National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to enhance their appearance. They are particularly effective for improving the aesthetics of slightly crooked teeth, covering chipped teeth, and closing gaps between teeth. However, their application is not suitable for restoring function or structure to teeth that have active issues, such as cavities.

When a tooth has a cavity, it requires restorative treatment to address the decay and prevent further damage. Restorative procedures like fillings or crowns are necessary to repair the health of the tooth structure before any cosmetic treatment like veneers can be considered. Veneers can improve the appearance of a tooth, but they do not treat underlying conditions such as decay. Thus, for a tooth with a cavity, veneers would not be an appropriate solution. This understanding highlights the importance of addressing dental health problems first before considering cosmetic enhancements.