Will I Need to Change My Diet Once I Have Veneers?

If you’re ready to transform your smile with the help of veneers, there are a few things you should know before moving forward. This form of cosmetic dentistry is extremely popular and highly effective at concealing imperfections and improving appearances, but will your diet change with veneers? To find out what you can expect when it comes to eating and ensuring you maintain a nutrient-rich diet, read on.

How Durable Are Veneers?

Most veneers are made out of porcelain, which means they are highly durable and stain resistant. Of course, just because they can withstand normal, daily wear and tear doesn’t mean they are equipped to handle the pressure that many foods can cause.

When properly maintained and cared for, veneers are known to last 10 years or more; however, this can be shortened significantly if you don’t pay attention to what you eat.

Which Foods Should Be Avoided While Wearing Veneers?

Once you are living with veneers, it will be important for you to alter your eating habits to an extent. If you want to make sure that you get the most out of your investment, try to avoid or limit your consumption of the following:

• Sticky food items like gum or caramel, as they can pull at your veneers and cause them to come off
• Hard, crunchy foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, popcorn, and ice, as they can damage and break your veneers, resulting in more time and money being spent trying to fix your smile
• Excessive alcohol use, as it can weaken the bonding agent that is used to keep your veneers properly adhered to your teeth
• Darkly pigmented foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, curry, and soy sauce, as these can lead to discoloration over time if consumed frequently

Although it might seem like many of your favorites are on the above-mentioned list, the truth is that you simply need to be careful with them. While it’s best to avoid them, you can take steps to reduce how much you consume so that your veneers do not suffer the consequences.

It’s also important to remember that you can enjoy plenty of other foods such as pasta, eggs, chicken, soft fruits, mashed potatoes, and more.

Are There Other Ways to Prolong the Life of Veneers?

Yes, in fact, you’ll need to make sure that you listen and adhere to the recommendations provided by your cosmetic dentist so that you do not end up needing replacements sooner than necessary. Some of the ways you can take better care of your veneers include:

• Maintaining your regular six-month checkups and cleanings with your dentist
• Adopting a good oral hygiene routine that you perform at home to keep your real teeth and veneers clean and bacteria-free
• Ceasing the use of tobacco products

By keeping these helpful tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy your transformational appearance, which can only be achieved with the help of veneers.

About the Author
Dr. Proshat Shahrestany opened Studio City Dental Arts in 2012. Earning her dental degree in 1999 from UCLA School of Dentistry, she worked with various Southern California dental offices before starting her own practice. Committed to continuing education, she regularly pursues courses to provide her clients with optimal services. With more than two decades of experience, she is qualified to help individuals enhance and transform their smiles using various cosmetic solutions, one of which is veneers. If you want to change the way you see yourself and say goodbye to the imperfections, contact us at (818) 760-0200.