Getting veneers is an exciting step towards achieving a beautiful, confident smile. However, many patients, especially those with discerning palates, wonder if they’ll need to change their diets once they get them. While they are designed to function like natural teeth, there are some dietary considerations to keep in mind. Read on to explore how veneers might change the way you eat.
Foods to Moderate with Veneers
Once you have your new veneers in place, you’ll find that maintaining them involves being mindful of what you eat. Here are some foods that may cause issues if you’re not careful:
- Hard or Tough Foods: While veneers are strong, they’re not indestructible. Avoid biting into hard substances like ice or bone. Meats like steak can also be notoriously tough if not cooked properly.
- Sticky Foods: Sticky foods like caramel or taffy can stick to the untreated backs of your teeth and stay for hours. This can cause enamel wear as bacteria feed on the leftovers and produces acid. Over time, tooth decay can start to become an issue, weakening your veneers.
- Staining Foods and Drinks: Porcelain veneers are resistant to stains, but they can still dull if you consume pigmented food and drinks. Try to moderate the amount of coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries you have regularly.
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the bonding material of your veneers over time. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages to preserve the strength of the bond.
Best Practices for Eating with Veneers
While your diet won’t change too much once you have your permanent enhancements, you should still think about ways to keep them in top shape. Here are some ideas for maintaining your veneers while eating the foods you love:
- Cut Food into Pieces: Cutting tough meats and vegetables into smaller pieces can reduce stress on your enhancements, helping them last longer.
- Keep Up with Your Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth thoroughly twice per day and floss them each night. This will keep them clean and free of sticky or sugary substances.
- Rinse Your Mouth: If you’re at a restaurant or can’t brush right after having some staining food or beverages, rinse your mouth with water. This will keep the pigments from sticking too long.
- Don’t Abuse Your Teeth: Avoid using your teeth as tools in the kitchen whether it’s for opening packages or popping bottle tops.
Veneers are an investment in your smile, and taking the necessary steps to protect them will help you maintain their looks. While you don’t have to give up your favorite foods, you should try to form good oral habits when it comes to eating. If you need more guidance, call your dentist. They can offer you more personalized advice to keep your smile pristine.
About the Author
Dr. Clark Julian is a talented and compassionate dentist with a doctorate from the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He loves helping each of his patients achieve the smile of their dreams with advanced dental technology and a can-do attitude! Call (480) 790-7717 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at Julian Dentistry, or visit the website to discover other services they offer.