Can You Eat With Veneers?
Veneers are a tool that restores or changes your smile and provides you with symmetrical teeth. They’re a cosmetic treatment your dentist may recommend if you’re eligible. But you may be wondering if you get veneers, can you still eat with them, or is there anything you should avoid?
Continue reading to learn more about veneers, including if you can eat with them and how you can avoid potential complications.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells that cover the front of your teeth to change their size, shape, length, or colour. They can last years when taken care of properly.
What Are the Benefits of Veneers?
Veneers offer several benefits, including looking and feeling like natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, and you can select the colour shade you desire. Veneers don’t need as much shaping as crowns, making them easier to receive.
Who Can Get Veneers?
Veneers can help repair or cosmetically alter your teeth, creating a more symmetrical smile. Someone may get veneers to help address:
- Discoloured teeth
- Chipped, broken, or worn-down teeth
- Misaligned or uneven teeth
- Gaps between your teeth
What Can You Expect During the Dental Veneer Process?
The dental veneer process typically takes 2 appointments, a few weeks apart.
You’ll need an initial consultation before you can receive veneers. Your dentist will discuss which type of veneers is right for your needs and how many you want. They’ll also evaluate your oral health to look for signs of decay, gum disease, or other problems.
If your teeth are healthy, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel, the protective layer of your teeth, to make room for your veneers. They then take impressions of your teeth to create the final product.
Once your veneers are ready (in approximately 1 to 2 weeks), your dentist cleans your teeth before applying the veneers with dental cement. Ultraviolet light helps harden this cement, finishing the procedure.
Caring for Your Veneers
While your veneers should be ready to go after your treatment completes, your dentist will teach you how to care for them and situations to avoid that can damage them.
Your dentist may suggest avoiding:
- Biting tough objects
- Biting your nails
- Using a mouthguard
- Grinding your teeth
- Chewing hard foods
- Opening things with your teeth
You can help your veneers last for years with proper care and maintenance. Treat them like natural teeth, brush and floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly.
Another important part of caring for your veneers is using caution with certain foods.
Can You Eat with Veneers?
Of course, you can still eat with veneers. They shouldn’t cause any trouble when you chew, and there are no particular foods to avoid. However, some foods may be worth limiting to prevent staining your veneers.
Foods and drinks that may stain your veneers include dark-coloured drinks and sauces such as:
- Coffee & tea
- Red wine
- Tomato sauces
- Berries & juice
- Soy sauce
- Balsamic vinegar
- Certain candies
Coffee & Tea
Coffee and tea contain tannins, a chemical compound that causes colour to stick to your teeth, leaving behind stains. The more tannins a drink has, the higher the chance of staining. When choosing a drink, you may need to consider leaving out tea—it has more tannins than coffee.
Red Wine
Red wine is an acidic drink that can roughen and erode your teeth. It can do this to your veneers as well, and the dark colour of red wine can leave long-lasting stains. Consider limiting your red wine consumption if you have veneers.
Tomato Sauces
Tomato sauces on foods like pasta can leave difficult stains. With a bright red colour and acidic properties, limit your tomato sauce intake.
Berries & Juice
The dark colour of berries can leave stains on your veneers, especially blueberries and blackberries. Fruit juices with berries can stain as well, so consider limiting cranberry and grape juices.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a dark condiment that can leave hard-to-remove stains. If you have soy sauce, try rinsing your mouth with water so it doesn’t rest on your veneers.
Balsamic Vinegar
Besides being a dark, stain-causing condiment, balsamic vinegar is acidic. Its higher acid content means it can worsen staining.
Candy
Candy with dyes or dark-coloured foods like dark chocolate can mildly stain your teeth. You don’t need to avoid candy, but be cautious about what you eat. While veneers are stain-resistant, they aren’t completely protected.
Interested in Veneers? Speak with Your Dentist
Veneers can help correct the cosmetic look of your teeth. But first, your dentist needs to ensure you’re eligible. They can examine your oral health during an initial consultation.
Contact your dentist if you’re interested in veneers. They can determine the best treatment for your dental needs, whether veneers or another service.
