Can You Eat with Veneers? Everything You Need to Know About Your New Smile

Veneers have revolutionised cosmetic dentistry, offering a simple solution to transform smiles and boost confidence. But if you’re considering veneers or have just had them fitted, you might wonder, can you eat with them? What foods are safe, and which should be avoided to maintain that beautiful smile? Let’s dive into the details and answer all your burning questions about eating with veneers.

 

 

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are customised thin shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of teeth. They improve the appearance of misshapen teeth, discolourations, and minor alignment issues, giving you a smile makeover that can significantly change your appearance. Veneers can be temporary or permanent, depending on your dental requirements and the treatment phase.

Temporary vs. Permanent Veneers

Before your permanent veneers are ready, your dentist may suggest wearing temporary veneers to protect your teeth and give you a preview of your new smile. These temporary veneers are usually made from less durable material and are bonded with temporary cement, meaning they aren’t as strong as the final product. On the other hand, permanent veneers are typically made from porcelain or composite resin and bonded with a strong adhesive, making them much more resilient.

Can You Eat with Veneers? The Basics

Yes, you can eat with veneers. However, how you eat and what you eat can make a big difference in maintaining the longevity and appearance of your veneers. While porcelain veneers and composite veneers are designed to withstand normal eating habits, they’re not indestructible. Taking care of them requires adjusting your diet and eating habits to avoid potentially damaging them.

Foods to Avoid with Veneers

While veneers are strong, they’re not impervious to damage. Certain foods and habits can cause chips, cracks, or stains, which is why it’s important to be mindful of what you consume. Here are some foods to avoid or be cautious with when you have veneers:

• Hard Foods: Biting down on hard foods like raw carrots, hard candies, and ice cubes can exert excessive force on your veneers, leading to chips or cracks. Cutting these foods into small pieces or avoiding them altogether is best.
• Sticky Foods: Sticky sweets and foods like toffee, caramel, and chewing gum can stick to your veneers and natural teeth, potentially dislodging them or causing damage.
• Acidic Foods: Eating excessive amounts of acidic foods, like citrus fruits and tomato sauces, can wear down the bonding material that secures your veneers.
• Dark Liquids: Beverages like coffee, black tea, red wine, and soft drinks can stain your veneers over time, especially if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene.
• Bone-in Meats: Be cautious when eating bone-in meats, as accidentally biting down on a bone may cause chips or cracks in your veneers.

Foods You Can Eat with Veneers

While there are foods to avoid with veneers, there are also foods that can enhance your experience and even contribute to the longevity of your new smile:

• High-Fibre Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and celery act as natural toothbrushes, helping to clean your teeth and veneers as you eat.
• Water-Rich Fruits: Fruits like apples, pears, and watermelons have high water content, which helps to wash away food debris and bacteria from your teeth and veneers.
• Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are rich in calcium and phosphorus, minerals that are essential for maintaining strong teeth and supporting the health of your natural teeth and veneers.
• Lean Proteins: Chicken, fish, and tofu are excellent protein sources that are generally safe to eat with veneers.
• Dairy Products: Cheese, yoghurt, and milk are safe for veneers and good for your oral health due to their calcium content.
• Small Pieces of Hard Foods: If you love crunchy fruits and vegetables, cut them into small pieces to minimise the risk of damaging your veneers.

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene with Veneers

Good oral hygiene is crucial for your veneers’ longevity and natural teeth’ health. Here’s how to keep your smile in top shape:

Brush Regularly: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice daily. This helps eliminate food particles and prevents plaque from building up around your veneers.

Floss Daily: Flossing removes debris and plaque between your teeth and your veneers, preventing decay and gum disease.

Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dental office regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups. Your dentist can check the integrity of your veneers and ensure your oral health is maintained.

Avoid Biting Hard Objects: Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite on hard objects, as this can apply excessive force to your veneers and potentially cause them to crack or chip.

Can Hot or Cold Foods Affect Veneers?

Veneers themselves aren’t sensitive to temperature, but your natural teeth underneath can be. When you first get veneers, you might experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods. This is usually temporary and should subside as your teeth adjust to the veneers. However, if sensitivity persists, consult your dentist to ensure everything is as it should be.

