From their long lifespan to the gorgeous results, there are several reasons veneers are one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental treatments. One of the biggest perks is that they are custom-crafted from high-quality materials, like porcelain, ensuring your bite won’t be compromised in any way. Of course, you might still be wondering if you need to alter your meals to prevent chips, cracks, and other damage. To learn if a diet change with veneers is necessary, keep reading!
First, Let’s Talk Temporary Veneers
While your permanent veneers are being crafted by the lab artisans, your dentist will provide you with temporary veneers. Since they are just a short-term solution, they naturally require a bit more care. That starts with a careful oral hygiene routine and extends to a soft foods diet. So, it’s important to stock up on essentials, like applesauce, yogurt, and oatmeal.
A Few Helpful Diet Changes with Permanent Veneers
Once your permanent veneers are in place, you’ll be able to enjoy a much more varied diet once more. Of course, it’s still helpful to make some tweaks for the sake of your smile, including:
- Cutting back on added sugar – While the veneers themselves cannot develop cavities, the underlying tooth certainly can. To minimize your risk of developing tooth decay, do your best to keep your consumption of added sugar to a minimum.
- Exercising caution with hard, sticky, and crunchy items – Like your natural teeth, veneers are not indestructible. The best way to avoid chips and other damage is by exercising caution when eating pretzels, peanut brittle, and the like.
- Being mindful of dark-colored foods and drinks – Although veneers are stain-resistant, they can discolor over time. So, always brush and floss your teeth after indulging in soy sauce, marinara sauce, and other dark-colored foods. If you’re a fan of coffee, wine, and soda, make sure to use a straw!
3 Additional Ways to Keep Your Veneers in Pristine Condition
Making small changes to your diet can go a long way when it comes to keeping your veneers nice and bright. Of course, there are a few other best practices you should implement to prolong their lifespan, including brushing for a full two minutes each morning and evening, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash every day, and prioritizing your checkups and cleanings every six months. Avoiding unhealthy dental habits (i.e., smoking, chewing on ice, using your teeth as tools to open things) is also crucial.
Since veneers require an investment of both your time and money, you naturally want them to last as long as possible. Fortunately, some minor changes to your diet can help you achieve that goal!
About the Practice
Our top-rated dental team at Dudley Family Dental genuinely loves helping our patients achieve smiles that are as healthy as they are beautiful. If you’re interested in veneers, then you’ll be happy to know that we have iTero Digital Impression technology for comfortable impressions, offer flexible financing, and provide convenient appointment times. If you have a question about life with veneers or would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 943-7001.