Can You Still Get Cavities With Veneers?

What is a dental veneer?

Dental veneers are a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, much like a false fingernail fits over a nail. They re-create the natural look of teeth while also providing strength and resilience comparable to enamel. Occasionally, a natural-colour composite material is used instead of porcelain. Veneers in London are often used to fix stained, chipped, worn-down, misaligned, or unevenly spaced teeth. The porcelain is also very durable and invulnerable to cavities. But does that mean the teeth beneath the veneers will always remain healthy and decay-free? Not necessarily. Below, we’ll explore why teeth under veneers are still susceptible to cavities — and how to protect them.

Veneers and Cavities

So how does getting veneers affect your likelihood of developing cavities? Will porcelain veneers make your teeth invincible, or is your new smile still vulnerable to dental problems? While a veneer covers much of the tooth’s front surface, it doesn’t stop plaque or decay. Food particles and bacteria can still build up behind teeth or along the gum line, feeding plaque that leads to tooth decay. In fact, veneers have very little impact on your cavity risk. Some reasons why teeth with veneers might still develop decay include:

• If a veneer is poorly bonded or old, bacteria may slip beneath it and attack the tooth underneath.
• Veneers only cover the front surface — the back of each tooth is still fully exposed.
• Porcelain veneers don’t resolve existing problems like weakened enamel or decay. Health conditions and medications (such as those that cause dry mouth) can also increase risk.

Preventing Cavities

Good news: you don’t need a special care routine to protect teeth with porcelain veneers. Stick to the oral health habits you should already be using:

• Choose the right dentist – Work with an experienced cosmetic dentist who has a proven track record with veneers and positive patient reviews. Ask about their veneer work — they should care just as much about your oral health as your smile’s appearance.
• Brush twice daily – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush for at least two minutes each time. Be gentle and don’t neglect the backs of your teeth or the gum line.
• Floss daily – This helps remove plaque between teeth and prevents both cavities and gum disease. Don’t skip the teeth with veneers!
• Visit your dentist regularly – Check-ups allow your dentist to catch issues like damaged or loose veneers or early decay before they worsen. Book a dental appointment every six months or as advised.

Porcelain veneers can create stunning aesthetic results — but they don’t come with a cavity-free guarantee. By following the tips above, you can keep your veneers and natural teeth healthy for years to come.

Improve Your Oral Hygiene

If dental hygiene is the cause of issues like bad breath or early decay, improvements can be made quickly. Brush twice daily, floss, and keep up with your check-ups. You can find more information on our veneers homepage.

---

Related Articles

• How Do Veneers Work and Can You Get a Perfect Smile?
• Do You Get Veneers On Every Tooth?
• How Do You Brush Your Teeth With Veneers?
• Are Veneers Safe Long Term?
• Can You Still Get Cavities With Veneers?
• What’s Better Lumineers Or Veneers?
• Do Veneers Make Your Breath Smell?
• Can Veneers Fall Off?
• Who Is A Good Candidate For Veneers?
• Are Veneers Done In One Day?
• How Much Do They Shave Your Teeth For Veneers?
• Do Veneers Stay White?
• Do Veneers Ruin Your Real Teeth? The Truth About Risks, Regrets & Damage
• Are Veneers Painful? Veneers Experts At Whites Dental Explain
• Are Veneers Permanent? Your Guide From Whites Dental
• Do Veneers Affect Speech? Expert Advice From Whites Dental