Veneers have allowed many patients to transform their smiles by covering up cracks, chips, gaps, or stains. While these thin shells that mimic the appearance and texture of real teeth are an effective cosmetic treatment that delivers beautiful results, certain eating habits can lead to them becoming damaged or discolored prematurely. Here’s a brief guide to eating with veneers so that your investment in your smile can last for as long as possible.
Caring for Your Temporary Veneers
Veneers are usually placed over at least two appointments. While your permanent veneers will be completely customized to fit your teeth and blend in with your smile, they are not placed until the second appointment, so you’ll receive a temporary set after your first visit so that you can get used to wearing them. To prevent your temporary veneers from becoming dislodged or damaged, we recommend abstaining from foods such as:
- Red meat or other tough proteins
- Crusty or toasted bread
- Hard, crunchy foods like hard candy, popcorn, raw veggies, ice, and the like
- Foods and beverages that are high in pigments such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and colas.
- Sticky or chewy candies like caramel or taffy
Instead, enjoy such fare as:
- Pasta
- Eggs
- Bananas
- Chicken
- Soft canned food
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft bread
Caring for Your Permanent Veneers
Your permanent veneers will be made from materials that are more durable and of higher quality than your temporary set, and they can last for up to two decades before needing replacement with excellent care. They aren’t easily damaged and are quite resistant to stains, but there are a few ways to keep them working well and looking great for as long as possible. Take care to enjoy dark beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine in moderation to prevent stains from eventually forming. You should also avoid hard items such as hard nuts and popcorn kernels.
Substance use can also wreck your veneers. Limit your alcohol consumption since it can erode the cement holding your veneers in place. It’s also important to quit using tobacco, as the chemicals it contains can stain your veneers while degrading the cement securing them. Chewing or smoking tobacco will also make you more vulnerable to gum disease.
Most importantly, the best way to keep your veneers in great shape is to practice proper oral hygiene every day while seeing your dentist regularly. This will prevent tooth decay from setting in under your veneers while keeping them monitored for any signs of early failure.
About the Practice
Pasadena Family Dentistry delivers the finest oral health services to the good people of Pasadena, TX. Led by Drs. Kimber Holmes, Erica Revel, and Raymond Lowery, the staff sees to each patient receiving comfortable and effective treatments that address their needs. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers. To learn more about caring for your veneers, contact the office online or dial (713) 946-5171.