Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Teeth Veneers

Teeth veneers are thin shells placed on the teeth to improve their appearance. They are custom-made to resemble the color and shape of your natural teeth and can correct issues like discoloration, chipped or broken teeth, gaps between teeth, and misshapen teeth.

The process of fixing dental veneers involves several steps. Firstly, the dentist in Aurora will remove a small amount of the enamel to create space for the veneers. This may require local anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. The dentist will take a cast of reshaped teeth to create custom-made veneers.

In the meantime, the dentist may provide temporary veneers to protect the teeth and maintain the smile’s appearance.

Once the permanent restorations are ready, the dentist in veneers will remove the temporary ones and bond them to the teeth using a special adhesive. The veneers are then cured with a special light to ensure they are securely attached to the teeth. The final step involves shaping and polishing the veneers to ensure a natural and comfortable fit.

What are the Foods and Drinks to Avoid?

After getting dental veneers, it’s taking care of them is vital. One aspect of this care involves being mindful of your consumed foods and drinks.

• Hard Foods

These foods can pressure the veneers and cause them to crack or chip. Cracked veneers can cause sensitivity, and they may need to be replaced.

• Sticky Foods

Sticky foods should also be avoided after getting dental veneers. These foods can stick to the veneers and pull them off the teeth.

• Crunchy Foods

Crunchy foods, such as popcorn, chips, and crackers, can also be problematic for dental veneers. Like hard foods, they can pressure the veneers and cause them to crack or chip.

• Hot and Cold Foods

Hot and cold foods, such as soup, ice cream, and hot coffee, can cause sensitivity in the teeth and gums, especially immediately after getting dental veneers.

• Alcohol

Alcohol can dry your mouth, which can lead to a decrease in saliva production. Without enough saliva, the teeth and gums can become more susceptible to decay. Additionally, some alcoholic beverages, such as red wine, can stain the teeth, which can be problematic for those with dental veneers.

• Dark Beverages

Dark beverages, such as coffee, tea, and cola, can also stain the teeth, which can be problematic for those with dental veneers. Over time, these stains can accumulate on the veneers, causing them to appear discolored or yellowed. Additionally, some of these beverages are acidic, which can erode the enamel and cause damage to the veneers.

• Citrus Fruits and Juices

Citrus fruits and juices like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are acidic and can weaken the enamel. This can lead to sensitivity, decay, and other dental issues. Additionally, the acid in these fruits and juices can react with the porcelain in dental veneers, causing them to become discolored or damaged.

• Sugary Foods and Drinks

Sugary foods and drinks can be problematic for dental veneers. The bacteria in the oral cavity feed on sugar, producing acid that can erode the enamel on the teeth and cause decay. Additionally, the sugar in these foods and drinks can react with the porcelain in dental veneers, causing them to become discolored or damaged.

How Can You Care for Your Dental Veneers?

Caring for your dental veneers is essential to ensure their longevity and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

• Clean your veneers clean and free from plaque and bacteria.
• Use a gentle antiseptic mouthwash on your teeth and veneers to help prevent plaque buildup and promote good oral hygiene.
• Avoid biting down on hard foods, as these can damage your veneers.
• Visit your dentist near you regularly for checkups and cleanings, which can help identify any issues with your veneers early and prevent them from becoming more serious.
• Avoid using your veneers to open bottles, as this can damage your veneers. Treat your veneers gently and with care to help them last as long as possible.
•  Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid staining substances such as coffee, tea, and tobacco, as they can cause discoloration of the veneers.

Conclusion

While dental veneers can provide patients with a beautiful, natural-looking smile, it’s important to be aware of the foods and drinks that can damage or discolor them. By avoiding or limiting foods and drinks that are high in sugar, acid, and staining compounds, you can help protect your veneers. Visit Spruce Canyon Family Dentistry for more information about veneers and how to care for them.