Foods You Can Eat With Dental Veneers

You’ve improved the appearance of your smile with dental veneers.

Now, it’s time to take care of them and your smile.

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant but not stain proof. So, it’s important to:

• maintain good oral hygiene
• chew sugar-free gum
• drink plenty of water
• avoid certain foods

Not sure what food you can eat with dental veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain, matched to the colour of your teeth. Or matched to your desired shade of whiteness. They are then bonded to the surface of your teeth.

These veneers can correct cosmetic dental issues by altering the shape, size, colour or length of your teeth.

It’s best to avoid chewing on ice cubes, hard candy or lollies or drinking a lot of alcohol. Each of these things, among others, can cause problems down the track with your dental veneers.

Different types of veneers

There are two types of veneers: porcelain and composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are stronger and more durable than composite veneers and last much longer.

What is the procedure for getting porcelain veneers?

Your dentist will first ensure that you are a suitable candidate for veneers by examining your teeth and taking dental X-rays should the need arise.

1. Your tooth will then be prepared, which involves the removal of a small amount of enamel from your tooth.
2. Next, an impression will be made of your tooth. The impression is then sent to a dental laboratory, which uses the impression to create your veneer.
3. In the interim, a temporary veneer may be placed on your tooth.
4. Once your porcelain veneer is ready, your dentist will give you a call to have the veneer fitted. Adjustments will be made to your porcelain veneer (if need be) to ensure the perfect fit and colour.
5. After your tooth has been cleaned, polished and etched, the veneer is then permanently attached to your tooth using dental cement.

If you would like to know more about porcelain veneers, please contact us today.

What not to eat with temporary veneers

If you have temporary veneers fitted on your teeth, you will need to be extra-cautious about the foods you choose to eat.

These veneers are meant to be removed once your custom-made veneers are ready and can become loose or damaged easily. Avoiding these foods is key to protecting your temporary veneers as well as your teeth:

• Tough, chewy meats
• Ice cubes (crunching on ice is a big no-no)
• Apples (biting into an apple should be avoided)
• Sticky, toffees and candies
• Crunchy chips and pretzels
• Toast
• Tough bread that is difficult to bite into or chew
• Popcorn
• Stain-causing foods and drinks. These include coffee, teas, cool drinks, wines, soy sauce, curries, tomato sauce, and berries.

What can I eat with temporary veneers?

With temporary veneers, it is best to stick to soft foods that aren’t stain-causers. These foods include:

1. Soft chicken cut into bite-sized pieces;
2. Pasta;
3. Mashed potatoes;
4. Eggs;
5. Fish;
6. Soft canned foods;
7. Soft fruits, such as bananas and plums.

What can I not to eat with porcelain veneers?

Unlike temporary veneers and even natural teeth, permanent porcelain veneers are less susceptible to staining. Porcelain veneers are, however, not indestructible, and when worn down or damaged, they can become less resistant to staining. You can prevent damage and staining to your veneers by avoiding:

• Foods and beverages that are highly acidic in nature: these include lemons, cool drinks, and tomato sauce which can erode the bonding material;
• Biting into ice;
• Biting into hard foods such as toffee apples and hard candies;
• Frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages: the alcohol softens the surface of the bonding material;
• Frequent consumption of stain-causing drinks: this includes coffee, tea, and red wines. Although porcelain veneers are largely stain-resistant, the bonding material and teeth beneath them are not;
• Smoking or chewing tobacco;
• Using your teeth for other functions: as an extra pair of hands to hold onto heavy objects, or as a pair of scissors to tear through wrappings and packages.

Wahroonga Family Dental Centre are dedicated to making your smile the best it can be. If you’re looking to improve your smile with porcelain veneers, contact us and let us help get you on your way to achieving that smile you’ve always wanted!