Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic solution for enhancing your smile. Whether you’re correcting discoloration, chips, gaps, or minor misalignments, veneers offer a natural-looking and long-lasting result. However, you may wonder if they will require you to change your diet. The short answer is not significantly, but there are a few important considerations to keep your veneers in top shape and ensure they last for years to come.
Initial Sensitivity After Placement
Right after getting your veneers, you may experience some temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods. This is usually due to the bonding process and should subside within a few days. During this short adjustment period, it’s a good idea to stick to softer, lukewarm foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, smoothies, and soup.
Avoid very hot or very cold items until your teeth feel normal again. Once the sensitivity fades, most people can resume their normal eating habits with a few smart exceptions.
Avoid Hard and Crunchy Foods
Although veneers are made from strong materials like porcelain or composite resin, they are not indestructible. Biting into very hard foods can potentially crack or chip your veneers. It’s best to be cautious with:
- Ice.
- Hard candies.
- Nuts (especially if biting directly).
- Popcorn kernels.
- Raw carrots or apples (slice them instead).
Use your back teeth for chewing these items if you choose to eat them, and avoid using your front veneers to bite into hard foods directly.
Watch Out for Staining Foods and Drinks
Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant, but the bonding material and any exposed natural tooth around the veneer edges can still stain. To keep your smile bright, it’s wise to limit dark-colored beverages like coffee, red wine, cola, and black tea.
If you do consume them, using a straw can help reduce contact with your front teeth, and rinsing your mouth with water afterward can minimize staining.
Sticky Foods: Proceed with Caution
Sticky candies like taffy, caramel, or chewing gum can pull at veneers or weaken the bonding over time. While one piece likely won’t cause an issue, regular consumption could lead to problems. These types of foods also increase the risk of decay around the veneer edges, especially if oral hygiene isn’t maintained.
Maintain a Balanced, Tooth-Friendly Diet
A healthy diet that supports oral health is always a good idea. Focus on foods that promote strong gums and teeth, like:
- Leafy greens.
- Dairy products (cheese, yogurt).
- Lean proteins.
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables (sliced to avoid direct biting).
- Water (stay hydrated and rinse away food particles).
While you don’t need to overhaul your diet after getting veneers, a few mindful adjustments can help protect your investment and keep your smile looking its best. Avoid overly hard, sticky, or staining foods, and prioritize good oral hygiene. With proper care and a sensible approach to eating, your veneers can look beautiful and function well for 10 to 15 years or more.
About the Author
Dr. Admasu Gizachew (“Dr. G” to his patients) is a graduate of New York University and logs almost 300 hours of continuing education each year. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry, among others. Dr. Gizachew and our team can outfit you with customized veneers to match the rest of your smile and give you a complete makeover! Just give our Brick Township office a call to schedule your appointment at (732) 475-7535 or visit us online.