If you’re looking for ways to quickly improve the way your smile looks, porcelain veneers are a great treatment option. They snap over the top of the teeth and can instantly cover up common dental imperfections.

However, if you currently have cavities, you may not be able to get veneers until you have your cavities treated by a dentist in Rochester Hills, MI. Here’s how to tell if you’re a good candidate for veneers.

closeup of a young woman's smile

What Problems Can Be Treated With Veneers?

Veneers can be used to treat many dental problems quickly and with minimal discomfort. Some of the most common problems that can be treated with veneers include:

  • Stained, yellow, or discolored teeth
  • Minor cracks and chips that don’t affect the function or health of the teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Slightly twisted or crooked teeth
  • Eroded, short, or otherwise misshapen teeth

If you’re unhappy with the aesthetic appearance of your smile but don’t want to receive multiple or lengthy treatments, veneers may be a good option for you. They can instantly transform your teeth into the picture-perfect smile you’ve always wanted.

What Problems Shouldn’t Be Treated With Veneers?

Not all cosmetic issues should be treated with veneers, especially if they affect the health of your teeth. Your dentist in Rochester Hills, MI, will not recommend veneers for any of the following dental problems:

  • Root canal infections
  • Cavities/tooth decay
  • Periodontal disease

Even though these conditions can affect the way your teeth look, they need to be treated appropriately before veneers are even an option. Treating these problems with veneers will not fix the underlying issues and will allow them to become worse. Your dentist will perform an evaluation to determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers or if you need other treatments, like a dental crown first.

So do veneers fix cavities? No. You cannot use veneers for tooth decay cover-up. Dr. Wolfe must remove the tooth decay first before considering giving you dental veneers.

Can Your Teeth Rot Under Veneers?

So what if your teeth experience serious health decline after you get veneers? One common question we get from patients is if you can still get cavities under veneers. The answer is yes. If you fail to take good care of your oral health, your teeth can get cavities and essentially rot underneath your veneers. This is why it’s so important to brush and floss regularly in addition to regular dental checkups and cleanings. If you do happen to get a rotting tooth under your veneer, it can cause your veneer to fail. We also might have to remove it in order to treat tooth decay and prevent it from progressing. 

Do You Have to Have Teeth to Get Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin sheets of porcelain material that go over the front of your teeth. So yes, it’s essential to have teeth in order to get veneers. If you don’t have a tooth or you’re unhappy with the appearance of your replacement tooth, the only thing you can do to enhance your appearance is to replace your tooth replacement with something new and better looking.

How to Avoid Problems with Veneers

Once you get your shiny new veneers, you will want to do everything in your power to ensure they stay looking great for as long as possible. Our first word of advice to avoid tooth decay under your veneers is taking good care of your oral health. As long as you brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly, you should be fine.

It’s also important to get your veneers from a qualified cosmetic dentist in Rochester Hills, MI. If you get your veneers from a questionable source, they will likely lack the quality they need to last for a long time. Fortunately for you, Dr. Wolfe has ample experience successfully providing patients with gorgeous porcelain veneer results.

Another way to avoid problems with your veneers is by not using your teeth as tools. Simply using your teeth to open a package can hurt both your teeth as well as your veneers. You should also wear a nightguard or use a mouth guard to protect your teeth from clenching and grinding, and during contact sports. Most problems that happen to veneers are completely avoidable with the right care steps.

Improve Your Smile With Porcelain Veneers in Rochester, MI

A brand new, confident smile is just a few appointments away. Our cosmetic dentist in Rochester, MI is here to help you achieve the gorgeous smile you’ve been dreaming about. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Matthew Wolfe by calling Signature Dentistry of Rochester today at (248) 656-2020.