Preserve Your Perfect Smile: Foods to Avoid So You Can Protect Your Veneers

If you have chosen dental veneers as a way to achieve the million-dollar smile you’ve always wanted, know that you made a great choice. Many people don’t regret this cosmetic treatment because it can transform a smile while lasting over a decade with proper care.

Since they are porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth, you may be wondering how they affect your diet. Whether you’re rocking a temporary set or your permanent veneers, here are foods that you should be careful around so that your new smile lasts as long as possible.

What Foods Should I Avoid With Temporary Veneers?

In as few as two appointments, you’ll have an aesthetic set of teeth. For the veneers to be as perfect as they are, a dental lab takes a few weeks to expertly craft them. In the meantime, a temporary set of veneers are bonded to your teeth with a weaker cement. That means that they aren’t as durable as the final set, so it’s best to eat softer foods and avoid the following:

• Sticky Foods: Caramel, taffy, and other similar sweets can get stuck to your veneers. If you aren’t careful when removing stuck foods, they can dislodge the temporary set.
• Hard Foods: Any items that require a significant bite force can damage the shells. Popcorn, raw fruits, and tough meats are some common culprits.

Foods to Avoid With Permanent Veneers

Once the dental lab has finished crafting your final set, your dentist will bond the permanent veneers to your teeth. They use a much stronger cement, making them more durable. However, it’s best practice to avoid the same foods you did with the temporaries.

Also, some foods can wear down or stain the cosmetic treatment. Dark drinks (such as red wine, coffee, and tea) can cause some discoloration in the porcelain. Acidic foods and alcohol can slowly erode the bonding agent, making your veneers come loose or fall out long before they should.

How Can I Make My Veneers Last?

Before you get worried about not being able to enjoy these types of foods, you still can! You can take a few extra precautions to ensure that your new smile stays safe. Here are a few things you can do:

• Eat these foods in moderation
• Cut up any hard items into smaller, more manageable pieces
• Swish your mouth with warm salt water to loosen any stuck foods
• Rinse with water after enjoying a dark-colored beverage or alcohol
• Follow a good oral hygiene routine and have regular visits with your dentist so they can monitor the veneer’s condition

With many different kinds of cosmetic dental treatments, veneers remain one of the most popular due to their effectiveness in transforming a smile. By avoiding these foods or following these tips, you can help ensure the porcelain shells stay perfect for years to come.

About the Practice

At Vollo Dental Group, you benefit from a trio of skilled dentists who put your concerns first. We take the time to understand your worries and plan the dental care you need so you have a smile you’re proud of. With the expertise of our dentists, we offer a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments, including veneers. If you would like to learn more about protecting your veneers or how we can fix flaws in your teeth, please schedule an appointment or contact us at (585) 225-9114.