Are you considering getting veneers to transform your smile? While veneers can certainly provide a dramatic improvement, it's important to remember that they're not a magic solution. To really make the most of your investment and ensure long-lasting results, you'll need to take good care of them - starting with what you eat! In this blog post, we'll explore five key ways your diet should change after getting veneers. From avoiding staining foods to incorporating more tooth-friendly options into your meals, these tips will help keep your smile looking fantastic for years to come. So grab a snack (just make sure it's on our approved list!), and let's get started!
What are Veneers and How Do They Work?
Veneers are a type of dental prosthetic used to improve the appearance of teeth. They are made from a thin, tooth-colored material that is bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Veneers can be used to improve the color, shape, size, and alignment of teeth.
Veneers are typically made from porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more durable and stain-resistant than composite veneers. However, they are also more expensive. Composite veneers are less expensive but may not last as long as porcelain veneers.
To prepare for veneers, the dentist will remove a small amount of tooth enamel from the front surfaces of the teeth. This is necessary to create room for the thickness of the veneer. The dentist will then take an impression of the teeth and send it to a dental laboratory where the veneers will be custom-made.
Once the veneers are ready, the dentist will bond them to the front surfaces of the teeth using a special adhesive. The process usually takes two or three visits to the dentist's office.
It is important to care for your veneers just as you would your natural teeth. Be sure to brush and floss regularly and avoid biting or chewing hard objects with your front teeth.
How Does Diet Impact Your Veneers?
When you get veneers, your smile isn’t the only thing that changes. In order to keep your new smile looking its best, it’s important to take care of your veneers and practice good oral hygiene habits. Additionally, you may need to make some changes to your diet in order to protect your veneers from staining and other damage.
Here are a few ways that diet can impact your veneers:
Staining: Foods and drinks that are high in chromogens (like coffee, tea, and red wine) can cause staining on your veneers. If you enjoy these beverages, be sure to brush your teeth afterward to help prevent staining.
Acidic foods: Acidic foods can wear down the enamel on your teeth, which can eventually lead to damage to the underlying tooth structure. This is especially true if you have weak or brittle teeth. While veneers can help protect your teeth from acidic foods, it’s still best to limit how often you consume them.
Hard foods: Biting into hard foods can put pressure on your veneers and potentially crack or chip them. Be careful when eating hard candy, nuts, and ice. If you do eat something hard, chew slowly and evenly on both sides of your mouth to distribute the pressure.
5 Dietary Changes After Getting Veneers:
It is important to take care of your teeth after getting veneers. This means eating the right foods and avoiding foods that can damage your new smile.
The first step is to avoid hard and chewy foods. These can damage your veneers and cause them to come loose. Stick to soft foods that are easy to chew.
Another thing to avoid is sugary foods. Sugar can contribute to tooth decay, even with veneers. Try to limit your sugar intake and brush your teeth regularly to keep them clean.
Finally, make sure you are getting enough calcium in your diet. Calcium helps keep bones and teeth strong. You can get calcium from milk, cheese, and other dairy products. You can also find it in some leafy green vegetables like broccoli and kale.
Source: 915 Smile Studio
Avoid Hard Foods
When you get veneers, your new smile will be more delicate than your natural teeth. This means that you need to take extra care to avoid hard foods that could damage your veneers. Some of the foods that you should avoid include:
- Hard candy
- Ice
- Nuts
- Popcorn kernels
Of course, you don't have to give up all of your favorite foods. Just be sure to cut them into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth to protect your veneers.
Eat Soft Foods
If you have veneers, you'll need to take extra care of your teeth to keep them looking their best. One way to do this is to eat soft foods.
Soft foods are easier on your teeth and won't damage your veneers. They're also easier to chew, so you won't have to worry about your veneers coming loose.
Some soft foods you can eat are:
- mashed potatoes
- macaroni and cheese - rice
- cooked vegetables
- soups
- yogurt
- ice cream
Avoid Staining Foods & Drinks
If you're considering veneers, it's important to be aware of the foods and drinks that can potentially cause staining. Coffee, tea, and red wine are all common culprits of teeth staining, so it's best to limit your intake of these beverages if you're wanting to maintain your veneers' bright white appearance. Other foods like soy sauce, curry, and blueberries can also cause staining, so it's best to eat them in moderation. If you do consume any of these items, be sure to brush your teeth afterward to help prevent staining.
Brush & Floss Regularly
One of the most important things you can do to protect your veneers is to brush and floss regularly. This will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, which can lead to decay and gum disease. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions when brushing. You should also avoid whitening toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive for veneers.
Monitor Sugar Intake
When you get veneers, your smile will look amazing. But to keep them looking their best, it's important to monitor your sugar intake. Too much sugar can lead to tooth decay and other problems.
Here are some tips for monitoring your sugar intake:
- Check food labels for the amount of sugar in a product.
- Cut back on sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice.
- Avoid sugary snacks like candy and cookies.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables instead of sugary foods.
- Brush your teeth regularly, especially after eating sugary foods or drinking sugary drinks.
Following these tips will help you keep your new smile looking great for years to come!
Conclusion
With a smile makeover, your diet should change to accommodate the veneers. From avoiding hard foods and drinks that can damage them to maintaining good oral hygiene habits, these tips will help you keep your new smile looking beautiful for years to come. By taking small steps towards improving your diet and dental care routine, you can ensure that your veneers last as long as possible and maintain the perfect smile you have worked so hard for.
FAQs
How can veneers improve my smile?
Veneers can help improve the color, shape, and size of your teeth, and can give you a smile that looks natural and more youthful.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers typically last for 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced. However, with proper care and maintenance, they can last even longer.
Will getting veneers require multiple visits to the dentist?
No. In most cases, getting veneers will only require one or two visits to the dentist. However, if you have extensive dental work that needs to be done prior to getting veneers, then you may need more than two visits.