A common question patients ask when considering dental veneers is, "What can I eat with veneers?" After all, you want to make sure that your new smile not only looks good but lasts as long as possible.
While veneers are a relatively durable bonded restoration, they're not indestructible. Here's a guide on what's safe to eat with veneers — and some tips to ensure they remain in top shape.
Quick Answer: What Is Safe to Eat With Veneers?
In general, you can eat most foods with dental veneers. They're made of strong materials designed to withstand the forces of chewing.
However, to ensure longevity, it's recommended to avoid very hard, chewy, or sticky foods (nuts, ice, hard candies, taffy)
Similarly, excessive consumption of darkly colored foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine) can lead to staining over time.
What to Avoid
Hard foods: Items like hard candies, ice, or extremely crunchy vegetables can potentially chip or crack your veneers. Some dentists recommend avoiding using your front teeth for biting into apples and carrots.
Sticky or chewy foods: These can apply undue pressure and potentially dislodge a veneer. Bond failures are a common issue with veneers.
Darkly colored foods and drinks: Tea, coffee, red wine, and certain fruits can stain veneers over time. The amount of staining will depend on the material of veneers you have, so be sure to discuss this point with your dentist.
What Is Safe?
Soft foods: Foods that require minimal chewing like mashed potatoes, eggs, or pasta are a safe bet.
Lean proteins: Cooked lean meats, fish, or tofu are safe for veneers.
Vegetables: Soft, cooked vegetables are less likely to damage veneers.
Fruits: While you should avoid biting directly into hard fruits like apples, most fruits are safe to eat with veneers.
How to Maintain Your Veneers Through Your Diet
Just as with your natural teeth, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial when you have veneers. Rinse your mouth with water after meals, brush your teeth twice a day with non-abrasive toothpaste, and don't forget to floss daily.
Regular dental check-ups will also ensure your veneers stay in the best possible shape. Because decay can occur around the margins (borders) of veneers, it is essential to spot decay early and intervene as quickly as possible.
Eating with Temporary Veneers
While waiting for your permanent veneers to be crafted, your dentist will likely fit you with temporary veneers. These temporary solutions protect your prepared teeth and give you a preview of your new smile. However, temporary veneers are not as strong as the final product and will require more care to avoid damage.
Here are some guidelines to follow:
Avoid hard foods: You should particularly avoid hard, crunchy foods that could break or dislodge your temporary veneers, such as nuts, hard fruits, and raw vegetables.
Steer clear of chewy foods: Avoid chewy or sticky foods, including caramel, taffy, gum, and even bread, which could pull the veneer off.
Stay away from staining foods and drinks: As with permanent veneers, temporary ones can be stained. Foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries should be consumed with caution.
Eat softer foods: Opt for softer, easy-to-chew foods, such as mashed potatoes, soft bread, pasta, and cooked vegetables.
By adhering to these dietary guidelines, you can keep your temporary veneers intact until your permanent ones are ready. Once your permanent veneers are in place, you can return to your normal diet with the few exceptions discussed above.
Alcohol and Smoking with Veneers
Whether you're enjoying a glass of wine at dinner or having a casual smoke, it's important to understand how these habits might affect your veneers.
Alcohol Consumption: Moderate alcohol consumption is usually safe with veneers, but excessive drinking can be a problem. The bonding agents used to attach veneers to your teeth can be weakened by high alcohol content. This doesn't mean that you can't ever enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine, but be mindful of the frequency and amount. A larger risk is the staining potential of red wine, and the dental trauma (especially to the front teeth) that occurs more frequently with alcohol intoxication.
Smoking/Chewing Tobacco: Veneers are generally resistant to staining, but heavy smokers might notice a slight discoloration over time. While the porcelain itself isn't likely to stain, the bonding material that attaches the veneer to your tooth can become yellowed or discolored. Additionally, the adjacent, untreated teeth will become stained, leading to a color mismatch with the veneers. The best way to prevent this is, of course, to refrain from smoking.
Whether it's alcohol or smoking, moderation is key when caring for your veneers. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits also contribute significantly to maintaining your veneers' appearance and functionality.
Final Thoughts
Veneers don't require a special diet, but being mindful of what you eat can prolong their lifespan. Avoiding certain foods and maintaining proper oral hygiene can keep your veneers – and your smile – looking their best for years to come.
FAQs
Is there anything you can't eat with veneers?
While veneers are sturdy and can handle most foods, some items should be consumed with caution or avoided altogether. Hard, sticky, or overly chewy foods can potentially dislodge or damage veneers. Examples include hard candy, popcorn kernels, ice, and chewy candies. Moreover, highly pigmented foods and drinks may cause staining over time.
Can I eat a sandwich with veneers?
Yes, you can eat a sandwich with veneers. However, if the sandwich contains hard or overly chewy ingredients, it might be better to cut it into smaller pieces rather than biting into it directly to reduce pressure on the veneers. Note also that you should avoid eating sandwiches with temporary veneers.
Can I eat pizza with veneers?
Yes, you can enjoy pizza with veneers. Just be mindful of the temperature. Extremely hot foods can cause discomfort, especially if your teeth are sensitive following the veneer placement procedure.
Can I bite into an apple with veneers?
Biting directly into hard foods like apples or corn on the cob is generally discouraged. These foods can exert substantial pressure on your veneers and possibly cause damage. It's recommended to cut these foods into smaller, manageable pieces before eating.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.