Are you struggling with one or more dental flaws in your smile? If so, one of the best ways to enhance your pearly whites is with veneers. These porcelain shells can effectively conceal chips, cracks, gaps, and stains in your teeth. While they provide a natural-looking and durable solution, they aren’t indestructible. You’ll still have to practice good oral hygiene as well as implement healthy food options to preserve them. Read on to learn what to expect from the diet change with your veneers and how this can prolong their lifespan!
#1: Avoid Munching on Hard Foods
The last thing you’d want is to complete your cosmetic dental treatment just to accidentally crack or break your new teeth with one wrong bite. To avoid experiencing this problematic (and costly) situation, you should consider steering clear of hard or crunchy foods. These may include peanut brittle, jawbreaker candies, and even ice cubes. You should try sticking with softer nutritious meals such as mashed potatoes, chicken, and pasta, especially when wearing your temporary veneers.
#2: Refrain From Dark-Colored Drinks
While your porcelain shells will be made of highly stain-resistant porcelain material, they won’t be completely immune to discoloration. If exposed to dark-pigmented foods and beverages too frequently, they can begin to darken over time, defeating one of the reasons for getting them in the first place. Be sure to stay away from drinks that are high in tannins, like coffee, wine, and tea, as this ingredient is known to stain enamel. If you choose to enjoy them, at least use a straw or only drink them on special occasions. Once you’ve finished your beverage, brush and floss your teeth to keep your veneers from discoloring.
#3: Eat Lots of Fruits & Veggies
Although your veneers won’t be made of organic tissue, your underlying teeth will still require essential nutrients to remain strong and healthy. For this reason, you’ll want your meals to consist of vitamin-rich foods, such as sweet potatoes, fresh berries, and leafy greens. Additionally, crunchy snacks like celery and apples can help remove plaque and food particles that collect around your veneers and stain them. Try keeping these nutrient-dense options in your meals or as snacks to maintain a cleaner smile.
Since veneers provide the most comprehensive smile makeover, you’ll want to make the most of them for as long as possible. Keep these few tips in mind and practice good oral hygiene to preserve them, and you should be able to enjoy your beautiful pearly whites for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Kenneth Endres received his dental doctorate from Howard University and has nearly four decades of experience under his belt. He also regularly seeks continuing education to advance his skills and expertise. He provides a wide variety of high-quality services, including veneers. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call 860-653-4551.