Dental veneers are thin shells made from porcelain designed to improve teeth’ color, shape, and overall appearance. As dental veneers are a permanent procedure, your natural teeth are hidden from sight. You might be wondering, what happens to teeth under dental veneers?
The answer is that your natural teeth will continue to stay strong and just how you left them. They don’t suffer from any wear or changes due to veneers, except for the minimal enamel removal before veneers were applied. Learn how veneers can improve your smile while protecting your natural teeth. Continue reading to learn more!
How Do Veneers Affect Underlying Natural Teeth
Veneers are thin shells bonded to your tooth’s front surface and provide an aesthetic exterior so your smile looks seamless. Placing veneers involves removing approximately 0.5mm of enamel to make space for them. Then, veneers are fixed to the tooth surface with an adhesive known as dental cement.
The dental veneer then tightly bonds with the tooth enamel, providing a seamless cover. Dental veneers do not harm the tooth or nearby structures and provide an extra layer of protection. However, dental veneers do not protect your teeth from cavities or decay, so you must maintain a proper oral hygiene routine.
How Do You Take Care of Teeth Under Veneers?
You can take several steps to make sure that the teeth under your veneers stay healthy.
- Regular Brushing and Flossing
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to brush your teeth twice daily. Follow with flossing to remove plaque and food from around the veneer edges. - Avoid Hard Foods
Your natural teeth can get damaged if your veneers are compromised, so be cautious when eating hard or chewy foods or chewing on non-food items such as ice or pens. - Stay Hydrated
Drinking water benefits one’s bodily health and significantly impacts oral health. Staying hydrated can help you avoid dry mouth. Insufficient saliva is a leading factor of tooth decay as saliva keeps the mouth clean. - Routine Dental Visits
Schedule regular check-ups with a dentist, as they can make sure that your teeth are healthy under your veneers. They can also use treatments to keep your teeth free from decay with professional cleanings and examinations. - Fluoridated Mouthwash
Incorporate fluoridated mouthwash as it can strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. While veneers do not decay, fluoride can help strengthen your teeth underneath and keep them free from cavities.
Takeaway
Veneers are a great way to cover dental imperfections and achieve a brighter and aesthetically pleasing smile. There’s no need to worry if you’re concerned about what will happen to your teeth under dental veneers. The reason is that veneers do not cause any harm to your natural teeth. However, you need to continue with your usual oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth free from decay.
If you want to know more about veneers and the process of placing them, consider contacting the expert team at Smile Artisans Comprehensive Dentistry & Orthodontics. We provide natural and comfortable porcelain veneers and are happy to answer your queries. Call (832) 220-6087 to schedule an appointment.