeth. Can they increase the chances that you’ll end up with cavities?
Veneers Do Not Cause Cavities…
Veneers are simply porcelain covers that your cosmetic dentist in Crown Point permanently attaches to the fronts of your teeth. In order for the veneers to look natural, it will be necessary to remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth. However, this process does not increase the chances that you’ll suffer from decay; the portion of your teeth that lost enamel will be protected by the veneer.
…But You Still Need to Be Careful
While veneers do not make it more likely that you’ll suffer from cavities, they do make it more important than ever that you maintain a good oral hygiene routine. The teeth under your veneers can still accumulate plaque and tartar, which means they may eventually develop tiny holes in them. If cavities develop on these teeth, they might not be able to support your veneers after your dentist treats the decay.
When you get veneers, your dentist will give you some pointers on how to care for them and the underlying natural teeth. They’ll likely recommend that you:
- Brush at least twice a day — or after every meal if possible.
- Don’t forget to floss! You don’t want tiny food particles to get lodged between your teeth and cause damage to the sides of your pearly whites.
- Use a mouth rinse twice a day to fight bacteria.
- Don’t consume a lot of acidic foods and drinks, like citrus fruits, coffee, and soda.
- Enjoy sugary treats in moderation, and always brush your teeth 30 minutes to an hour after you’re done indulging.
- Don’t smoke. Tobacco products can not only stain your veneers, but they can also increase your risk of getting gum disease. Unhealthy gums become unable to support veneers.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a thorough professional cleaning.
Still Have Concerns?
Porcelain veneers aren’t bad for your teeth — they might even be good for your chompers since they’ll motivate you to take your oral hygiene routine to the next level! However, if you’re still not sure if you want to undergo this type of cosmetic procedure, write down all your questions and concerns. Take your list to your dentist so you can talk about everything that’s on your mind.
You might only be a few dentist visits away from a brand-new smile!
About Berquist Family Dentistry
Drs. Daniel and Robert Berquist are pleased to serve the folks in the Crown Point area. They want people to love their smile, which is why they offer several cosmetic services, including porcelain veneers. If you have questions about how you can have perfect teeth, please contact us at 219-226-0544.
