If you’re considering getting veneers to transform your smile, you may be wondering how they will affect your ability to enjoy all of your favorite foods. While veneers are highly durable, they can still be damaged. Consequently, there are certain foods that are best avoided if you want your veneers to last as long as possible. Your dentist is here to explain what your diet should look like if you want to protect your newly improved grin.
Eating with Temporary Veneers
You’ll need to wear temporary veneers for a few weeks until the permanent versions are ready to be placed on your teeth. Since temporary veneers are only meant to last a short amount of time, they’re not as durable as permanent veneers. As such, you should avoid the following foods during this time:
- Hard or tough-to-chew foods that might damage veneers, such as raw vegetables or crusty bread.
- Sticky foods that could pull your temporary veneers off your teeth, such as caramels.
- Pigmented foods that could stain your temporary veneers, such as tomatoes and blueberries.
Ideally, you should stick to eating soft foods while wearing temporary veneers. Some good options include eggs, mashed potatoes, pasta, and bananas.
Eating with Permanent Veneers
You’ll be able to return to a much more varied diet once your permanent veneers are in place. The high durability of veneers allows them to stand up to a wide variety of foods. That being said, they can still potentially be damaged by extremely hard foods (such as peppermints or unpopped popcorn kernels), so be careful about what you bite down on.
Veneers that are made out of porcelain are stain-resistant, meaning they don’t become discolored as easily as your natural teeth. However, they still require care and maintenance. Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings along with following all post-treatment recommendations is pertinent to the longevity of your veneers.
About the Author
Dr. Sheren Elsaid went to Temple University for her dental education and completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry through the NYU Langone Dental Medicine Program. Dr. Elsaid has taken many continuing education courses on occlusion, cosmetic dentistry, and veneers. At Zen Dental Care in Parsippany-Troy Hills, she offers customized veneers that can be used to correct small chips, discolored spots, close gaps, and other cosmetic dental flaws. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Elsaid, visit her website or call (973) 370-5221.