The Impact of Eating Habits on Veneers

Your eating habits play a vital role in the longevity of your veneers. While veneers are designed to be strong and resilient, consistently exposing them to certain foods and drinks can impact their appearance and durability. Here’s how different eating habits can affect your veneers:

Frequent Snacking: Constant snacking, especially on sugary or acidic foods, can lead to plaque and bacteria buildup around the veneers and natural teeth. This can compromise the bonding material and the overall health of your teeth.

Eating Quickly: When you eat in a rush, you’re more likely to bite down with excessive force, which can stress your veneers and increase the risk of cracking or chipping.

Not Rinsing After Meals: It is a good habit to rinse your mouth with water, especially after consuming staining foods or beverages. This helps rinse away food particles and minimise the risk of staining.

Caring for Veneers: A Symbiotic Relationship with Oral Health

Veneers not only improve the look of your teeth but also play a role in maintaining your oral health. Properly fitted veneers can protect the surface of damaged teeth and may even prevent further wear and tear. However, they are not a substitute for natural teeth and require maintaining good oral hygiene.

The Importance of Regular Professional Cleanings

As with natural teeth, regular professional cleanings are crucial for preserving the health of both your teeth and veneers. These cleanings remove plaque and tartar that can accumulate over time, which can cause decay or gum disease. During these visits, your dentist will also examine the condition of your veneers to ensure they are securely bonded and free from damage.

Maintaining Oral Health with a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

Anyone with veneers should use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can scratch the surface of the veneers and wear down the bonding material over time. On the other hand, a soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on both natural teeth and veneers, helping maintain their shine and appearance.

Veneers and Your Long-Term Dental Care

Once you have veneers, your dental care routine must include specific practices to ensure their longevity. Here’s what you should consider for your long-term dental care:

Fluoride Use: While veneers themselves are not susceptible to decay, the natural teeth underneath still are. Using fluoride toothpaste can help strengthen the remaining enamel and prevent cavities.

Avoiding Excessive Force: Always be mindful of the pressure you apply with your teeth, whether biting into foods or using your teeth for tasks like opening packages. Veneers are strong, but they aren’t completely resistant to damage from excessive force.

Monitoring Changes: Keep an eye on any changes in your veneers or natural teeth. If you notice any chips, cracks, or stains, contact your dentist immediately. Early management can prevent minor issues from evolving into major problems.

Veneers and Sensitivity: What to Expect

Some patients may experience sensitivity after getting veneers, especially in the first few days following the procedure. This is typically due to removing a small amount of enamel layer from the natural teeth to accommodate the veneers. Sensitivity usually subsides as your teeth adjust to the veneers.

If you experience prolonged sensitivity, especially to hot or cold foods, it’s important to consult your dentist. They may recommend desensitising toothpaste or other treatments to help alleviate the discomfort.

Veneers and Lifestyle: Making Adjustments

Getting veneers often requires adjusting your lifestyle to ensure the best results. This can include changing some of your daily habits, especially those related to your diet and oral hygiene routine.

Quitting Smoking

If you smoke, it’s highly recommended to quit before getting veneers. Smoking can stain the edges of your veneers and natural teeth, leading to an uneven and unattractive smile. Additionally, smoking can compromise your oral health, increasing the likelihood of gum disease and other dental problems that could affect your veneers.

Reducing Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol, particularly spirits and cocktails with acidic mixers, can soften the bonding material over time, making veneers more susceptible to damage. Moderation is important, and rinsing your mouth with water after drinking alcohol can help reduce its impact.

Conclusion: Eating with Veneers – What You Need to Know

So, can you eat with veneers? Definitely! Although veneers need some extra care, they can be a strong and attractive enhancement to your smile. By paying attention to your eating habits and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can enjoy various foods without damaging your veneers.

Remember, regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups are crucial to maintaining your veneers and natural teeth. With the right care, your veneers can provide a stunning, long-lasting smile makeover that you’ll be proud to show off for years.

If you have any questions or need more information about veneers, feel free to contact us at Beyond 32 Dental. Give us a call at 02 9158 6334, and we’ll be happy to assist you!

References:

WebMD. (n.d.). What are veneers? Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/veneers

Crest. (n.d.). 20 foods and drinks that stain your teeth. Retrieved from https://crest.com/en-us/oral-care-tips/teeth-stains/20-foods-and-drinks-that-stain-your-teeth/

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Oral hygiene. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene

Colgate. (n.d.). Are removable veneers possible? Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/veneers/are-removable-veneers-possible