Will My Diet Change If I Get Veneers?

If you’re ready to give your smile a makeover, veneers can be the solution for you. They correct many imperfections at once. You won’t need invasive procedures or require a complex treatment plan. After just two appointments, you’ll enjoy natural-looking results that can last for a decade or longer. Although your veneers will look and feel like your real teeth, your cosmetic dentist will recommend a few diet changes to get the most from your investment.

How Veneers Work

A veneer is a thin shell that’s bonded to the front side of a tooth to enhance its size, shape, and color. Bonding veneers to the teeth visible when smiling can resolve several flaws quickly, like stains, chips, and gaps. 

Foods to Avoid with Veneers

Veneers are made of durable porcelain, but they aren’t indestructible. Certain foods can increase your risk of complications, like damage to your restorations. You can protect your new smile by avoiding:

• Hard or Chewy Foods: Hard foods can chip or crack your veneers. Chewy foods can dislodge a veneer, and they are difficult to remove from your teeth, which can increase your risk of tooth decay.
• Sugary Foods and Drinks: Veneers can’t get cavities, but your underlying teeth are still vulnerable to decay. Sugary foods and drinks feed cavity-causing bacteria.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can weaken the bonding material holding your veneers in place over time.
• Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks: Veneers can’t discolor, but your exposed tooth surfaces are still susceptible to staining. Tooth discoloration can cause your veneers to look unnatural. As a rule of thumb, if it can stain a white t-shirt, it can stain your enamel.

Moderation is the key to protecting your veneers and keeping your mouth healthy.

Get the Most from Your Veneers

A veneer can last for 10 years or more with the correct care. Besides watching what you eat, you can prolong your new smile’s lifespan by following a few tips:

• Use the Correct Dental Products: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your teeth. Abrasive dental products can scratch your veneers, causing them to look discolored. The small crevasses can also trap food particles and plaque.
• Commit to Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes each session. Carefully floss every day to remove anything missed by your toothbrush. Finish your routine with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Visit Your Dentist: Schedule a cleaning and checkup with your dentist every 6 months. They’ll keep your teeth and gums healthy while ensuring your smile always looks its best.

Although you might have to change your eating habits, it’s a small sacrifice to enjoy the smile of your dreams. You’ll benefit from long-lasting results with a healthy lifestyle and good oral hygiene.

About Dr. Byron L. Reintjes

Dr. Reintjes earned his dental degree at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry and has regularly continued his education in various specialties, like orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry. He strives to help each patient smile a little brighter. Request an appointment on his website or call (559) 206-3719.