Getting your dream smile is now easier than ever, thanks to natural-looking porcelain veneers. These thin laminates can hide various dental imperfections, enhancing the beauty of your teeth. Before undergoing this treatment, many patients ask, “What foods can I eat, and which ones should I avoid after getting veneers?” The truth is that you can continue your normal diet after the procedure, but there are some restrictions to ensure your veneers last a long time. Keep reading to learn more.
How Are Veneers Placed?
Before we get into further details, it is helpful to understand the treatment process of veneers. Porcelain veneers are an ideal solution for all those who want to conceal small dental imperfections such as chips, cracks, stains, or discoloration on their tooth surfaces. During the process, your dentist will trim a thin enamel layer for the smooth placement of veneers.
This process is done under local anesthesia to avoid discomfort and sensitivity. Your impressions are taken and sent to a lab. In the meantime, you will receive temporary laminates that protect your prepared teeth.
Once the veneers are ready, your dentist will bond them permanently to your teeth. If small adjustments are needed, they will perform them to ensure that your veneers fit perfectly.
Foods You Can and Cannot Eat with Veneers
Porcelain veneers are durable and can last a long time with proper care. However, the material may break under excessive biting pressure. Here are some foods that you should avoid if you have porcelain veneers:
- Hard foods such as ice and popcorn kernels
- Meat that is difficult to chew
- Sticky foods like caramel toffees and chewing gums
- Chocolate
- Crunchy foods like nuts, seeds and crisps
- Hard breads and toasts
- Candies and sweets that are hard to chew
You should also avoid foods and drinks that may stain your teeth, such as tea, coffee, berries, and tomatoes, as they may also discolor the veneers. Apart from these foods, you can continue enjoying your normal diet. If you want to have a candy or snack once in a while, make sure not to bite too hard and chew softly to prevent any damage.
Caring For Porcelain Veneers
Veneers can transform your smile within a few dental visits, but they require routine care and oral hygiene maintenance. Here are some tips to follow if you want your veneers to last long:
- Brush your teeth and veneers using a soft toothbrush. Use gentle strokes to clean the surfaces.
- Floss your teeth regularly to avoid plaque and tartar accumulation.
- Avoid using your front teeth to open bottle caps or jar lids.
- Avoid biting your nails, pencils, or any other inedible object, as it can damage the veneer surface.
- If you have bruxism, consider getting a mouthguard to protect your teeth and dental work.
Summing Up
You can continue relishing many of your favorite foods with veneers, but it is best to avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods. For more helpful guidelines, visit our dental professionals at DentaLand Dentistry of Houston. Call us at (832) 674-8377 to schedule your appointment.