Wondering if you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite foods after getting dental veneers? The good news is that veneers are specifically designed to restore both the appearance and functionality of your teeth. However, there are some important guidelines to follow, especially with temporary veneers and during the initial adjustment period.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly what foods are safe to eat with both temporary and permanent veneers, along with practical tips to protect your investment for years to come.
How Dental Veneers Affect Your Eating Abilities
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. While they’re primarily a cosmetic enhancement, they’re engineered to withstand the normal forces of chewing and biting. Most patients can return to their regular eating habits once they’ve fully adjusted to permanent veneers.
The impact on your eating abilities largely depends on whether you have temporary or permanent veneers. Temporary veneers are more fragile and require significant dietary adjustments, while permanent veneers allow for a much more normal diet after a brief adjustment period.
Your dentist bonds these thin shells to your natural teeth after removing a small amount of enamel, creating a strong attachment that can handle most foods when properly cared for.
What Are Dental Veneers Made Of?
Veneers come in two primary materials, each with different properties that affect your eating capabilities:
Porcelain veneers are the gold standard for durability and aesthetics. They’re highly resistant to staining and can withstand normal chewing forces for 10-15 years with proper care. Their strength allows you to eat a wider variety of foods without worry, making them ideal for long-term use.
Composite resin veneers are made from a tooth-colored filling material. They’re less expensive than porcelain but also less durable. While they still improve your smile, they may require more careful eating habits and typically last 5-7 years before needing replacement. Composite veneers are also more prone to staining from foods and beverages.
The material directly impacts what you can comfortably eat—porcelain veneers handle normal chewing forces better, while composite veneers might require more caution with hard or crunchy foods.
The Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Veneers
Temporary veneers are exactly what they sound like—a short-term solution while your permanent veneers are being crafted in a dental laboratory. They’re typically made from acrylic material and are loosely attached with temporary cement. Because of this, they’re significantly more fragile than permanent veneers and can easily chip, crack, or dislodge while eating.
Permanent veneers (typically porcelain) are precision-crafted from durable materials and securely bonded to your teeth. They’re designed to function like natural tooth enamel and can handle most normal foods once properly placed. While permanent veneers are strong, they’re not indestructible, so certain eating habits should still be modified to ensure their longevity.
The difference in eating capabilities is substantial—temporary veneers require a soft food diet with significant restrictions, while permanent veneers allow for a nearly normal diet after a short adjustment period.
What Foods Can You Eat With Temporary Veneers?
Temporary veneers require significant dietary caution. Since they’re made from acrylic and held in place with temporary cement, they can easily break or come loose when eating the wrong foods. You’ll typically wear temporaries for 2-3 weeks while a dental laboratory creates your permanent veneers.
During this time, stick to soft foods that don’t require excessive chewing or biting force. Cut foods into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth rather than biting with the front teeth where veneers are typically placed.
Safe Foods for Temporary Veneers
These foods are gentle on your temporary veneers and minimize the risk of damage:
Soft Proteins:
- Eggs (scrambled, poached, or soft-boiled)
- Tender chicken cut into small pieces
- Flaky white fish
- Tofu
- Well-cooked ground meat
Soft Starches:
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft pasta
- White bread (avoid crusty varieties)
- Well-cooked rice
- Pancakes and soft waffles
Fruits and Vegetables:
- Ripe bananas
- Soft canned fruits (peaches, pears)
- Applesauce
- Steamed or roasted soft vegetables
- Avocados
Dairy and Other Options:
- Yogurt
- Soft cheeses
- Pudding
- Smoothies
- Oatmeal
These foods require minimal force to chew, reducing the risk of dislodging or breaking your temporary veneers. When possible, cut food into small pieces and chew with your back teeth.
