Veneers have allowed millions of people to completely transform their smile by covering unsightly defects like gaps, chips, cracks, stains, and wear and tear with beautifully lifelike dental restorations. These appliances are made from high-quality materials that mimic natural dental structures, and they can be placed in as few as two appointments. While veneers can last for up to fifteen years before needing replacement if they receive excellent care, certain eating habits can make them fail sooner. Here are a few foods to be careful about after beautifying your smile.
What Foods Should I Avoid When Wearing Temporary Veneers?
During the first appointment to place your appliances, your cosmetic dentist will probably fix a set of temporary veneers upon the treated teeth to protect your smile and help you get used to wearing them. To help this set stay in excellent shape until you receive your permanent veneers a few weeks later, avoid or be careful when eating such foods as:
- Tough meats
- Toasted or hard-crusted bread
- Crunchy foods like raw veggies, popcorn, ice, and hard candy
- Dark sauces and beverages such as coffee, berries, red wine, tea, colas, tomatoes, soy sauce, ketchup and barbeque sauce.
- Sticky candies such as taffy or caramel
What Are Good Eating Habits After Receiving My Permanent Veneers?
Permanent veneers are much more durable and stain-resistant than temporary ones, but they can become damaged or discolored if they don’t receive the proper care. After you receive your permanent veneers, take care to:
- Limit your intake of dark liquids like red wine, coffee, tea, and colas, as frequent heavy exposure to these beverages can leave unsightly stains upon your veneers.
- Take care when enjoying hard foods like popcorn or hard nuts. Be sure to avoid chomping on seeds and kernels that are too hard to chew safely, and use a nutcracker to open shells rather than your teeth.
- Enjoy strong drinks in moderation, as alcohol is slightly acidic and can erode your natural enamel as well as the cement bonding your veneers to your teeth.
- Quit smoking, as tobacco contains chemicals that loosen the cement holding a veneer in place and will also cause unflattering dental stains and discoloration.
Smart eating habits can set your veneers up to work beautifully for many years. Consulting with your dentist can help you learn the best ways to preserve your cosmetic dental results.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Hong earned his dental degree at the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry and has completed over 300 hours of continuing education coursework every year since then. He is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and an Invisalign-certified provider. His office in Clarendon Hills offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact his office online or dial (630) 789-1555.