What Happens to Teeth Under Veneers?

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female patient discussing veneers with a dentist

Veneers are thin shells that cover the front of your teeth. Many people ask what happens to teeth under veneers and if they stay safe. The answer is simple: your real tooth is still there under the shell. It stays healthy if you take good care of it. If you want to learn more, a dentist near you can show you exactly how veneers work. Veneers can make your smile look amazing. But first, you need to understand what happens to your tooth.

How Your Dentist Puts on a Veneer

Your dentist prepares your tooth before adding a dental veneer. They remove a very thin layer from the front of your tooth. This makes space for the dental veneer to fit. Your tooth root stays safe and strong under your gum. Your dentist takes a picture of your tooth and sends it to a lab. Workers make a custom veneer just for you. When it comes back, your dentist glues it onto your tooth. Many people get porcelain veneers in SW Calgary because they look like real teeth and last a very long time.

Your Natural Tooth Still Needs Care

After we put your new veneer on, you can still see your original tooth. We essentially place a guard around your tooth with the veneer to protect your real tooth from damage and stains. It prevents food and other particles from directly touching your natural tooth.

Unfortunately, the tooth underneath is not immune to bacteria, so you will need to brush and floss daily.

In addition, we encourage you to clean carefully all around your new veneer and support your gum tissue because it protects the root of your teeth under the veneer.

Can Teeth Go Bad Under Veneers?

Yes, your tooth can have problems if you don’t care for it. Decay can start if you don’t brush and floss well. Your gum can get sick if plaque builds up around the veneer edges. Problems start where your real tooth shows at the edge of the veneer. If decay gets bad, your dentist must remove the veneer and fix your tooth. Regular visits to the dentist help catch problems early. A dentist in SW Calgary can watch your veneered teeth and find problems before they get worse.

Why Do Dentists Advise Against Veneers for Some People?

Dentists do not want to put a veneer on every tooth. For example, if the tooth is already weak or is decayed, then a veneer simply won’t work. Also, if you do grind your teeth at night, they would crack or break, and if you are not flossing your teeth, decay would certainly start forming behind the veneer. Occasionally, the tooth does not have enough good tooth structure available to support a veneer.

As much as you might want a veneer, your dentist wants to protect your teeth and would not recommend a veneer under these circumstances.

How to Maintain the Health of Your Veneers

Use these tips to protect your veneers:

  • Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently two times daily.
  • Floss every day, especially at the edge of the veneers.
  • Never bite hard things like ice or hard candy.
  • Don’t utilize your teeth for opening packages or bottles.
  • See the dentist every 6 months.
  • If you play sports or grind your teeth, wear a mouthguard.

These habits keep your real tooth and veneer healthy for many years.

Your Smile Matters at Trinity Hills Dental

In short, with some good teeth, these will really have your smile shining beautifully. They feel and appear like authentic teeth. Your dentist has methods to maintain the health of your smile as well; brushing, flossing, and getting checkups help create positive health as well as, in turn, a glowing smile. If you think veneers are for you, consult with your dentist, who’ll offer excellent alternatives in your current dental situation.

Whether to determine what kind of smile solution you require, you do not have to concern yourself, as here at Trinity Hills Dental, that’s all we do. We will review dental history while guiding you through every alternative on our available list.

Quick Answers About Veneers

Do veneers cause damage to your teeth?

No, when we prepare your tooth, a layer isn’t removed. For the next couple of days, your teeth may feel sensitive or tender.

For how long will veneers stay on teeth?

Most veneers last ten to fifteen years if you take care of them. Some last even longer.

Can you get cavities under a veneer?

Yes, decay can start at the edge where your real tooth shows. Brushing and flossing prevent this.

Can you remove veneers and go back to normal?

No, because your tooth structure changes. You should be sure before getting veneers.

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