
Jan
One of the most popular ways to transform the look of your smile is with porcelain veneers. But while veneers are a great way to get the smile of your dreams, many people don’t know that you can get tooth decay underneath your veneers. Dr. Hema Nair and the staff at Star Care Dental can help. Let’s learn more about how to avoid this problem and what to do if it happens to you.
A porcelain veneer is an ultra-thin porcelain shell made with premium-quality ceramic. Specifically, porcelain veneers are designed to disguise imperfections in front teeth to give you a nearly perfect smile. Porcelain closely mimics the texture and translucency of your dental enamel, so your veneers look almost identical to your natural teeth.
The porcelain veneer procedure can help you fix any of these cosmetic dental issues:
Porcelain is nearly as strong as the enamel on your teeth, so your veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years with proper care. Best of all, porcelain is incredibly stain-resistant, and unlike your dental enamel, it isn’t porous. Good oral hygiene is essential for veneers to last. Also, avoid damaging your veneers by chewing on food or hard objects.
Can teeth still decay under veneers? Glen Mills, PA dentist Dr. Hema Nair says your teeth underneath porcelain veneers can become decayed. Veneers offer a protective layer over your teeth, but your teeth can still decay if you don’t practice oral hygiene.
Dr. Nair recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a non-abrasive toothbrush and flossing before bed. Rinsing with fluoride mouthwash is also a good idea. When you brush, remember to clean carefully around the area where the veneers meet your gum line. Finally, Dr. Nair recommends that you visit Star Care Dental every six months for routine checkups and professional teeth cleaning.
If you have porcelain veneers, Dr. Nair suggests avoiding sticky and sugary foods and beverages. This will help minimize the buildup of plaque. Also, acidic foods and drinks can cause enamel erosion around the edges of the veneers, so limit these, too. Quitting smoking will benefit your overall oral health. Stay well-hydrated to make sure you produce enough saliva to clean your mouth naturally.
When a veneer breaks, it is important to act promptly and contact Star Care Dental. A damaged veneer can easily be replaced.
Do you have any questions or concerns about tooth decay under veneers? Contact Dr. Hema Nair and the staff at Star Care Dental in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, to get answers to your questions—call (610) 569-0509 to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Nair is dedicated to providing her patients with the finest possible care. She earned her dental degree from Temple University School of Dentistry and her general practice residency at St. Joseph Hospital.
She continues to take over 200 hours of continuing education courses annually to offer the best treatment to her patients. According to Mainline magazine, Dr. Nair has continuously been selected as a Top Dentist in her region by her colleagues.
Dr. Nair ensures that her patients' trust is always in the best of hands, regardless of their concerns.