Veneers are a popular dental solution for improving the appearance of teeth, offering a way to achieve a perfect smile. However, getting veneers can bring some necessary adjustments to your diet, both temporarily and long-term. Understanding these changes can help you maintain your veneers and keep your smile bright and healthy.
Immediate Post-Procedure Diet Adjustments
After the veneers are placed, particularly when temporary veneers are involved, your diet needs to be adjusted to avoid any discomfort or damage. Immediately following the procedure, your teeth might be sensitive, especially to temperature changes. Soft foods that are neither too hot nor too cold are recommended during this period. Foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups at moderate temperatures are ideal. It’s also important to avoid hard or crunchy foods that could dislodge the temporary veneers or irritate the gums as they heal. Sticky foods, such as caramel or chewy candy, should be avoided as they could pull on the veneers and cause them to shift or become loose.
Long-Term Dietary Considerations
Once your permanent veneers are in place, you’ll still need to be mindful of your diet to protect your new smile. While veneers are durable, they are not indestructible. Hard foods, such as nuts, hard candy, or even ice, can potentially crack or chip veneers. It’s wise to cut harder foods into smaller pieces and chew them with your back teeth to minimize pressure on the veneers. Additionally, highly pigmented foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, berries, and curry can stain the edges of veneers over time, even though the porcelain itself is stain-resistant. Drinking through a straw and rinsing your mouth after consuming such items can help prevent discoloration.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene and Nutrition
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial for maintaining not only your overall health but also the longevity of your veneers. Foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods, help keep your underlying teeth and bones strong. Vitamin C-rich foods, like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, support gum health, which is essential for keeping veneers securely in place. Maintaining proper hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also important. Water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that could otherwise lead to plaque buildup, which can affect the health of your gums and the appearance of your veneers.
About Our Practice
At Arts Family Dentistry of Dallas, we believe that every patient we see deserves to have the smile of their dreams. That’s why we work hard to provide services that are not only effective, but that are comfortable and easy. When you visit our practice, you’ll find a team of smiling faces who truly has your best interest in mind, from the moment you walk in until you leave.
If you have any questions about veneers, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (469) 981-1700.