When it comes to fixing dental imperfections – from chips and gaps to significant stains – there’s nothing like veneers. After all, this popular cosmetic dental treatment can conceal flaws like these in as little as two visits, and they can last for well over a decade with the proper care and maintenance.
As incredible as they are, you may have a few questions before signing on the dotted line. For example, do you need to change your diet with veneers? Read on to learn the answer!
Temporary Veneers: What You Can (& Can’t!) Eat
While the lab artisans work on your final veneers, your dentist will give you a temporary set. While these look like the real thing (essentially allowing you to “test drive” your new and improved smile), they aren’t as durable. For that reason, patients are asked to eat only soft foods, like smoothies, cottage cheese, plain yogurt, and applesauce. Hard pretzels, peanut brittle, raw almonds, and other crunchy foods should be avoided entirely.
Foods That Will Help Your Permanent Veneers Last
Like your real teeth, your permanent veneers can break if enough pressure is placed on them. That’s why patients are encouraged to avoid crunchy and sticky foods as well as break bad habits, like chewing on ice cubes. Instead, it’s best to fill up on nutrient-dense foods that are softer in consistency, like oatmeal, eggs, and bananas.
Tip: Be selective about what you drink too! Alcohol can weaken the bonding material holding your veneers in place, so it’s important to indulge sparingly. It’s also a good idea to use a straw when drinking dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, and soda.
5 Additional Measures That Will Keep Your Veneers Pristine
Being mindful about what you eat and drink is a small step that will go a long way when it comes to keeping your veneers in pristine condition. Of course, that’s just one part of the equation. To prolong the lifespan of yours, make sure to also:
- Brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash consistently
- Use a toothpaste made for veneers
- Schedule a dental checkup and cleaning every six months
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth
- Break bad habits, like biting your nails
About the Practice
At Southwest Dental, we’re committed to providing gorgeous results that last. That starts with custom treatment plans and extends to sharing all of our tips and tricks with our patients. If you’ve been considering cosmetic dentistry, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us via our website or by phone at (505) 896-9399. That way, we can learn all about your dream smile and determine the best way to make it yours!