One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if yours is riddled with imperfections, you might not make a good impression. Issues like stubborn stains, chips, cracks, slight gaps, or mild overcrowding can leave you feeling self-conscious about your appearance.
Your dentist in Columbia can boost your confidence with porcelain veneers, but many patients have questions about what to expect from this treatment. One common inquiry is whether there are dietary restrictions once these restorations are in place. Continue reading to learn more about it!
What’s Involved in Getting Veneers?
Before diving into possible diet changes, it’s important to understand the process of getting veneers. First, your dentist will numb your mouth to prevent potential discomfort. Then, they’ll examine your teeth to ensure that this treatment is right for you.
If no pre-existing issues could interfere with the results, they’ll proceed by removing a thin amount of enamel, so the ceramic shells fit correctly. Then, they’ll make impressions of your teeth and send them to a special dental lab to begin building your prosthetics.
It’s worth noting that the protective outer layer of your teeth doesn’t regenerate and you’re somewhat more vulnerable to issues like cavities, injuries, or gum disease without protection in place. Your dentist will likely place temporary veneers to shield them until your permanent ones are delivered.
Will My Diet Change for Temporary Veneers?
Your temporary veneers aren’t intended to be worn for more than a couple of weeks, so they’re not made from the same durable ceramic as the final product. Instead, they’re built from composite resin, acrylic, wax, and other materials that aren’t as strong. You should steer clear of any overly hard or sticky foods that might damage or dislodge them, such as:
- Tough meats.
- Raw fruits and veggies.
- Candy, popcorn, and other hard snacks.
- Sticky caramels, taffy, and other sweet treats.
- Toasted or crusty bread or crackers.
It’s better to stick to softer options like eggs, mashed potatoes, cooked pasta, bananas, and soft bread.
Will My Diet Change for Permanent Veneers?
Thankfully, the final product is much more durable so you can enjoy a wider variety of wholesome foods to support your oral and overall health. However, your restorations aren’t completely invincible so you still need to be careful. You can keep your recently upgraded grin in excellent condition by avoiding:
- Dark liquids. The porcelain of your prosthetics won’t stain as quickly as your natural enamel, so stay away from coffee, tea, and wine to maintain an even shade.
- Extremely hard foods. Nuts, ice, popcorn kernels, and other hard options can chip or crack the ceramic covers.
- Alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is incredibly acidic and can deteriorate the cement holding these shells in place.
If you still have questions about dietary restrictions with veneers, the best way to get accurate answers is to ask your dentist during your consultation!
About the Practice
The dedicated team at Beck Dental Care of Columbia has been helping local families build and maintain happy, healthy smiles for the past four decades. Today, Dr. Hart, Dr. Williams, and Dr. Matthews work together to provide a full range of quality services to people of all ages, including veneers. They take the time to get to know your unique goals and concerns, then tailor treatment plans just for you. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art technology to improve your comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. If you want to enhance your appearance, you can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (931) 388-8452.