A Guide to Eating with Veneers

In the field of cosmetic dentistry, veneers are unparalleled in their ability to provide patients with an absolutely stunning smile. For most issues you could have with your teeth—discoloration, misalignment, and even small areas of damage—this treatment can address them in as few as two appointments!

Once you have your shiny new smile, you’ll likely want to protect it. You might wonder whether changing your diet could help you in this regard. Here’s what you should know about how veneers will affect what you can eat.

A Veneer-Friendly Diet

In general, veneers will be able to eat most things that your natural teeth can. However, to maintain your veneers and ensure they last, it’s smart to adopt a diet that protects their integrity.

Avoiding certain foods is crucial, particularly hard foods like nuts, hard candies, and ice, as these can chip or damage your veneers. Sticky foods, such as caramel and taffy, can stick to veneers and potentially dislodge them, especially temporary ones. Be cautious with staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, as these can discolor natural teeth around the veneers, leading to an uneven appearance.

Additionally, acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, sodas, and vinegar-based items can erode the bonding material, which may cause veneers to loosen over time. It’s also wise to moderate alcohol consumption, as excessive alcohol can soften the bonding agent, making veneers more susceptible to damage.

Foods for Oral Health

On the other hand, there are foods that you can eat that may actually improve the longevity of your cosmetics. High-calcium foods, including dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, help strengthen natural teeth and gums, supporting overall oral health. Protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes are also important for maintaining gum health. Additionally, consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers and watermelon, helps keep your mouth hydrated and reduces the risk of dry mouth, which can compromise oral health.

What to Eat While Wearing Temporary Veneers

While you’re waiting for your permanent cosmetics, you’ll need to wear temporary veneers in order to protect your teeth. These are adhered to the enamel with a weak cement, meaning that you’ll need to take care that they don’t come out of place.

During the period when you’re wearing temporary veneers, it’s best to stick to soft, non-staining foods. Options like mashed potatoes, soups, smoothies, and oatmeal are ideal as they minimize the risk of damaging the temporary veneers and don’t cause staining. It’s advisable to avoid chewing directly with temporary veneers, as they are more fragile than permanent ones. Also, consuming foods at room temperature can help avoid sensitivity, something that many patients deal with while wearing their temporary cosmetics.

About the Author

Dr. David M. Fisher Jr. has been helping members of the Greensboro community smile their brightest for over 20 years, and it’s still enormously rewarding for him to see people’s smiling faces when he’s finished with his work. Dr. Fisher received his dental degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and works hard to continue his education as a dentist to this very day.

If you have any questions about veneers, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (336) 288-1242.