Porcelain veneers are a durable, natural-looking way to get the attractive smile you desire. They are thin coverings bonded to the exterior of your front teeth. Veneers allow us to improve the colour, shape and size of your teeth to create a beautiful smile design.
- Porcelain veneer
Crowns are needed when a tooth is too severely broken down or there is not enough enamel to bond a filling to. Crowns are thin shells that go over your teeth to protect and strengthen them.
Did you know that veneers and crowns won’t prevent you from getting cavities? A cavity is simply a hole in a tooth caused by decay that begins with plaque. Plaque is a sticky, yellow substance which contains bacteria that feed on the sugars left on our teeth by the foods we eat. These bacteria produce acid, which can eat through the enamel of the tooth, eventually causing a cavity.
Although harmful bacteria can’t penetrate porcelain veneers or crowns, they can infiltrate the areas of the tooth not covered by the veneer or crown. The veneers and crowns are constructed from a mold of your teeth, and specially designed to cover dental flaws like chips and fractures, gaps or misalignment. However, the porcelain veneer or crown are only placed on the exterior of your natural teeth. Therefore, the bottom root portion of your teeth are still vulnerable to cavities.
Finding cavities among veneers and crowns.
The first sign of a toothache may be a dull ache, a clear indication the infection has spread from the enamel to the tooth pulp. Biting down or chewing can be painful. Left untreated, the tooth may break and need a root canal. At this point, treatment is more invasive. To avoid this, take good care of your teeth by coming in for regular hygiene cleaning, even when you have porcelain veneers or crowns.
How can I prevent getting a cavity if I have veneers or crowns?
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Even if you’re not experiencing a toothache, floss and brush twice a day to prevent the buildup of cavity-causing bacteria in between teeth. Visit us regularly to ensure your investment in a healthy, beautiful smile will serve you for years to come.
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment for a thorough dental examination and cleaning.