Foods to Avoid With Temporary Veneers
The following foods can damage or dislodge your temporary veneers and should be avoided:
Hard Foods:
- Raw vegetables (carrots, celery, broccoli)
- Nuts and seeds
- Hard bread crusts
- Ice
- Hard candies
- Chips and crackers
- Popcorn
Sticky Foods:
- Caramel
- Taffy and chewy candies
- Chewing gum
- Sticky protein bars
- Dried fruits
Staining Foods and Beverages:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Dark sodas
- Berries
- Tomato sauce
- Curry and turmeric dishes
Other Problematic Items:
- Corn on the cob
- Large sandwiches that require biting with front teeth
- Chewy meats like steak or jerky
- Acidic foods that may weaken temporary cement
Remember, temporary veneers are just that—temporary. Following these restrictions for a few weeks helps ensure your temporaries stay intact until your permanent veneers are ready.
Eating With Permanent Porcelain Veneers
Once your permanent porcelain veneers are placed, you’ll enjoy much more dietary freedom. Permanent veneers are designed to function like natural teeth and can handle most normal foods. They’re securely bonded to your teeth and made from durable materials that resist breaking, chipping, and staining far better than temporary options.
While porcelain veneers are strong—typically lasting 10-15 years with proper care—they’re not indestructible. You’ll need to be mindful of certain foods and eating habits to maximize their lifespan. The good news is that most patients quickly adjust to these minor modifications and enjoy a nearly normal diet.
What Foods Can You Eat With Permanent Veneers?
With permanent veneers, your diet can largely return to normal after the initial adjustment period. Here’s what you can enjoy:
Everyday Meals: Most standard meals pose no problems for permanent veneers. You can enjoy sandwiches, pasta, properly cooked vegetables, and most proteins without worry. Even foods like burgers, pizza, and most fruits are safe when eaten mindfully.
Proteins and Meats: Chicken, fish, and most cuts of meat are perfectly fine with permanent veneers. Even steak can be enjoyed, though you might want to cut it into smaller pieces to avoid excessive force on front veneers. Ground meats and tender cuts are particularly easy to eat.
Fruits and Vegetables: Most fruits and vegetables are safe with permanent veneers. While exceptionally hard raw vegetables might require caution, properly cooked vegetables pose no issues. Fruits like peaches, berries, grapes, and citrus fruits can be enjoyed normally.
Breads and Starches: Bread, pasta, rice, and most baked goods are completely compatible with permanent veneers. Even crunchier items like toast can typically be enjoyed without worry.
The key is being mindful of how you eat rather than strictly limiting what you eat. Using your back teeth for tougher foods and avoiding biting directly into very hard items will help protect your veneers.
Foods and Drinks That Can Damage Your Veneers
While permanent veneers are durable, certain foods and eating habits can potentially damage them:
Physically Damaging Foods: Hard candies, ice, nutshells, and popcorn kernels can potentially chip or crack veneers if you bite down on them directly. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy popcorn or nuts—just be careful not to bite down on the hardest parts, and use your back teeth when possible.
Applying excessive force when biting can also risk damage. Avoid using your teeth to open packages, crack nuts, or bite fingernails, as these habits put unnecessary stress on your veneers.
Staining Concerns: While porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant (much more so than natural teeth), excessive exposure to staining agents can eventually discolor the bonding material around the edges of veneers. Common staining substances include:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Dark berries
- Tomato-based sauces
- Curry and turmeric
- Balsamic vinegar
- Soy sauce
You don’t need to eliminate these foods entirely—simply rinse your mouth with water after consuming them, and maintain good oral hygiene to minimize staining effects.
Temperature Sensitivity: Extreme temperature changes can potentially stress the bonding agents. While occasional hot coffee or ice cream is fine, try to avoid immediately following very hot foods with very cold ones.
Your First 48 Hours With New Veneers
The first 48 hours after getting your permanent veneers are crucial for proper bonding and adjustment. During this period, the dental adhesive is still fully curing, making it the most vulnerable time for your new veneers.
For the first two hours after placement, avoid eating anything while the anesthesia wears off. This prevents accidentally biting your cheek or tongue and puts unnecessary pressure on your new veneers before the bonding cement has initially set.
Timeline for the first 48 hours:
- 0-2 hours: No eating or drinking until anesthesia subsides
- 2-24 hours: Soft foods only, room temperature, minimal chewing
- 24-48 hours: Continue with soft foods, gradually introduce more normal textures
- 48+ hours: Begin careful transition to normal diet, still avoiding the hardest foods
Immediate Aftercare for Veneers
During the first 24 hours after getting your veneers, follow these guidelines to ensure proper bonding and minimize discomfort:
Wait until any anesthesia fully subsides before eating anything. This typically takes 1-2 hours. When you do start eating, stick to very soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, or smoothies.
