While veneers come with a higher upfront investment, they also have one of the longest lifespans – they can last for well over a decade with proper care! While that of course starts with routine brushing and biannual checkups, it also extends to the foods and drinks you enjoy. To learn a few minor diet changes with veneers that can help prolong their lifespan, keep reading!
Tip #1: Exercise Caution with Hard, Sticky, and Crunchy Foods
Like your natural teeth, veneers are not indestructible. Pretzels, peanut brittle, tortilla chips, and other hard foods all have the potential to crack, chip, and otherwise damage your new and improved smile. So, it’s crucial to keep hard, crunchy, and sticky items to a minimum in your diet. When you do indulge, make sure to exercise caution!
Tip #2: Avoid Dark-Colored Foods and Beverages
It’s true: veneers are stain-resistant. However, they can still discolor over time with enough exposure to dark-colored foods and beverages. For this reason, you should stick to white and light-colored foods when you can, including oatmeal, yogurt, and scrambled eggs. As for coffee, soda, wine, and other dark-colored drinks, always use a straw and sip on water simultaneously!
Tip #3: Keep Your Consumption of Added Sugar to a Minimum
While veneers are crafted from cavity-resilient materials like porcelain, your underlying teeth can still develop decay. Plus, your gums are still vulnerable to infection! Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep your consumption of added sugar to a minimum. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, try opting for fresh fruit or a low-sugar alternative.
Tip #4: Don’t Drink Alcohol in Excess
Drinking alcohol on occasion is certainly okay. However, indulging in excess can weaken the bonding material that holds your veneers in place. That’s why your dentist will recommend opting for sparkling water and using a straw when you do indulge.
Tip #5: Quit Unhealthy Dental Habits
Chewing on ice and using your teeth as tools to open food packaging are just two unhealthy dental habits that can wreak havoc on your smile. If you’re guilty of engaging in these behaviors, then there is no time like the present to stop. Not adding ice to your drinks and keeping a pair of scissors in your kitchen can help!
Fortunately, keeping your veneers in tip-top shape doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your diet. With a few minor tweaks, you can help prolong their lifespan significantly!
About the Practice
Our top-rated team at Westgate Dental Care is here to help you achieve a smile that is healthy, happy, and absolutely beautiful. If you’re interested in veneers, you’ll be happy to know that our talented dentists use putty-free digital impressions, create customized treatment plans, and offer convenient appointment options every step of the way. If you want to learn more about what you should and shouldn’t eat with veneers or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (847) 577-7171.