Avoid These Foods If You Want Your Dental Veneers to Last

Dentist in white coat examining patient's teeth in modern dental office setting.
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By Summit Dental Group | June 5, 2025

Did you know that what you eat after getting veneers directly affects how long they last? These oral appliances transform your smile, but maintaining that new look depends on how well you care for them. Most people are unaware that certain common foods can damage these dental facades or weaken the bond that holds them in place. Want to know which foods to avoid to keep them in great shape? Keep reading.

Foods to Avoid After Getting The Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are placed, and taking care of them starts with what you eat. Therefore, here are the foods you should avoid to make sure your smile stays strong and natural-looking for the years to come.

For Temporary Veneers:

Temporary dental veneers are more fragile than permanent ones because they are not bonded as securely. During the short period before your permanent coverings are ready, stay away from these foods,

  • Tough meats like steak require a lot of chewing
  • Ice  (make sure never chew ice, even without any oral appliances)
  • Hard breads, especially toasted or crusty types
  • Nuts, chips, and seeds can crack the temporary material
  • Raw, crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots
  • Sticky and hard candies
  • Chocolate that sticks to the temporary surface
  • Foods and drinks that stain, such as coffee, red wine, or tomato sauce

For Permanent Veneers:

Permanent veneers are more durable, but they are not indestructible. Some edibles still cause damage or discoloration over time. Thus, here is what you need to skip,

  • Bone-in meats like chicken wings or ribs. Avoid biting close to the bone.
  • Hard foods chip the porcelain layer
  • Ice, again, is a no-go for chewing
  • Sticky candies can pull the shells
  • Alcohol in excess weakens the bonding over time
  • Acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, lemonade, and tomato-based sauces
  • Staining foods and drinks, which include:
  1. Coffee
  2. Tea
  3. Red wine
  4. Colas
  5. Tomato sauce
  6. Curry
  7. Dark berries

Even though these appliances are stain-resistant, the bonding and natural teeth around them are not. Over time, this creates a color mismatch in your smile. If you drink stain-causing beverages, try using a straw to keep the liquid away from your teeth.

Habits That Can Damage The Veneers

Avoiding certain foods is just a part of the equation. Some everyday habits harm your porcelain shells as well:

  • Using your teeth to open packages or bottles
  • Biting nails
  • Chewing on pens or pencils

It is important to take good care of your veneers with simple choices about what you eat and how you treat your teeth. Moreover, avoiding a few risky foods and habits helps in maintaining them for decades without any issues.

Want reliable dental care in Boise for a bright and flawless smile for years? Book an appointment at our dental clinic today!

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