Do Dental Veneers Like Lumineers Promote Tooth Decay?

Question

How do you deal with tooth decay when you have veneers?  Wouldn't having veneers on top of your real teeth make decay more likely because food could get stuck in between them and cause cavities?

Kathy Frazar, DDS, FAGD · Answer

It is critical to have as perfect fit as possible with the right shape and contour so as to not trap plaque.  This will eliminate a decay problem.

Andy Shieh, DMD · Answer

The only time any dental procedure will "promote" decay is when the patient don't come to the dentist routinely.  As long as the dentist don't place the Lumineers over any decayed teeth areas AND the Lumineers is bonded correctly to the tooth structure, there should be NO "promoting" of any decay.  Home care and make sure you go to your dentist regularly will insure no dental investment goes wasted.  You don't have a new car and never bring it in for maintenance do you? Same in Dentistry with dental work.

Paula S. Gould, DDS · Answer

No restoration that a dentist places in your mouth should promote tooth decay.Veneers are placed with a bonded seal over the entire front surface of the tooth and wrap over the bottom edge.  They are very strong, when placed properly. They should feel like natural teeth, floss like natural teeth, and have no excess spaces or places that the floss gets caught or shreds. The combination of proper placement, proper contours, and smooth edges should not promote decay.  Decay comes from the patient....you not flossing, not getting cleanings and exams, and generally poor MAINTAINANCE of your new smile.

Natwarlal Tibrewal, BDS · Answer

A perfect design of veneer, good fit and finish from dentist and then meticulous oral hygiene regime will prevent tooth decay. Once you have veneers fitted, just floss and check if gets stuck, if it does ask your dentist to correct it. Veneers are porcelain layer on teeth so you still have your natural teeth underneath. Your teeth will still need that extra care to keep them clean.

Joseph W. Worthington, DDS · Answer

Years ago when we first did porcelain veneers it was the standard of care to not disturb the contact point between teeth. Naturally, the seam between the veneer and tooth was left in a vulnerable spot where recurrent decay was most likely to appear.
Now we tend to open the contact between the teeth so we not only get a more aesthetic result but that seam is on the inside where recurrent decay is less likely to occur and can be repaired more easily if it does.
Most important is the need for regular hygiene visits and daily flossing. You as the patient can combat many of the problems we see in the mouth if you work at it.

Cate Vieregger, DDS · Answer

Veneers are an excellent choice if the patient is a good candidate for veneers.  There is less natural tooth loss due to a conservative preparation.  When cementing the permanent veneers, the adhesive will not allow bacteria to seep under the margins.
Of course, excellent home care and seeing your dentist on a regular basis is important for all patients.

Ryan Sellinger, DMD · Answer

This is a great question!...
Veneers are ceramic facings that are bonded to teeth which have been prepared to receive them. The process depends on the meticulous adaptation of the veneers to the teeth.
The intimate fit starts with proper preparation of the teeth by the dentist.  The process is completed with the fabrication of the veneers on casts.  After which, the veneers are bonded to the teeth.
If properly done, veneers are a wonderful technique to change the shape, color and even the alignment of teeth.
They are not more readily prone to decay; however, they need to be maintained with the same proper flossing and brushing as natural teeth.  If decay should occur on one of the teeth that a veneer is bonded to, the decay can be removed by accessing the tooth from behind the veneer.
Helpful hints:

Please do your research; find a well qualified dentist.  Typically dentists who are passionate about this technique document their cases so you are able to see before and after pictures.
Try to find a dentist that has a ceramist in their office.  Communication between the patient, dentist and ceramist is the most important aspect to ensure a successful outcome.
Go with your gut! Find a dentist who will take the time to hear what it is you are looking to achieve with veneer therapy.
Smile Smile Smile! Veneers have changed so many of our patient&rsquo;s outlook in life&hellip;

Lawrence Singer, DMD (in memoriam) · Answer

Well designed and executed veneered teeth are LEss vulnerable to decay than unveneed teeth. THis is becasue the porcelain acts like an impenetrable shiled. THe technique and or the dentist, the skill of the dentist and the execution of the procedure are also paramount to long-term success.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD - Account Suspended · Answer

If veneers are done properly, food should not get stuck under them; they will act and feel like your natural teeth.
Veneers are bonded to the tooth, which means there will be a resin material connecting the tooth to the porcelain, and there should not be a gap in between.  Just like regular teeth, food can get stuck in between, requiring the use of floss to clean it out.  While porcelain is not enamel and cannot decay, the remaining tooth structure that is still exposed can.  If a person continues to brush and floss like they should, the likelihood of decay is not any different than without the veneers.

Do Dental Veneers Like Lumineers Promote Tooth Decay?

Answers (9)

More Lumineers Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (9)

More Lumineers Questions

Would Lumineers help with no tooth show? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS