For so long, you’ve lived with imperfect teeth. Now you have a way to get the smile of your dreams with porcelain veneers, but you’re concerned about how to maintain your dental health while wearing them. You wonder, “Can they prevent cavities?” Your cosmetic dentist in Jacksonville will reveal the answer to that question and much more as you read on.
How Do Porcelain Veneers Function?
Made from dental-grade ceramic, porcelain veneers serve to improve imperfections in the smile zone, the visible part of your ivories when you grin. The thin shells are placed over your teeth and leave you with a perfected smile, even if you’re currently dealing with slight gaps, misalignments, crowding or stains.
But, you’re still wondering whether your veneers can protect your teeth from bacteria intruders.
Limitations of Your Porcelain Veneers
One of the many benefits of your veneers is that they aren’t subject to decay (as in cavities). That shouldn’t be confused, though, as suggesting that your teeth that lie underneath are also immune to the attack of bacteria. They are very much still vulnerable, which is why your oral hygiene, when wearing veneers, is just as important as it would normally be.
Failure to keep your teeth and gums clean by brushing and flossing, could lead to decay and even worse, gum disease. Both conditions can compromise your veneers and change their appearance. This is because the decay of teeth and gums can sometimes be seen even along the gumline, which is still visible when wearing veneers.
How Should You Practice Oral Hygiene When Wearing Veneers?
The same rules apply when wearing veneers that you’d normally adhere to. That means that you should be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. These two practices serve as a one-two punch against bacteria. Brushing agitates and removes the particles that cling to your teeth, while flossing will probe the impossible-to-reach spaces between your ivories to attack bacteria.
The Value of a Visit
Being consistent in maintaining visits with your dentist semi-annually is essential in preventing the development of cavities and other forms of decay, thus extending the life of your porcelain veneers. While at the office of your Jacksonville cosmetic dentist, you’ll receive a thorough cleaning and checkup that will serve two main purposes.
The latter will ensure that any excess bacteria and plaque that are lingering will be removed, and the examinations you receive will allow your trusted professionals to catch any developing cavities or other issues before they mushroom into something greater.
If you have any other questions about the porcelain veneers process or would like to schedule a consultation, reach out to your dentist today!
About the Author
Dr. W. Scott Wagner earned his DMD degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1998. Since then, he’s remained driven to continue growing. Thus, he takes over 100 hours of continued education each year. Throughout his career, Dr. Wagner has been fortunate to train with some of the leading minds in cosmetic dentistry and has used his knowledge to provide his patients with the absolute best care. He practices at Eccella Smiles and can be reached for more information through his website.