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If you hide your smile due to cosmetic defects, you may be considering veneers to improve your appearance and confidence when communicating with people. It is understandable to be concerned about such a large investment.

Patients often ask if veneers ruin their natural teeth. The short answer is: no. Nothing will happen to your teeth as long as you take care of your veneers, which are simple to accomplish.

However, deterioration can still occur if veneers are not correctly installed or if you do not practice good oral hygiene.

Continue reading to learn more about the risks of deterioration and how to care for your natural teeth under veneers.

But first, let's talk about what are the dental veneers.

What are veneers:

Dental veneers are wafer-thin "shells" produced from porcelain or resin composites.

These "shells" are permanently glued to the front of defective teeth, mimicking the appearance and feel of natural enamel. It's difficult to discern the difference; even the most perceptive acquaintance will not know you're wearing a covering.

This procedure can be used on a single tooth, many teeth, or even all of your teeth.

And one size can’t fit absolutely everyone!

The shape, size, and color of veneers are unique to each patient, depending on their facial features, intended look, and the characteristics of the surrounding teeth.

Do veneers protect your teeth? This is part of the attractiveness, but it does not imply you will never have to deal with plaque or tartar.

Can you get cavities under veneers?

Yes, cavities can occur under veneers, but only if you do not brush and floss properly.

Although veneers protect teeth by isolating them from their surroundings, decay can still grow under and around the veneer.

What about the culprit?

A sugar-rich diet, along with poor tooth hygiene.

Bacteria can grow and spread if your dentist does not properly glue the veneers in the first place. Please contact a reputable dentist who has extensive expertise in putting veneers.

How to clean veneers and protect your teeth

Maintaining your veneers is the most effective strategy to protect your teeth.

This includes brushing twice a day for two minutes each and flossing regularly.

It is acceptable to use a manual toothbrush, although electric toothbrushes provide better access to hard-to-reach places.

Other tips:

• Grinding your teeth might damage veneers and make you more prone to decay. Your dentist can advise you on alternative treatment choices and provide you with a splint or retainer to wear at night.
• Avoid foods that are hard, rough, or sticky (such as raw vegetables, nuts, or brittle lollipops). Reduce your consumption of foods and beverages that may stain your teeth (berries, coffee, wine, and tomatoes).
• If you ingest any things that may leave a stain, rinse your mouth thoroughly.
• Do not use your teeth to open bottles, chew ice, bite your nails, or perform other similar actions.
• Every six months, visit your dentist for a thorough cleaning to eliminate any tartar buildup.
• Never participate in a contact sport without wearing a mouthguard.

What else do I need to know about veneers?

• Veneers cannot be lightened after installation: If you only have veneers on a few teeth and want a brighter look, make sure to whiten all of your teeth first. Teeth whitening procedures are ineffective on veneers. Before the surgery, you can personalize the veneers to fit your newly whitened teeth.
• Extend lifespan: Porcelain laminate veneers typically last from 10 to 15 years before needing to be changed. The better you care for them, the longer they will last. Some clinical investigations show longer survival rates - even 20 years. In the event of an accidental breaking, the prosthetic can be rebonded or replaced before it expires. Visit your dentist straight away to avoid causing harm to your enamel or the root of your tooth.

• There is no turning back: this is a lifelong commitment, so only pursue this path if you are looking for a permanent answer. A tiny layer of enamel is typically taken from your natural teeth to accommodate the veneers, making the procedure irreversible comfortably.