Now that you have a dazzling set of new veneers, you might be wondering just what they’re capable of. You already know that they make your teeth look whiter and more evenly spaced, and that they can even clear up minor issues like chipped or misshapen teeth. But what you may not know is that they still need to be treated properly so they can last as long as possible, and that means that you may need to make some dietary changes to do this.
Here’s what you need to know about what you should (and shouldn’t) eat with veneers.
Dietary Don’ts
When it comes to your diet, nobody wants to hear what they aren’t allowed to eat. But with your new veneers, it’s important to avoid certain foods to keep them looking as good as new for as long as they can. This is especially important for temporary veneers, as these are much more delicate than your permanent set will be, and thus need a bit of extra caution. Thus, until yours are ready, here’s what you should avoid with the temporary variety:
- Hard foods like raw fruits and veggies, candies, popcorn, and ice cubes
- Tough meats
- Pigmented drinks like coffee, berries, red wine, cola, tomatoes or tomato products, and tea
- Toasted or crusty breads
- Sticky candies like caramel, toffee, taffy, or gummies
Dietary Do’s
Thankfully, there is still plenty you can enjoy with your temporary veneers, including:
- Eggs
- Bananas
- Chicken
- Soft canned food
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Soft bread
Keep in mind that once you get your official veneers, you can once again expand your diet to include many of the foods above; however, it is still important to follow these important changes:
- Dark liquids like cola, coffee, and red wine
- Extremely hard foods like hard nuts and popcorn kernels
- Alcoholic beverages, which can erode the cement used to hold your veneers In place
- Tobacco products, which can cause both discoloration and loosen the bonding that attaches them
Proper Care Tips
Now that you know what foods to enjoy or avoid, be sure to care for your veneers properly, too. Always brush them twice a day, and floss them at least once a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching and damaging them. Furthermore, be sure to continue visiting your dentist twice a year for your semi-annual exams and cleanings.
Remember, with proper care and usage, your veneers can last up to 20 years, but failure to do so could cause them to stain, damage, or fall out.
About Our Practice
At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, we understand that having a healthy, beautiful smile is an important goal of most patients. That’s why we offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions like veneers, which can easily correct the color, shape, and spacing of your teeth in as little as two appointments.
If you’re interested in learning more about how veneers can help customize your smile, visit our website or call us today at one of our three convenient locations and schedule an appointment for a consultation.