Can I Still Get Veneers If I Have Cavities?

The simple answer? No, you should not get veneers if you have active cavities. Porcelain veneers are designed to cover minor imperfections such as small chips, cracks, stains, or slight gaps between teeth. For their even placement, your dentist will need to remove a thin part of your healthy enamel to make room.

But if your tooth or teeth are already damaged by cavities, removing a layer of enamel will make them more vulnerable.

Another reason is that cavities may continue to spread even after you get veneers. After some time, if the damage reaches your pulp (inner tissue), you may end up feeling severe pain or sensitivity.

So to avoid these types of issues later on, dentists recommend addressing your cavities first.

Having one or more cavities does not automatically disqualify you from getting veneers. You can still get the flawless smile makeover you want, but the first step will be to treat cavities.

In most cases, the easiest option is to restore the tooth with a tooth-colored filling. Nowadays, many dentists use composite resin instead of metal fillings because it gives a very seamless look.

Your dentist will simply trim off the decayed part of the tooth and then place the filling. Once your teeth are free of decay, you can then consider getting veneers.

After fixing your teeth with fillings, the next step involves preparing them for veneer placement, for which only a thin enamel layer is removed. It’s within the safe limits, so your teeth will not be damaged.

The impressions of your prepared teeth will then be taken, which will be sent to a dental lab.

When your veneers are ready to be applied, your dentist will bond them to your teeth using dental cement. Soon after, you’ll be able to see a visible change in your smile.

Not every decayed tooth can be fixed for veneer application. In some cases, where the damage is too severe or reaches below your gums, your dentist may recommend placing a crown instead.

A crown will not only improve the look of your tooth, the way a veneer does, but it will also strengthen it and protect against further damage that may occur.

Dental veneers can give you your dream smile. But if you have cavities, it is a good option to address them first before thinking about getting veneers. Consult our experts at ACE Dental of Texas to learn if veneers are the right choice for you. Call us today!