Veneers are a very popular cosmetic dental procedure — and for good reason. Veneers are responsible for that white and bright smile you’ll see on the likes of George Clooney, Zac Efron, and Miley Cyrus.
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured caps that are bonded to the front of the teeth. They can help to correct minor cosmetic issues such as chipping, gaps, staining, or cracking.
Before undergoing a veneer treatment, many patients often ask, do your teeth rot under veneers? The short answer is no — if applied and cared for correctly, your teeth won’t rot under veneers.
Below, we answer all of your questions about veneers and teeth rotting.
Do Your Teeth Rot Under Veneers?
It’s common for patients to be concerned that their teeth will rot under veneers.
Fortunately, provided the veneers are bonded and maintained properly, teeth do not rot under veneers.
However, if your veneers are not bonded closely to your natural teeth, it’s possible for bacteria and food particles to become lodged between your tooth and the veneer. If left unaddressed, this can cause tooth decay.
On the other hand, veneers that are too thick can put pressure on your teeth. Prolonged pressure on the teeth may cause them to crack.
So, incorrect application of veneers can leave your teeth vulnerable to rotting and damage. That’s why it’s important to visit a thoroughly trained dentist to apply dental veneers.
While your teeth shouldn’t rot under veneers, it’s worth noting that you can still get cavities with veneers.
Veneers only cover the front side of the tooth, so the rest of the tooth can still be affected by plaque and tartar buildup and, ultimately, cavities.
When a cavity is left untreated, it can weaken the tooth and make it incapable of supporting the veneer.
It’s essential to keep up with your dental hygiene and biannual dentist check-ups. Your dentist will be able to treat cavities in their early stages and ensure they don’t cause further issues.
Do Veneers Rot Your Teeth?
No, dental veneers do not rot or damage your teeth.
Many patients are concerned that the process of preparing the teeth for veneers is harmful, but if completed correctly, this process won’t damage the strength or health of your teeth.
To prepare your teeth for veneers, your dentist should first take X-rays to ensure your teeth are not rotting or decaying.
They will then remove a very thin layer of enamel from the surface of your teeth. This is required in order to create space for the veneers so that they look natural when applied.
This will not damage your teeth, but it will permanently change the tooth structure. Once your veneers have been applied, they are intended to last 10 to 20 years. If they are removed, they will need to be replaced with new veneers.
How Can You Tell If Your Teeth Are Rotting Under Veneers?
Call your dentist immediately if you think your teeth are rotting under your veneers.
Signs that your teeth may be rotting under your veneers include
- Loose or wobbly teeth
- Loose veneers, or veneers that are falling off entirely
- Sensitive teeth
- Sore gums
- Pus or blood around the gums
- Tooth pain
- Infections in the gum area
Your dentist will need to take a look at your teeth and determine the extent of the decay. You may need to have your veneer removed to treat the decay effectively.
If the tooth can be salvaged, your veneer may be replaced. However, if the tooth is too damaged, your dentist will advise you of other replacement options, such as dental implants.
If My Teeth Are Rotting, Can I Get Veneers?
Can you get veneers on decayed teeth?
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get veneers on your teeth if they are rotten or decaying.
Veneers are a cosmetic restoration treatment and are designed to correct minor cosmetic concerns.
Not all dental issues can be treated with veneers. They should not be applied if you have
- A root canal
- Cavities
- Tooth decay
- Periodontal disease (advanced gum disease)
While these conditions can affect the aesthetics of your teeth, they also affect the health and structure of your teeth. For this reason, they will need to be treated properly before veneers can be considered.
If these conditions are not treated, and veneers are used to cover them up, the problem will only worsen.
Crowns are the preferred option for rotten, decayed, or damaged teeth. Crowns offer the desired aesthetics but also structurally reinforce the tooth, providing it with the strength it needs to function properly.
A dental implant is a great alternative if the tooth is too decayed and needs to be removed. The procedure involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone to serve as a foundation for replacement teeth.
Do Veneers Protect Your Teeth?
Yes, veneers can protect your teeth by preventing enamel erosion.
The enamel that coats our teeth can wear away over time. It can erode especially quickly if you brush too hard, frequently consume acidic food and beverages, or have acid reflux.
Enamel erosion cannot be reversed, but veneers can protect the front of the teeth from further erosion.
How to Protect Your Teeth Under Veneers
If you have received dental veneers, it’s important to take extra care when it comes to your dental hygiene.
To keep your teeth and veneers in optimal condition, remember to
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and in between meals, if possible. Use a gel toothpaste with no whitening ingredients, as they may be too harsh for your veneers.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash each time you brush your teeth to kill disease-causing bacteria.
- Floss daily to prevent plaque from building up between your teeth and veneers.
- Reduce consumption of sugary and acidic substances, as these foods and drinks can cause cavities.
- Avoid smoking, as tobacco products can contribute to gum disease and increase your risk of mouth cancer.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for a deep clean and checkup. Your dentist will be able to find signs of gum disease early on and prevent dangerous decay.
A Final Word on Teeth Rotting and Veneers
Provided veneers are applied and cared for properly, teeth do not rot under veneers.
Follow the above recommendations to maintain the health of your veneers and natural teeth underneath them. This will help them last as long as possible.
If you suffer from tooth rotting or severe decay, veneers may not be the right option.
At Kew Dentistry, we’re committed to finding the right solution for you so that you can feel great about your smile.
You can get in touch with us to discuss your options and book an appointment with our highly experienced dentists. We offer veneers, crowns, dental implants, and more, so you can be sure we’ll find the right treatment option for you.