Investing in a jaw-dropping smile makeover with veneers sparks understandable questions around impacts to dining enjoyment and food limitations. However, with education on optimal care and minor habit adjustments, Ruston veneers shouldn’t curb satisfaction of beloved foods. Let’s clarify the do’s and don’ts around eating with these custom facades so you can fully savor delicious cuisine without worries compromising your investment or oral health.
Veneers 101: Materials, Bonding and Care
Custom-made veneer shells bond to front tooth surfaces to mask flaws with near identical mimicry of natural enamel. Layered porcelains and polymers create dimensionality, translucency and shade-matching for seamless integration only an exam reveals their presence. Proper home care protects their integrity and sheen for a decade or longer.
With proper precautions, veneers enable confident biting and chewing without damage. However, some adjustments prevent cracks, fractures and necessitate early replacement. Let’s explore how to nourish your body without compromising your investment.
Eating Soft Foods During Initial Healing
During the first week post-bonding, nourish yourself with soft foods that won't aggravate tender gum tissue as your body mends. Favor cool, smooth nutritious foods like yogurt, apple sauce, protein shakes, oatmeal and overcooked pastas. Avoid anything sharp, crunchy or extremely hot or cold. Stick to cool water, and steer clear of alcohol and sugar as they may seep under bonding edges causing painful sensitivity.
Gradually Reintroducing Crispy, Chewy Foods
Once initial healing completes, slowly reintroduce beloved crunchy and chewy foods like chips, nuts, seeds, popcorn, bagels, carrots, apples and crusty bread. Just remember to pace yourself, consuming them in moderation to minimize risk. Take small, careful bites using both sides of your mouth to evenly distribute pressure, and chew thoroughly before swallowing. If any hard foods get stuck, gently dislodge with your tongue or rinse rather than forcefully biting down. Be extra mindful for the first several weeks until you adjust.
Beverages That Stain or Erode Veneers
Yes, you can enjoy that morning coffee, but beware drinks that erode or stain veneers. Temperature extremes weaken bonding so allow hot beverages time to cool. Alternate sips of staining drinks like coffee, tea and red wine with water. Most importantly, sip sugary or acidic drinks with a straw directed towards your tongue not your teeth. Swish water after consumption and brush soon after meals.
The Critical Role of Continued Oral Hygiene
Veneers must be brushed and flossed as meticulously as natural teeth. Trapped debris breeds bacteria and decay damaging underlying tooth structure and veneer edges over time. See your hygienist every 6 months to ensure excellent health beneath your new facade.
With mindful adjustments, veneers shouldn’t curb your dining or drinking pleasures. In fact, their cosmetic perfection lets you indulge without embarrassment! Our dentist in Ruston are here to help you adjust to your makeover for confidence that shines from inside out.
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