Congratulations on investing in your smile with the help of veneers! With proper care and maintenance, your new look can last for up to 20 years. You may be wondering what, if anything you should do differently to ensure that they last as long as possible. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to keep them looking great, including following a few important dietary rules. Here are some best practices for extending their life!
Temporary Veneers
If you haven’t quite gotten your permanent veneers yet and are sporting a temporary set for the time being, you need to be very cautious about what you eat until it’s time for the real set. That’s because temporary veneers aren’t as securely attached as your permanent ones will be, so you need to be sure to use your teeth gently, so they don’t fall off or break. Thus, you should avoid the following foods:
- Sticky or hard candies
- Anything hard or crunchy like pretzels or raw carrots
Foods that are safe for temporary veneers include:
- Pasta
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Bananas
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft breads
Permanent Veneers
With permanent veneers, your diet can branch out a bit more, but you should still be careful about what you eat, as it is still possible to damage them. Thus, avoid the following:
- Dark liquids can stain your veneers, though not as easily as they might your teeth, so drink in moderation and be sure to brush your teeth well afterwards.
- Extremely hard foods such as popcorn kernels or crunching hard candies.
- Alcohol can erode the cement used to secure your veneers to your teeth, so be sure to limit your consumption and rinse your mouth after drinking.
- Smoking can stain your veneers in addition to causing a litany of oral and overall health problems.
Other Ways to Care for Your Veneers
In addition to dietary modifications, you should also care for your veneers by brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. Furthermore, be sure to attend all of your regular, semi-annual dental appointments, as you can still get tooth infections, cavities, and gum disease even if you have veneers!
Remember, veneers are a great way to change the look of your smile, but they aren’t indestructible. Thus, be sure to take proper care of them so you can protect your teeth and your investment!
About Dr. Diep
Dr. Henry Diep enjoys helping his patients enjoy beautiful, pain-free smiles through the promotion of excellent oral health. He understands the importance of dentistry on not just the mouth, but also on the entire body. If you’re interested in improving the appearance of your own smile, Dr. Diep is happy to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options!
To schedule an appointment for veneers at SoHay Dental, please visit our website or call us today at 510-314-8426.