However, caring for your veneers goes beyond regular brushing and flossing—it also involves being mindful of the foods you eat.
At Advanced Dental Artistry, we prioritise education and genuine care for our patients. We believe that informed patients are empowered to take better care of their dental work. We are going to discuss the types of foods and drinks you should avoid to protect your veneers and maintain their beautiful appearance for years to come.
The veneer application process
Before diving into the specific foods to avoid, it’s helpful to understand the veneer application process and why it matters for your diet.
The process typically takes place over two appointments and involves multiple steps. First, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of your teeth—usually around half a millimetre—to make room for the veneers. A scan of your teeth is then taken and sent to a dental lab where your custom temporary veneers will be created.
While you wait for your permanent veneers, temporary veneers will be placed to protect your teeth and give you a preview of your new smile.
However, these temporary veneers are more delicate than their porcelain counterparts, meaning you’ll need to be extra cautious with your food choices until the final fitting.
Foods to avoid with temporary veneers
Temporary veneers are not as durable or stain-resistant as permanent porcelain veneers, so it’s important to be careful about what you eat during this time. Avoiding certain foods will help prevent chips, cracks, or discolouration.
Here’s a list of foods and beverages to steer clear of while wearing temporary veneers:
- Hard foods: Lollies, ice, and toffee can crack or damage temporary veneers.
- Crunchy foods: Apples, nuts, and chips pose a risk of dislodging or breaking the temporary veneers.
- Sticky candy and foods: Caramel, chewing gum, and toffee can pull at the veneers, potentially causing them to come loose.
- Chewy meats: Foods like steak require extra chewing force, which can strain your temporary veneers.
- Staining food & beverages: Red wine, coffee, tea, coloured soft drinks, and tumeric can stain the resin material of temporary veneers.
- Crusty breads: Biting into crusty bread or toast can place too much pressure on the front teeth, where temporary veneers are more vulnerable.
- Dark foods and dark liquids: Tomato-based sauces, curries, and dark berries can cause temporary staining.
It’s best to eat softer foods that don’t require excessive chewing or pressure. Also, cutting food into smaller pieces and using your back teeth to chew can help protect your temporary veneers.
Foods to enjoy with temporary veneers
While there are several foods to avoid during the temporary phase, there are plenty of delicious options that are safe to eat. Soft, light-coloured foods are the best choices during this period.
Here are a few examples:
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft pasta (without tomato-based sauces)
- Scrambled or boiled eggs
- Small pieces of tender chicken
- Bananas
- White fish
- Rice
To avoid unnecessary pressure on your front teeth, use a knife and fork to cut your food into bite-sized pieces, and chew with your back teeth whenever possible.
Foods to avoid with permanent porcelain veneers
Once your permanent porcelain veneers are in place, you’ll have more freedom when it comes to your diet, but there are still some foods and drinks that can cause long-term damage. Even though porcelain veneers are durable and stain-resistant, taking precautions will help you keep your smile looking its best for years to come.
Here’s what to avoid with permanent veneers:
1. Hard foods
Avoid biting into hard foods like raw carrots, hard lollies, and ice with your front teeth. These can crack or chip your veneers. If you want to enjoy these foods, cut them into small pieces and chew with your back teeth.
2. Sticky foods
Sticky foods such as toffee, caramel, or chewing gum can put unnecessary pressure on your veneers and may weaken the bonding over time. It’s best to limit these types of foods to prevent any potential issues.
3. Acidic foods
Foods that are highly acidic, like lemons and tomatoes, can erode the enamel on your natural teeth and weaken the bonding agent used for veneers. If you do eat acidic foods, be sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterward.
4. Staining beverages
While porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, it’s still a good idea to limit your intake of dark beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and coloured soft drinks. Over time, these can cause surface staining. If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterwards or use a straw to minimise contact with your veneers. Regular cleans with a dental hygienist can also help remove surface staining.
Caring for your porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are incredibly durable, but they require special care to maintain their appearance and functionality. Here are some tips to keep your veneers in top condition:
1. Maintain a good oral hygiene routine
Just like natural teeth, veneers need regular brushing and flossing to keep them clean and free from plaque. A good oral hygiene routine will also prevent decay from forming on the natural teeth beneath the veneers. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the porcelain surface.
2. Avoid excessive force
While veneers are designed to withstand normal chewing forces, excessive pressure from habits like nail biting, ice chewing, or opening packages with your teeth can damage them. It’s important to avoid using your teeth for anything other than eating.
3. Regular dental check-ups
Regular check-ups with your dentist are essential for ensuring your veneers remain in good condition. Your dentist will check for any signs of wear, damage, or issues with the bonding, allowing for early intervention if necessary.
4. Wear a mouthguard if needed
If you grind or clench your teeth, wearing a mouthguard at night can protect your veneers from excessive wear. Grinding can put undue pressure on veneers, increasing the risk of damage, which is why we provide night guards as part of your Advanced Dental Artistry treatment.
Quit smoking and/or vaping
Quitting smoking or vaping is crucial for maintaining the appearance and longevity of your porcelain veneers. Nicotine and tar from cigarettes, as well as chemicals from vaping, can stain the veneers over time, diminishing their natural lustre. Additionally, smoking weakens the gums and compromises the bonding of your veneers, increasing the risk of complications. By quitting, you not only protect your veneers but also support your overall oral health.
To read more: Vaping and your teeth: What you need to know.
Your journey to long-lasting veneers starts here
Porcelain veneers can provide a beautiful, natural-looking smile, but taking care of them requires attention to detail, especially when it comes to your diet. By avoiding hard, sticky, acidic, and staining foods, you can keep your veneers looking flawless and maintain the strength of their bond for many years. \
At Advanced Dental Artistry, we are committed to helping you protect your investment in your smile and providing the highest level of care throughout your veneer journey.
If you have any questions about porcelain veneers or want to schedule a consultation, our team is here to assist you. Contact us today for friendly, no-obligation advice.