Veneers are an excellent way to improve the appearance of your smile. If you want whiter, brighter teeth and to fix minor tooth flaws like chips, uneven wear, or minor gaps, they can easily correct these issues all the while resisting stains and providing long-lasting results. But in order to extend their life as long as possible, you need to be careful with how you use them, including what you eat. Whether you have temporary veneers, or your permanent set has already been placed, here are some dietary changes you should make to ensure that they last!
What Not to Eat with Veneers
With proper care and usage, your new veneers could last up to 20 years; however, most typically need replacement at around the 15-year mark. Because your dentist must remove a thin layer of enamel to properly fit them, they are a lifetime commitment. Thus, keeping them in great shape for as long as possible will save you both time and money.
To do this, there are certain foods you should avoid. These include:
- Crunching ice or hard candies
- Tough meats
- Crusty breads
- Popcorn
- Sticky foods like caramels, taffy, or gummies
- Deeply pigmented beverages like coffee, cola, and red wine
Behaviors to Avoid with Veneers
In addition to making dietary modifications with veneers, you may need to make some lifestyle changes, too. These include:
- Quitting smoking
- Not biting fingernails, pen caps, or using teeth to open packaging
- Not grinding teeth (bruxism)
How to Care for Veneers
Now that you know what foods and activities to avoid with your new veneers, it is important to know how to properly care for them. Here are a few adjustments you may need to make to your oral health routine to keep them in great shape for as long as possible:
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste
- Visit your dentist twice a year for your semi-annual exam and cleanings
Remember, with proper care and usage, your veneers can last for many years; however, to make the most of them, you may need to make some important lifestyle changes. Thankfully, with a little practice, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your beautiful new smile for as long as possible!
About Dr. Michitti
Dr. Frank Michitti became inspired to be a dentist following his own childhood need for extensive dental treatment. This helped cultivate his compassionate nature for each of his patients. Dr. Michitti is proud to be a MAGD (Master of the Academy of General Dentistry) dentist. Earning this Mastership requires a dedication to dental continuing education (CE) beyond graduation from dental school that fewer than 2 percent of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada complete.
To become an AGD Master, your dentist must:
- Complete over 1,100 credit hours of CE.
- Earn 400 of those 1,100 credits in hands-on courses.
- Pass an exam equal in difficulty to board certification exams.
To schedule an appointment at Lifetime Dental of Agawam, please visit our website or call us today at 413-786-4400.