You just received your new porcelain veneers, and you couldn’t be happier with the results. Their sleek and natural look have other talking about how beautiful your smile is, which makes you grin bigger and bigger. But suddenly, while enjoying a nice glass of ice cold water, you start to chew and before you know it, you’ve chipped your brand new veneers. Although porcelain veneers are made to withstand much of the normal wear and tear we put on our teeth, there are some foods and drinks you should avoid keeping them lasting longer. Read on to find out which ones.
I’ll Take a Water, No Ice
When ordering water at a restaurant or pouring yourself a glass at home, if you are prone to chewing on ice, resist the temptation and opt for that hydrating liquid sans ice. Chewing on this hard substance may be a mindless habit, but with porcelain veneers, you can easily cause a chip or break. Eating ice is a bad habit in general whether you have veneers or not, so it’s best if you let the ice do its job of cooling down your drink.
No Hard Candy
From chocolate bars to gummy worms to rock candy, the different types of sugary goodness can be found lining shelf after shelf at your local grocery store. While some people have a sweet tooth for chocolate, others prefer the fruit taste of hard candy. If you think all you’ll do is suck on these small pieces of candy, it’s highly unlikely since most individuals are chomping down in no time. Much like ice, hard candy can chip or crack a veneer and leave your smile looking less than stellar.
Don’t Let Coffee Be Your Morning Brew
It can be hard getting up in the morning and attempting to function at full speed without your coffee, but if you want your veneers to stay sparkling white, you’ll opt for something else. When having your veneers placed, don’t be surprised if your cosmetic dentist suggests staying away from dark-colored beverages because of their ability to stain your veneers over time. Some of these include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
- Red Wine
- Fruit juice
- Sports Drinks
Instead, reach for hydrating water to help kickstart your day, but if you just can’t keep from reaching for that cup of coffee, try drinking it through a straw to keep the liquid from coming into direct contact with your teeth.
Minimize Your Alcohol Intake
Yes, a nice, smooth martini might sound nice after a hard day at work, but if you make this a frequent routine, you’ll be unhappy with the results as it pertains to your veneers. Alcohol can diminish the effectiveness of the bonding agent used to adhere your veneers to your natural teeth. Over time, if alcohol is consumed on a regular basis, your veneers might come detached, causing serious problems for the look of your smile.
Don’t let a few moments of bliss with your favorite candy or drink sabotage the time and money spent transforming your smile. Porcelain veneers require an investment on your part, so make it worthwhile and keep your smile looking natural, beautiful, and healthy for years to come.
About the Author
Drs. Travis and Christel Cochell are a husband and wife team who own and operate Cochell Family Dentistry in Salem, Oregon. Treating patients of all ages, their office provides a wide variety of services, ensuring you and your family receive the care you need all in one place! Looking to transform your smile? Porcelain veneers offer patients a new and improved way to achieve the smile of your dreams. To learn more about how this service can help you, contact us at (503) 585-8688.