If you’re looking to enhance your smile, porcelain veneers are a great option. They have the ability to cover all sorts of cosmetic dental issues including chips, cracks, discoloration, stains, as well as misshapen teeth. But you should know whether or not there is a diet change with porcelain veneers after you get them placed. Cosmetic dentistry is an investment, so you want to make the most out of them. Continue reading to learn more about dietary changes with your new veneers.
Temporary Veneers
While your permanent veneers are being crafted in a laboratory, you will be wearing temporary ones to keep your teeth safe. Usually, this lasts for about two to three weeks until you are able to have your permanent ones placed. Here are some foods that you should be avoiding during this time:
- Hard Foods: This includes candies, popcorn, ice, raw foods and vegetables, or anything else that it particularly hard.
- Tough Meats: Beef jerky and other meats that are not very tender should be avoided.
- Sticky Foods: Taffy and caramels are definitely not a good option.
- Hard Bread: If you like to enjoy toasted or crusty bread, you should wait till you are no longer wearing temporary veneers.
- Staining Foods: Red wine, tomatoes, ketchup, berries, coffee, tea, and other staining foods should be avoided.
The good news is that there are still plenty of foods that you can enjoy during this time:
- Eggs
- Pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Bananas
- Soft breads
- Chicken
- Bananas
- Other soft, non-staining foods.
Porcelain Veneers
Fortunately, when you get your porcelain veneers, you won’t need to be nearly as worried about breakage or staining because they are so much stronger and more resilient. However, there are still certain things that can damage your veneers. Here are a few things to be careful of:
- Smoking: Tobacco use can cause your veneers to become stained over time.
- Hard Foods: Just like your natural teeth, veneers are not indestructible. It is important to avoid extremely hard foods so that they don’t become damaged.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Over time, they can eventually damage the bonding material.
- Dark Liquids: Red wine, black tea, and coffee should only be enjoyed in moderation. If you like to enjoy any of these beverages often, it is recommended that you drink them through a straw and rinse your mouth out afterwards in order to prevent staining.
Once you have your veneers, you will pretty much be able to enjoy all of your favorite foods. By being cautious, you will be able to reap the benefits of your new and improved smile for many years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Hong earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the New York University College of Dentistry and has taken over 300 hours of continuing education each year since then. Currently, he is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. For more information on porcelain veneers or to schedule an appointment at his office in Clarendon Hills, visit his website or call (630) 789-1555.