Have you recently gotten new porcelain veneers in Lake Highlands or will be soon? You’ve made a great decision! In addition to giving you a whole new look to your smile in just two visits, porcelain veneers are also long-lasting and durable. But after making such a great investment, it’s worth it to learn how to take care of your new smile to help it look great as long as possible. Keep reading below to learn how to maintain your veneers and find out which foods you should avoid.
Foods To Avoid After Getting Porcelain Veneers
One feature of porcelain that pleasantly surprises most people is that it’s stain-resistant. Unlike natural teeth, porcelain is non-porous. Not to mention that a glossy surface layer of resin is applied that makes it even less likely to pick up stain.
However, while you can certainly enjoy foods and beverages that typically stain natural teeth such as coffee, tea, and red wine, you’ll still want to limit these items somewhat for a couple of reasons. First, the resin layer usually begins to wear away a bit over time, so your veneers will be more likely to stain after you’ve had them for several years.
In addition, the border between your veneer and your natural tooth can pick up stain. Over time, consuming too many foods or drinks that stain can lead to a dark line around the gumline, so try to only enjoy them in moderation.
Finally, you’ll also want to minimize foods that put too much pressure on your veneers (alternatively, you can cut these foods into small pieces to avoid biting directly into them with your front teeth):
- Tough meat
- Hard nuts or seeds such as almonds (soaking them in water for several hours will soften them a bit)
- Ice (chewing on ice is very hard on both natural teeth and veneers and should be avoided)
- Hard, crusty bread
- Crunchy vegetables such as carrots and celery
- Hard or sticky candies
Tips To Maintain Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are strong and durable but still require basic maintenance to look great for many years:
- Schedule regular checkups with a cosmetic dentist in Lake Highlands. While your veneers themselves can’t get cavities, the tooth structure underneath them can. Checkups allow any small problems to be caught and treated early. You’ll also have your veneers professionally polished.
- Brush gently but thoroughly at least twice a day and consider getting an electric toothbrush. Also, make sure to floss at least once each day.
- You may be tempted to use whitening toothpaste, but it can actually do more harm than good. Since it contains more abrasive material than regular formulas, it can scratch and dull your porcelain and wear away the glossy resin layer over time. Instead, use a gel formula that doesn’t contain harsh abrasives.
Porcelain is an excellent material for veneers. With these guidelines, you’ll be able to keep your new smile looking beautiful for many years.
About the Author
Dr. Mariya Barnett is an award-winning general and cosmetic dentist in Lake Highlands and a graduate of the University of Michigan. She combines the art and science of dentistry with an eye for detail to consistently provide outstanding cosmetic results. If you have any questions about porcelain veneers, she can be reached via her website.