Avoid extreme temperatures. Room temperature or slightly warm foods are best during this period, as the adhesive is still curing and extreme temperatures can affect the bonding process.
If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth from where veneers were placed. This reduces pressure on the new veneers during the critical bonding period.
Skip any foods that require biting with your front teeth. Instead, cut food into small pieces you can place directly on your back teeth for chewing.
Stay hydrated but avoid using straws, as the suction can sometimes place pressure on new veneers.
Gradually Returning to Normal Eating
After the first 48 hours, you can begin gradually expanding your diet, though you should continue to exercise caution:
Days 3-5: Begin incorporating slightly firmer foods like pasta, well-cooked vegetables, and tender meats cut into small pieces. Continue avoiding very hard, crunchy, or sticky foods during this phase.
Days 5-7: Most patients can return to a nearly normal diet at this stage, though it’s still wise to be cautious with the hardest foods. You can introduce more variety, including sandwiches, firmer fruits, and most normal meals.
After 1 week: Your permanent veneers should be fully bonded and adjusted. You can return to a normal diet with the ongoing precautions mentioned earlier about very hard foods and excessive forces.
Some patients experience mild temperature sensitivity during the adjustment period. This is normal and typically resolves within a few weeks as your teeth adjust to the veneers.
How to Protect Your Veneers While Eating
To maximize the lifespan of your veneers while still enjoying your favorite foods, adopt these practical habits:
Use your molars for chewing harder foods rather than your front teeth, especially if you have veneers on your front teeth. Your back teeth are naturally better suited for grinding tough foods.
Cut harder foods into smaller, more manageable pieces. This simple step allows you to enjoy nearly any food while minimizing risk to your veneers.
Be mindful when biting into hard foods like apples, carrots, or crusty bread. Consider cutting these items into pieces rather than biting directly into them with veneered front teeth.
If you grind your teeth or play contact sports, ask your dentist about a custom mouthguard to protect your veneers from excessive force or impact. This small investment can significantly extend the life of your veneers.
Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages, crack nuts, or bite fingernails. These non-food activities create unnecessary risks for your veneers.
Proper Cleaning After Eating
Maintaining clean veneers not only preserves their appearance but also protects the underlying tooth structure and bonding materials:
Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods or beverages. This simple habit helps prevent discoloration, especially around the margins of your veneers.
Wait 30-60 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks before brushing. Acidic items temporarily soften enamel, and immediate brushing can potentially damage the tooth structure around your veneers.
Use a non-abrasive toothpaste recommended for veneers. Abrasive whitening toothpastes can potentially scratch the surface of some veneer materials, especially composite resin.
Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and around the edges of veneers. This helps prevent staining at the margins where veneers meet your natural teeth.
Consider an alcohol-free mouthwash, as some evidence suggests that highly alcoholic mouthwashes might affect the bonding material over time.
Long-Term Veneer Maintenance
Beyond daily eating and cleaning habits, these long-term maintenance practices will help your veneers last their full expected lifespan:
Schedule regular dental checkups every six months. Your dentist can identify and address any potential issues before they compromise your veneers.
Have professional cleanings to remove tartar buildup, which can affect the appearance and integrity of your veneers, especially at the margins.
Address teeth grinding (bruxism) if you have this habit. Night guards protect your veneers from the excessive forces created during sleep grinding.
If you notice any changes in your veneers—such as a rough edge, slight chip, or discoloration—contact your dentist promptly. Small issues can often be repaired before they require complete replacement.
Remember that veneers, while durable, don’t last forever. Most porcelain veneers last 10-15 years before needing replacement, while composite veneers typically last 5-7 years. Planning for eventual replacement is part of long-term veneer care.
By following these practical guidelines, you can enjoy your favorite foods while maintaining beautiful, functional veneers for many years to come. The minor adjustments to your eating and care habits are a small price to pay for the confidence and functionality that well-maintained veneers provide.
