Porcelain veneers can transform your smile, giving you straighter, whiter, and more uniform teeth. While they are durable, maintaining them requires some care—especially when it comes to what you eat and drink. Adjusting your diet can help your veneers last longer and keep your smile looking its best.
Foods to Enjoy With Veneers
Veneers are designed to be strong, but treating them gently is key. Soft fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins are generally safe and help maintain good oral health. Foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, cooked vegetables, and fish are unlikely to damage your veneers and provide important nutrients for healthy teeth and gums.
Snacking on these foods instead of hard or sticky treats reduces the risk of chipping or loosening your veneers. Drinking plenty of water also helps rinse away acids and sugars that can affect both your veneers and natural teeth.
Foods to Approach With Caution
Certain foods and habits can put stress on veneers. Hard foods such as ice, nuts, and raw carrots may cause chips or cracks, especially if you bite down with force. Sticky candies or chewing gum can pull at veneers, potentially loosening them over time.
Acidic foods and drinks—like citrus, tomatoes, soda, and wine—can weaken the bonding material over time, even if they don’t damage the porcelain itself. Limiting exposure or rinsing your mouth afterward can help protect your veneers.
Be Mindful With Beverages
Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas can stain teeth over time, but porcelain veneers are generally resistant to discoloration. However, the natural teeth around your veneers can still stain, leading to a mismatch in color. Using a straw for dark beverages and maintaining good oral hygiene can help minimize staining.
Alcoholic drinks and sugary beverages should also be consumed in moderation, as excessive sugar and acid can affect both your veneers and underlying tooth enamel.
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Veneers
Beyond adjusting your diet, a few simple habits can help your veneers last longer:
- Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite nails.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night.
- Maintain regular dental checkups and professional cleanings.
- Practice consistent brushing and flossing to protect the health of surrounding teeth and gums.
Being mindful of these habits and dietary choices can keep your veneers looking beautiful for many years.
With careful attention to what you eat and how you care for your teeth, veneers can provide a long-lasting, stunning smile.
About the Practice
Dr. Voller offers comprehensive cosmetic dentistry services, including porcelain veneers, to help patients achieve beautiful, lasting smiles. Our practice focuses on personalized treatment plans, modern techniques, and patient education to ensure veneers remain durable and natural-looking while supporting overall oral health.
Call us at (724) 543-4948 or request an appointment online.