If you’re ready to invest in the smile of your dreams using veneers, you’re making a wise choice. Veneers will give you a picture-perfect smile quickly because you won’t need multiple procedures to fix common aesthetic flaws. Your dazzling results can last for 10 years or more with the correct care. Besides brushing and flossing, you can expect a minor diet change with veneers in Panama City. Here are the foods and drinks you should avoid to get the most from your investment.
Diet Changes with Temporary Veneers
After your cosmetic dentist preps your teeth and takes impressions, they’ll attach temporary veneers. You’ll need them for a couple of weeks while the dental lab makes your permanent ones. They’ll protect your teeth and allow you to “try on” your new smile. Your dentist will recommend watching what you eat to ensure they last until your final veneers are ready to be attached. It’s best to avoid:
- Hard foods
- Tough meats
- Sticky foods
- Crusty or toasted bread
- Stain-causing foods and drinks
Instead, your dentist will recommend eating softer foods, like mashed potatoes, chicken, or bananas.
Eating with Permanent Veneers
Your final restorations will differ from your temporary veneers because they are made of high-quality porcelain. Although veneers are thinner than ever, they are very strong, so you can eat many of your favorite foods. However, there are a few foods you should have in moderation to prevent damage, including:
- Extremely Hard Foods: Ice, nuts, and other hard foods can chip or crack your veneers.
- Dark Liquids: Dark liquids can stain your underlying teeth, causing your smile to look discolored.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol can weaken the bonding material holding your veneers to your teeth.
Caring for Porcelain Veneers
Changing your diet isn’t the only way to safeguard your pearly whites. You can enjoy a smile that lasts for a decade or more by:
- Using the Right Dental Products: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching your veneers.
- Commit to Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice daily for 2 minutes each session.
- Flossing Nightly: Use high-quality floss to clean between each tooth before heading to bed.
- Protecting Your Teeth: Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports or wear a nightguard if you have a habit of grinding your teeth.
- Breaking Bad Oral Habits: Don’t use your teeth in place of scissors or other tools and keep inedible objects out of your mouth, like your fingernails.
- Living a Healthy Lifestyle: Don’t smoke or drink alcohol. Limit how often you have sugary foods or drinks.
You may need to make some adjustments to your life, but they are worth the sacrifice to benefit from a stunning smile that lasts.
About Dr. Alan Diep
Dr. Diep achieved his dental degree at the School of Dental Medicine in Florida and regularly continues his education to offer advanced services, like cosmetic dentistry. He provides personalized treatment plans to help his patients achieve their best smiles. Contact our office today to request your consultation for veneers.