What Happens to the Teeth Under Dental Veneers?

When just getting dental veneers, patients should expect the teeth under them to remain strong and healthy as ever, but this comes with a clause. After getting dental veneers, it is important to continue excellent oral hygiene. This includes adhering to the instructions provided by the dentist after the process, brushing and flossing twice daily and going to the dental office for checkups and cleanings twice a year. These practices will keep the oral cavity healthy and ensure that dental veneers remain in good condition.

The effect of placing dental veneers on the teeth

To place dental veneers effectively and to get a beautiful and natural-looking smile, the dentist needs to reduce a small layer of the tooth’s surface as part of the preparation process. Generally, only about 0.5mm of the enamel is removed to place dental veneers. After preparing the tooth’s surface, the dental veneer is affixed to the tooth surface with a highly adhesive material called dental cement, which is cured with a certain type of light.

The dental veneer bonds tightly to the tooth enamel and covers the imperfection on the front surface. The result of this is a beautiful and healthy smile. Bonding dental veneers do not harm the tooth or nearby structure in any way. For those seeking to protect a damaged or weak tooth, veneers provide an extra level of protection against cavities and preserve the remaining tooth structure.

Maintaining oral health

Normally, dental veneers can survive up to 10 years of use before needing repair or replacement. With proper oral hygiene and dental visits, the coverings can protect the teeth for several years. However, without proper care, patients could be at the risk of compromising the natural teeth structure and the veneers.

For instance, failure to floss regularly can cause decay-causing bacteria to accumulate between the teeth. If this happens, the bacteria will attack the natural tooth enamel under the veneer. Although the veneer material is not vulnerable to decay, the tooth underneath is. As the bacteria eat away at the enamel, they will cause decay. Cavities or decays under cosmetic dental restorations often go undetected, which means patients may not know they have a cavity until they experience tooth pain.

If the cavity goes on for too long, the tooth may become infected, and an invasive procedure will be required to save the tooth. Sometimes, repairing the tooth may be impossible, which means an extraction will be required, and the tooth will need to be replaced to restore the smile.

In conclusion

When thinking of getting dental veneers, it is vital to note that the longevity of the results and health of the teeth underneath depend largely on how well oral hygiene is maintained.

Dental veneers are an excellent option for transforming the appearance of the smile. They are popular, not just because they are practical for both structural and aesthetic issues of the teeth, but they are also durable, sturdy and with adequate care, they can last for several years.

Request an appointment here: https://drkathie.net or call Kathie Allen, DDS at (941) 893-4153 for an appointment in our Venice office.

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