You’ve finally achieved the smile of your dreams—your teeth look flawless, and your confidence has never been higher. But as you admire your new veneers in the mirror, a nagging question creeps into your mind: “Can you eat with veneers without damaging them?”
It’s a common concern for anyone who’s invested in a perfect smile. Veneers are designed to enhance both the appearance and function of your teeth, but understanding how they interact with your daily eating habits is key to maintaining that perfect look.
The good thing is that you won’t need to make major changes to your diet with veneers. However, there are some foods you should avoid to keep your veneers looking white and bright for years to come.
So, what can you eat with veneers? And what are the foods that you should avoid?
Let’s find out.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front surface of teeth, improving their appearance. They are typically made from porcelain or composite resin and are used to enhance the color, shape, size, or length of teeth.
Veneers are bonded to the teeth and are commonly used to fix issues such as discoloration, chipped or broken teeth, gaps, or misalignment. They offer a durable, long-lasting cosmetic solution for those looking to achieve a more attractive smile.
So, Can You Eat with Veneers?
Yes, you can eat with veneers!
Veneers are designed to function much like natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy most of the foods you love. However, it’s important to exercise some caution, especially with hard, sticky, or very hot or cold foods that could potentially damage or loosen the veneers.
While veneers are strong and durable, avoiding particularly hard foods like nuts and sticky items like gum or caramel can help ensure they stay in great condition for years.
Getting Temporary Veneers
The process of getting porcelain veneers involves first wearing temporary veneers made of acrylic and secured with temporary cement. These temporary veneers protect your teeth from sensitivity while your permanent ones are being prepared. They also allow you to test the look and fit of your new restoration. Temporary veneers make it easier to fine-tune the shape and appearance before the permanent veneers are placed.
What Can You Eat with Temporary Veneers?
While wearing temporary veneers, it’s best to stick to soft, non-staining foods in lighter colors like yellow, white, or cream. Some suitable options for your diet include:
- Chicken (cut into small pieces)
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Eggs
- Bananas
- White fish
- Crustless bread
- Soft canned foods
What Should You Not Eat with Temporary Veneers?
Since temporary veneers are not permanently attached to your teeth, they can sometimes damage or dislodge. While you can generally eat most foods, it’s recommended to avoid certain items and stick to soft foods during the first few days after the veneers are placed.
Common foods to avoid with temporary veneers include:
- Toast and other crusty breads
- Hard foods like ice, candies, popcorn, candy apples, etc.
- Tough meats that are difficult to chew
- Crunchy foods such as nuts, seeds, and crisps
- Foods that can stain teeth, such as ketchup, curry, dark berries, jams, red pepper, and tomatoes
- Chocolate
- Sticky foods like gum and candies
- Pigmented drinks like tea, coffee, cola, and red wine
This is not necessarily a “ban” list, but the general rule is to avoid anything that requires excessive chewing, biting, or grinding, as this can damage the veneers and cause discomfort.
Getting Permanent Veneers
The greatest advantages of permanent veneers are their resistance to staining and their ease of polishing. If any stains do occur, your dentist can remove them quickly. While veneers (especially porcelain veneers) are durable, avoiding certain types of food can help protect them and minimize the need for professional cleanings.
What Can You Eat with Permanent Veneers?
With permanent veneers, you can enjoy a wide range of foods, but it’s still wise to be mindful of your choices to maintain their appearance and longevity.
Here’s a general guide on what you can eat:
- Soft Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, bananas, cooked carrots, and avocados are good options.
- Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, and fish are all safe choices.
- Soft Grains: Pasta, rice, and cooked cereals.
- Dairy: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are fine to consume.
- Bread and Baked Goods: Opt for softer breads and pastries without hard crusts.
What Should You Not Eat with Permanent Veneers?
Hard Foods
Foods that require a lot of biting force can potentially damage your veneers. This includes hard candies, nuts, and crusty bread. Also, avoid biting directly into hard fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots. It’s best to cut these into smaller pieces before eating.
Sticky Foods
Foods that are very sticky can pull at your veneers and might cause them to come loose. Try to avoid sticky candies such as caramel and toffee.
Chewy Foods
Foods that are excessively chewy, like tough steaks or chewy candies, can put undue stress on your veneers.
Highly Pigmented Foods & Beverages
While these won’t damage your veneers directly, they can stain them over time. Items like coffee, tea, red wine, and fruits such as blueberries may affect their appearance. It’s not necessary to eliminate these foods, but it’s a good idea to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them to minimize staining.
Very Hot or Cold Foods
Extreme temperatures might not harm your veneers, but they can cause discomfort, especially if you have sensitivity after getting them. This sensitivity usually diminishes as you get used to the veneers.
Takeaway
Dental veneers have become incredibly popular in cosmetic dentistry, and everyone is eager to get them and enhance their smile.
While it’s wise to limit alcohol and tobacco use, you won’t have to constantly worry about what can you eat with veneers. Instead, you can relax, take a bite, and savor the simple pleasures in life.
As long as you are ready to take a few precautions in your diet, you should be able to make your veneers last long.
Schedule an appointment with Normandale Dental to learn more.
FAQs
Does eating feel different with veneers?
Eating with veneers might initially feel slightly different due to the new surface, but most people quickly adjust and resume normal eating.
Can I eat an apple with veneers?
Yes, you can eat an apple with veneers, but it’s best to cut your apple into smaller pieces to avoid excessive pressure on the veneers. Biting directly into hard foods like apples can potentially damage them.
