Can You Get Tooth Decay Under Veneers?

So, you’ve got your shiny new veneers which make your teeth look lovely, and there’s absolutely no risk of anything going wrong, right?

Well… If you search for “Can you get tooth decay under veneers,” you may realise that this is not exactly the case!

Can You Get Tooth Decay Under Veneers?

The short answer to this is, yes you can get tooth decay under veneers. It can be a little tricky as decay is harder to spot under veneers, as they can hide a multitude of sins!

The most important thing is to continue with a really good oral hygiene regime, to ensure that the teeth under the veneers stay as strong and healthy as they can be.

Failing to brush and floss regularly can encourage decay-causing bacteria to multiply and eat away at the enamel of the teeth.

Because a small amount of the tooth’s enamel is removed by the dentist when fitting veneers, it is extra important to keep on top of the hygiene that will keep it strong.

The material of the veneer is not susceptible to any kind of rotting, and generally veneers will last around 10 years before they need any attention.

However, the teeth under them are still vulnerable to damage, so keeping on top of brushing and flossing is vitally important.

You should also schedule regular visits to your dentist, so that they and you can keep on top of whatever is going on in your mouth.

What Happens If Your Teeth Rot Under Veneers?

Veneers are fabulous in many ways, but they can hide a problem with a tooth that is under them…

You may not notice the problem, as the veneers will cover up the teeth underneath – but your dentist has the tools and the know how to spot any changes that might be going on.

Attend your regular check ups, and always follow your dentists’ advice, to make sure that you are doing the best for your teeth and your veneers.

If your teeth start to rot under your veneers, get yourself to your dentist as quickly as you can to try and sort the problem.

Your dentist will be able to check the health of your teeth, and if they spot signs of decay then they will remove the veneer to deal with the problem.

If the tooth is salvageable, the veneer will be replaced once the issue has been dealt with and the decay has been fixed.

If you end up having to lose the tooth, your dentist will help you find other ways to restore your pearly whites.

Is It Possible To Get Cavities Under Veneers?

Although your new veneers will make it look as though your teeth are completely perfect, it can be a different story underneath them.

It is perfectly possible to get cavities under veneers, sadly. This will not only cause pain and discomfort, but it can also affect the health of your teeth in general.

The most common area for cavities to form under veneers is around the corners of the teeth – it is harder to keep bacteria away from that area due to the smaller surface area.

You can, however, help your teeth to not form cavities under your veneers:

• Drink less alcohol, as alcohol can erode the bonding substance that holds the veneers in place on your teeth.
• Don’t use abrasive toothpaste, as this can damage your veneers and allow bacteria to creep in.
• If you grind your teeth at night, invest in a mouth guard to prevent damage to the veneers.
• Regularly brush and floss extremely well, taking extra care to reach the areas near the edges of the veneers.
• Attend regular dentist check ups, to allow the professionals to check that all is well in your mouth.

This short video shows you the most common places cavities can appear under your veneers, and why, and how to spot them:

How Do You Know If Teeth Under Veneers Are Decaying?

It can be hard to know what teeth are doing under the coverings of a veneer. There are a few telltale signs that you should look out for though.

If your tooth feels loose, it could be a sign that all is not well with the tooth. They are not supposed to wobble when you’re an adult!

Check the veneer – if that is loose, it can also show you that the teeth underneath are not as good as they should be.

If your teeth become sensitive to hot or cold, you should definitely make an appointment with your dentist, as this can be a sign of tooth decay.

Do you have an unpleasant taste in your mouth? Even without visible signs of decay, a metallic taste can be a sign that your teeth are struggling.

Ask someone to check your breath – if it smells bad, it can show that there is some rotting or decay going on.

Why Is My Tooth Brown Under My Veneers?

Teeth are meant to be white, right? We definitely don’t want any brown on our teeth – especially if we have gone to the trouble and expense of getting veneers!

The problem is generally down to a poorly-fitted set of veneers. The veneers need to be securely bonded to your teeth, or bacteria and food particles can squeeze into the gaps.

This build up is not only unsightly, but it can cause damage to your teeth underneath, and can actually cause decay.

The veneers need to be smoothed down so they are perfectly flush with your gum line – if not, you will end up with odd coloured patches.

Any of these problems can be fixed by a skilled professional, so if you notice any problems with your teeth under your veneers, book in to see your dentist.

This very short article tells you a little more about brown stains on your teeth under veneers.

Final Thoughts

Tooth veneers are great. They can really improve your confidence and your smile! However, they can’t fix everything.

You should always keep an eye on the health of your teeth under your veneers, and always contact your dentist if you are concerned about anything.