What Can You Eat with Veneers? Smart Choices for a Long-Lasting Smile
Ready for your dream smile?
There are many facets to cosmetic dentistry. Tooth whitening, braces, and dental veneers are just a few of the many options. If you have any imperfections in your smile, cosmetic dentistry likely has a solution just for you.
Veneers are an amazing option for those with severely broken or otherwise damaged teeth, but this isn’t the only reason many people choose to get veneers. It’s not uncommon for a person to feel less than confident in their natural smile. If this is the case, sometimes veneers are a great option to get them the smile of their dreams. After all, everyone deserves a smile that makes them truly want to smile!
What are veneers? We’re glad you asked! Dental veneers are essentially prosthetic teeth created from a thin sheet of porcelain that is adhered to the front surface of the natural tooth. This creates a durable solution to many cosmetic dental problems. Want an extra perk? They’re color matched to your natural teeth, so no one will know you had anything done unless you tell them!
Though dental veneers are durable, they require mindful eating to stay in great shape and last for years to come. Don’t worry, we’ve got tips on how to eat with veneers up ahead.
What You Can Eat with Dental Veneers
If you have veneers, or plan to get them in the future, it’s important to note that there are a few things you need to keep an eye on when picking foods.
Don’t worry, we’ve got some good news for you. Most everyday foods are completely fine! In fact, you can enjoy your favorite soft fruits and veggies with no risk! Your lean proteins and cooked grains are also perfectly fine for your dream smile.
What about your morning coffee ritual? Or wine night? These are okay for you to enjoy in moderation, but be sure to rinse with water after you are finished to prevent staining any of your natural teeth.
Foods to Enjoy with a Little Caution
Crunchy foods require a little bit of caution while eating with dental veneers. This includes favorites like carrots or apples. Having veneers doesn’t mean you have to forgo them entirely; just be cautious. Instead of biting directly into them, try slicing them up instead.
Bread with tough crusts or that is rather chewy also requires a bit of extra attention. For your tasty meals that involve breads like sourdough or bagels, tear them into smaller bites to help your veneers out.
Nuts can pose a risk for your dental veneers if you’re not careful. Instead of whole nuts, opt for the chopped or slivered versions instead. Taking this extra step will help your veneers last for many more years!
What to Avoid if You Want Your Dental Veneers to Last
There are a few foods you should avoid entirely when you have dental veneers. Those hard candies, ice, and popcorn kernels are right at the top of the list! Chewing on these can cause chips or cracks, meaning you will need an emergency appointment to get it repaired or replaced. Though we’d love to see you at Berrien Dental, we’d much prefer it to be at a regular appointment, not for an emergency like a broken veneer.
When it comes to those sticky candies like taffy or caramel, you also need to avoid them whenever possible. Chewing on these can loosen the bond between the veneer and your tooth.
What about using your teeth to open packaging? No. Just no. This goes for whether you have dental veneers or not, by the way! Opening things with your teeth is a fast way to get that emergency appointment at the dentist.
Tips for Eating Out with Confidence
When you’re eating at a restaurant with family and friends, it can be difficult at times to stick to your food guidelines and keep your veneers safe. By taking a little extra time when looking at the menu, you can save yourself, and your veneers, a little pain.
Try to choose food items that don’t require aggressive biting and chewing. Trust us, your veneers will thank you! Ask for forks and knives for foods such as sandwiches or burgers if needed. This will limit the amount of tearing required to truly dig into your food.
Most importantly, don’t feel awkward doing these things! Protecting your dental veneers is just a smart choice, and a great way to practice self-care every day.
Eat well, smile bright.
If you have any imperfections in your smile that you would like to do away with, veneers can be a good option for you. They give you the freedom to enjoy most foods with just a few mindful adjustments.
Want to know one of the best ways to keep your veneers in tip-top shape? Keep those regular check-ins at Berrien Dental. Not only will these keep your veneers in working order for years to come, but they will also protect your natural teeth.
Need to get a dental cleaning or check-up on the calendar? Hop online and schedule an appointment today!