Porcelain veneers are a versatile cosmetic solution that can address one or several imperfections simultaneously. These thin, ceramic shells are customized to match the shade of your natural teeth and then bonded to their front surface to hide aesthetic issues. They’re often used to mask chips, cracks, discoloration, and slightly crooked or gapped teeth.
Plus, they can last 15+ years, making them an excellent long-term solution. However, it’s important to care for them properly if you want to extend their lifespan. Many patients want to know whether there are dietary restrictions they’ll need to follow to protect their veneers once they’re placed. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect!
What are Temporary Veneers?
For veneers to line up against your gums correctly, your dentist must remove a thin layer of enamel. This preparation is completed before making impressions of your mouth that are sent to the dental lab to create your prosthetics. To safeguard your smile in the meantime, your dentist will provide you with a temporary set of veneers to prevent any potential injury or sensitivity.
Foods to Avoid with Temporary Veneers
Temporary veneers are intended to shield your pearly whites for a short time, so they’re not made to be overly durable or long-lasting. You’ll need to watch what you eat to avoid breaking or dislodging them. Some foods to steer clear of include:
- Tough or chewy cuts of meat.
- Toasted or crusty breads.
- Anything that’s overly hard, like raw fruits and veggies, lollipops, popcorn, or ice.
- Darkly pigmented options like coffee, tea, berries, and ketchup that can stain them.
- Sticky or sugary candy, caramels, or toffee.
Instead, opt for softer foods like eggs, mashed potatoes, bananas, chicken, or soft canned fruits and vegetables.
Foods to Avoid with Permanent Veneers
Your permanent veneers are much more resilient and can resist a certain amount of chipping and discoloration. However, they’re not totally invincible, so you’ll still need to take precautions to avoid harming them once they’re bonded in place.
You may want to make the following adjustments to protect your prosthetics:
- Be cautious of extremely hard foods like popcorn kernels or hard nuts.
- Avoid dark foods and drinks that can eventually stain them after repeated or prolonged exposure.
- Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages that can erode the cement that holds your veneers in place.
- Quit smoking or vaping because nicotine has chemicals that can loosen the bonding of your veneers and/or discolor them.
Now that you know how to avoid damaging your veneers, you can enjoy their many benefits for years to come!
About the Practice
Patients at Beck Dental Care of Columbia benefit from a team of dentists who work together to offer a full range of services under one roof. They have 40+ years of combined experience helping people of all ages enhance their lives by improving their dental health. They put patient comfort first and take the time to get to know your unique needs so they can provide individualized solutions to meet them. If you’re interested in upgrading your grin with veneers, you can request a consultation on the website or by calling (931) 388-8452.