Will My Diet Change with Veneers?

It’s easy to turn the smile of your dreams into reality with porcelain veneers. Although there are more options than ever, veneers continue to rank among the top cosmetic procedures year after year. You can correct multiple issues simultaneously using a minimally invasive method that can last for decades with the proper care. Besides brushing and flossing, your dentist will recommend changing your diet to get the most from your investment. 

Eating with Temporary Veneers

Getting veneers will take a couple of appointments. Your teeth are prepared during your first visit, which involves removing a little enamel. Your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and send it to the dental lab. The lab will craft your veneers to fit your teeth like a glove, but it can take a couple of weeks. Your dentist will apply temporary veneers while you wait to protect your teeth. It also allows you to “try on” your new smile, but your temporary restorations won’t be as strong as your permanent ones. As a result, your dentist will recommend skipping certain foods, including:

• Hard or crunchy foods
• Raw fruits and vegetables
• Tough meats
• Sticky or chewy candy
• Toasted or crusty bread
• Stain-causing foods and drinks

Although you might need to give up some of your favorite foods for a few days, there are still many tasty things you can enjoy, like:

• Chicken
• Eggs
• Soft bread
• Soft fruits and vegetables
• Pasta

Eating With Porcelain Veneers

Once your veneers have been sent back to your dentist, you’ll return to their office to have your temporary ones removed. Your final restorations will be more durable than the temporary veneers because they are made of high-grade porcelain, which is more resilient to staining and stronger; however, they aren’t indestructible. Therefore, your dentist will recommend limiting: 

• Extremely hard foods, which can chip or crack veneers
• Dark foods and drinks that can stain your underlying teeth
• Tobacco and smoking
• Alcoholic drinks because they can weaken the bonding material
• Sugary foods and drinks to prevent cavities
• Sticky foods that may pull your veneers off or cling to your teeth

Maintaining Your New Smile

Besides watching what you eat, good oral hygiene is vital to promote the lifespan of your new smile. Use nonabrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth twice daily. Use high-quality floss to clean between each tooth every day. Your dentist will recommend breaking bad oral habits, like chewing on your fingernails or using your teeth to loosen bottle lids. Finally, don’t forget to visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. With a little attention, your dazzling smile will look its best for years.

About Dr. Mark D. Medaugh

Dr. Medaugh earned his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania and has regularly continued his education to provide the most up-to-date services. He has the qualifications and reputation you can trust to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact our office today to request a consultation.