If you’re considering dental veneers to enhance your smile, you might be wondering how they’ll affect your diet. While they can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth, they may also require some adjustments to your eating habits. But does that mean you’ll need to give up all your favorite foods? Not necessarily!
If you want to learn how veneers can affect your diet and how to take care of them, continue reading.
What are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They are designed to improve the appearance of your smile by concealing imperfections like discoloration, chips, or gaps.
When you undergo treatment, you’ll be fitted with temporary veneers that cover your teeth until your personal ones are made. These aren’t very durable, so you’ll need to be careful about food selection. However, once you have your permanent veneers, they can last for 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care.
What Changes Will I Need to Make to My Diet?
While veneers can withstand normal biting and chewing forces, they may be more prone to damage from certain foods or habits. Here are some dietary considerations to keep in mind after getting veneers:
- Avoid Hard Foods: Nuts, hard candies, ice cubes, and popcorn kernels can potentially damage veneers by causing chips or cracks. Consider breaking hard foods into more manageable pieces or avoiding them altogether to protect your veneers.
- Limit the Sticky Stuff: Sticky or chewy foods like caramel, taffy, or chewing gum can adhere to veneers and may be difficult to remove. In addition, it can force excessive chewing that may put pressure on your veneers, increasing the risk of damage.
- Be Cautious with Crunchy Foods: Crunchy foods like raw carrots, apples, or crusty bread can damage your veneers, especially the front ones. To enjoy crunchy foods safely, consider cooking or steaming them to make them softer and choosing softer bread types.
- Moderate Alcohol and Tobacco: While it’s fine to have alcohol in moderation and occasionally indulge in tobacco products, they can severely damage your veneers. Both have chemicals that weaken the bonding cement and can cause gum disease or tooth decay. If your teeth are weakened, it can cause your veneers to fall off.
By being mindful of your choices and making small adjustments as needed, you can continue to enjoy a diverse diet. Just remember to continue practicing good oral hygiene practices to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. This will keep your veneers beautiful while allowing you to reap the benefits of varied nutrition for a healthy smile!
About the Author
If you’re ready for your smile makeover in the Jonesboro area, Dr. Sarah Yarnell has the experience and technology to guide you. She has a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Since then, she has honed her skills through continuing education opportunities and professional organizations. Call (870) 932-8488 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at Woodsprings Family Dentistry or visit the website to explore other services.