Patient Forms
You’re not alone if you’re feeling self-conscious about imperfections in your smile and want to make a change. Every year, patients spend billions of dollars on cosmetic dental services, such as porcelain veneers, intended to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence.
But it’s important to be well-informed about what life looks like with these restorations in place, including potential dietary changes, so you know what to expect before committing to treatment. Continue reading to learn more about which foods might harm your prosthetics and how you can help keep them in great shape!
What Are Veneers Made From?
Veneers are thin shells that are usually made from durable porcelain, though they can sometimes also be crafted from resin. These materials reflect light like enamel and can be customized to match (or improve) the natural size, shape, and tone of your teeth.
Then, they’re cemented over the front surfaces to mask aesthetic flaws, such as chips, cracks, stains, or mild misalignments. These prosthetics are usually incredibly durable and resist damage and discoloration, helping protect the underlying teeth from similar concerns. Plus, they’re not made from the same organic materials as your enamel, so they don’t develop decay.
What Foods Can Harm Veneers?
These restorations are known for being incredibly long-lasting, but they’re not completely invincible. For instance, repeated or frequent exposure to certain foods might eventually harm them in the following ways:
- Darkly pigmented ingredients, such as tea, coffee, wine, berries, or tomatoes, can eventually leave them looking worse for wear, though they might not stain as fast as your natural teeth, which can result in uneven coloration.
- Overly hard or crunchy foods, like hard candy, nuts, seeds, or some raw fruits and veggies, can potentially damage the material or push the covers out of place.
- Anything too sticky, such as caramel or taffy, can cling to their surfaces or pull them off your teeth.
- Alcohol can erode the cement holding them in place, so you may want to reduce your consumption.
How Can I Maintain My Veneers?
The longevity of your veneers can depend on your unique habits and routines, though most patients can help preserve their recent enhancements by:
- Implementing a routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque, bacteria, acids, and other residue that might harm your teeth, gums, veneers, or the cement holding your restorations in place.
- Choosing foods carefully. Steering clear of common culprits known to be problematic can avoid potential damage or discoloration.
- Scheduling routine checkups and cleanings. Seeing your dentist every 6 months for a routine exam and professional cleaning allows them to monitor your oral health and the condition of your veneers, and polish away more recent surface stains that might have developed.
If you have additional questions about veneers or how to help care for them, your dentist can share more detailed information based on your individual circumstances!
Meet the Author
Dr. Francisca Sanchez has 20+ years of experience helping people of all ages build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. She initially studied dentistry from a prestigious program in the Dominican Republic before moving to New York City, where she earned a degree in dental hygiene at Hostos Community. She then achieved her dental doctorate and completed her AEGD at the Columbia School of Dental Medicine. Today, she provides a comprehensive menu of services, including veneers, using advanced technology for accurate, long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (646) 669-7407.