Are There Foods To Avoid After Dental Veneers Are Placed?

Dental veneers are a multipurpose dental procedure that can fix many cosmetic flaws in a smile. They can restore the natural appeal of a person’s smile, and consequently, self-confidence. After completing the veneer process, it is important to watch the type of foods consumed in order to prevent damages to the teeth and ensure that the veneers last for a long time.

Foods to avoid with dental veneers

Although temporary veneers are not created to last, the final set is fabricated for durable materials that ensure a long lifespan. A well-made porcelain dental veneer can last up to two decades and resist discoloration. Permanent veneers do not damage easily, but this does not mean they are indestructible. Some of the foods to avoid include:

• Highly-pigmented liquids such as red wine and coffee should be taken minimally since they can cause stains to the permanent veneers.
• Extremely hard foods like hard nuts and popcorn kernels
• Alcoholic drinks can weaken the cement used to bond the veneer to the tooth, so it is advisable to reduce alcohol intake
• Caramel apples or similarly sticky candies can stick to veneers or cause them to pop off.
• Ice can chip or break veneers

Tobacco products are harmful to teeth and dental veneers. For instance, tobacco contains chemicals that can react with the bonding materials used to hold the veneer and loosen it. Also, tobacco, including cigarettes and similar products can discolor the veneers and compromise oral health. Avoiding them is the best way to protect the teeth and preserve the beauty of the smile.

Caring for the dental veneers

It is worthy to note that the above are just suggestions and the extent of adherence to them will vary. For instance, some people may find it hard to avoid pigmented drinks like coffee or red wine totally. What the dentist suggests is to rinse the mouth with water after drinking those liquids to limit the detrimental effects. Alternatively, one can wait for about 30 minutes and then brush the teeth.

Taking these steps will help reduce the residue left by those drinks on the teeth, which will, in turn, minimize the chances of discoloration. Using a straw to take such drinks can also limit contact between the veneers and the teeth.

It is a good practice to divide hard foods into small pieces and chew them gradually. This will limit the level of stress-induced on the teeth and veneers when chewing. If the temptation of eating hard foods is too high (like tough meat), it is better to cut it into small pieces for chewing. Alternatively, the back row teeth (molars) are well-suited for that purpose, considering dental veneers are mostly placed on the front row teeth for aesthetic reasons.

In conclusion

With adequate care and caution, dental veneers will survive for many years. If you have just gotten a smile transformation, the dentist will provide necessary information on aftercare routines. Adhering to the advice will keep your smile looking bright and functional for as long as possible.

Request an appointment here: https://www.smilefreshdentalgrandblanc.com or call Smile Fresh Dental at (810) 515-7083 for an appointment in our Grand Blanc office.

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