Porcelain veneers can give you a stunning smile without requiring expensive dental work. Veneers cover the front surfaces of the teeth that show when you smile. This allows you to correct many imperfections at once, like stains, chips, and gaps. Your restorations will look and feel natural because veneers are thinner than ever. However, they are durable, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to eat certain foods, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when eating with veneers.
Eating with Temporary Veneers
Your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel to ensure your veneers sit flush. After your teeth have been prepped, your dentist will take an impression, which is used to fabricate your final restorations. It can take the dental lab a couple of weeks, so your dentist will apply temporary veneers while you wait. They won’t be as durable as your final veneers. Therefore, it’s important to watch what you eat to ensure they last until you see your dentist again. Here are a few things you should avoid when eating:
- Hard or Crunchy Foods: Hard and crunchy foods can break your temporary restorations.
- Sticky or Chewy Foods: Sticky and chewy foods may pull your restorations off of your teeth.
- Dark Foods and Drinks: temporary veneers are vulnerable to staining. It’s best to limit your consumption of dark foods and drinks, like coffee, ketchup, and red wine.
Eating with Porcelain Veneers
After your dentist has received your restorations from the dental lab, you’ll return to their office to have your temporary ones removed and your final veneers bonded to your teeth. Your new smile can last for 10 years or longer by watching what you eat, like:
- Moderate Hard and Sticky Foods: It’s best to have hard and sticky foods in moderation to avoid damaging your veneers.
- Limit Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks: Porcelain is stain-resistant, so your veneers shouldn’t discolor. However, your enamel can still change color. It’s best to avoid foods and drinks that may stain your teeth.
- Moderate Sugars and Starches: Veneers can’t get cavities, but your underlying teeth are still vulnerable to decay. It’s best to limit sugars and starches to promote a cavity-free smile.
Your veneers can last for a decade or more with the right diet, good oral hygiene habits, and regular dental care. You won’t think twice about showing off your pearly white.
About Dr. Carole Emanuel
Dr. Emanuel earned her dental degree at the Indiana University School of Dentistry and has continued her training in various specialties, including esthetic dentistry, dental implants, and Invisalign. She holds memberships with many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Seattle Study Club, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (303) 854-6611.