Porcelain veneers can completely transform a smile by covering up dental flaws like cracks, chips, stains, and gaps or even reshaping teeth that weren’t formed properly. While they can last for fifteen years or more with excellent care, consuming too much of certain foods or drinks can cause them to need replacement sooner. Here are a few dietary changes you can make to help your veneers last for as long as possible.
How Should I Eat When Wearing Temporary Veneers?
After your teeth have been treated to receive porcelain veneers, your dentist will place a set of temporary veneers so you can get used to wearing them while the permanent set is manufactured. It takes about two weeks for your permanent set to be finished, and temporary veneers can fail if they endure too much stress. If your temporary veneer falls off, the exposed tooth will be more vulnerable to injury. A few foods to steer clear of if you are wearing temporary veneers include:
- Tough meats like steak
- Crusty or toasted bread
- Crunchy foods like raw veggies, popcorn, and candy
- Foods or beverages with lots of dyes or pigments such as red wine, coffee, tea, colas, berries, ketchup, and tomatoes.
- Sticky items like taffy or caramel
- Never chew ice, as doing so can harm your teeth and veneers alike.
Instead, stick to soft foods like eggs, pasta, mashed potatoes, soft bread, chicken, and bananas. These items will sate your hunger while keeping your veneers in great shape.
How Should I Eat When Wearing Permanent Veneers?
Your permanent set of veneers will be made from high-quality and durable materials that will last a long time with proper care. Since permanent veneers are not easy to damage, you’ll be able to handle a wider variety of foods after receiving them. However, caution should be taken when enjoying certain items such as:
- Dark liquids like coffee, tea, and red wine should be enjoyed in moderation to avoid stains.
- Especially hard foods like hard nuts and popcorn kernels can damage veneers.
- Alcohol is slightly acidic and can erode the cement used to fix your veneers to your teeth. Enjoy your spirits in moderation.
- Tobacco use is horrible for your veneers and the rest of your mouth. It can loosen the cement holding your veneers in place, cause discoloration in them, and lead to gum disease.
Veneers are meant to be a long-term investment that gives you a beautiful smile. With excellent care, you can get the most out of your newly beautified teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Kenneth Bell earned his dental degree at The University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 1992 and stays up to date with the latest developments in his field through continuing education courses. He is proud to be a member of the Kentucky Dental Association and the Louisville Dental Society. His office in Louisville, KY, offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers. To schedule a consultation for veneers, contact his office online or dial (502) 749-2355.