Veneers are a popular choice for improving the appearance of teeth. They are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of your teeth. If you’re considering veneers, you might wonder, “Can I eat with them?” Yes, you can! Veneers work just like your natural teeth. But here are a few things you need to know so that your dental veneers near you remain in good shape and condition.
How Do Veneers Work?
Veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth. Dentists bond them securely to your natural teeth using dental cement. They improve the look of teeth that are discoloured, chipped, or misaligned. While they’re durable, veneers are not indestructible. This is why knowing how to care for them, especially when eating, is important.
Eating with Veneers: All You Need to Know
After you get your veneers placed, your dentist near you will give you specific instructions about what you can and cannot eat. For the first 24 hours, it is best to avoid eating hard foods, sticky candies, and hot beverages. This is because your gums and teeth might feel sensitive after the procedure, and hard foods can cause unnecessary stress on your new veneers.
Foods You Can Eat with Veneers
Following your veneers being placed, most of your favourite foods can now be enjoyed, except for hard candies or other hard-chewing items, like ice or raw carrots. Soft foods include pasta, rice, cooked vegetables, dairy products and more. Most fruits are allowed, as well, unless too hard. Consider bananas, berries and more soft fruits.
Liquids such as water, milk, and juice are perfectly fine. Coffee and tea are safe but may cause slight staining over time. Furthermore, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after having these beverages.
Foods to Avoid Eating with Veneers
While most foods are safe to eat with veneers, some should be avoided to protect your smile. Here are some common foods that can be harmful:
- Hard Foods: Chewing on hard food products, such as nuts, popcorn, and hard candies, can damage veneers. They might crack or chip when you bite down to pressure.
- Sticky Foods: Chewy candies like caramel or taffy tend to pull at your veneers and weaken the bond that keeps them in place.
- Cold or Hot Drinks: Extremely hot or cold beverages can cause sensitivity in your teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, it’s best to drink lukewarm liquids.
- Staining Foods: Dark-coloured foods and drinks like red wine, soy sauce, berries and more can stain veneers over time. It is a good idea to avoid the intake of these foods.
Tips for Eating with Veneers
To ensure your dental veneers Legacy lasts as long as possible, follow these tips:
- Cut Food into Small Pieces: Cutting your food makes it easier to chew and reduces stress on your veneers.
- Chew with Your Back Teeth: Using your back teeth to chew harder foods helps protect the veneers on your front teeth.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily to keep your veneers and natural teeth clean. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching the surface of the veneers.
- Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Don’t use your teeth to open packages or bottles. This can harm both veneers and natural teeth.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Veneers can last 10–15 years or more with proper care. Their durability depends on how well you maintain them. Regular dental check-ups are essential. Your dentist can check the condition of your veneers and clean them professionally to keep them looking their best.
Are Veneers Worth It?
For many people, veneers are a worthwhile investment. They boost confidence and make eating and smiling more enjoyable. While you need to be careful with certain foods, veneers allow you to eat normally without much trouble.
Dental Veneers: Your Path To A Perfect Smile!
At Walden Dental Wellness, we’re here to help you achieve the smile you’ve always desired to obtain. Our dentist Walden is dedicated to providing personalized care, whether you need a simple checkup or a smile makeover with Dental Veneers.
Ready to transform your smile? Call Walden Dental Wellness today!