If you're interested in improving your smile with porcelain dental veneers, you probably have a few questions about the restorations, including possible changes to your diet. Your Morris, IL, dentists, Dr. Douglas Halkyard and Dr. Scott Halkyard of Halkyard Family Dental, can answer your questions and let you know if veneers are a good choice for you.
How veneers can change your smile
Veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells made of porcelain. The shells are attached to the fronts of your teeth with dental cement and cover a variety of tooth imperfections, including:
- Slight gaps between teeth
- Chips, cracks, and minor damage
- Crooked teeth
- Oddly shaped teeth
- Short teeth
- Discolorations
Veneers can also whiten your smile. They're available in many shades of white, which allows you to choose the ideal color for your teeth. During your dental veneers visit at the Morris, IL, dental office, your dentist may need to remove a small amount of tooth enamel before your receive the restorations. This step ensures that your veneers feel comfortable and look natural.
Foods you'll need to avoid with dental veneers
Although you can continue to eat your favorite foods with your veneers, you may need to make a few minor changes to your diet to protect your restorations. It's a good idea to avoid or limit:
- Dark Drinks: Veneers are very stain resistant, but dark beverages, like coffee, tea, or red wine, could stain them. Rinse your mouth after drinking these beverages to reduce stains. Using a straw can also be helpful. When you drink from a straw, the majority of the liquid doesn't reach the front surfaces of your teeth.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can loosen the dental cement used to attach your veneers. Alcohol in beverages and mouthwash may cause this problem. When you shop for mouthwash, look for alcohol-free products.
- Hard Foods: Very hard foods, like raw vegetables and hard pretzels, could damage your veneers and should be avoided.
You'll also want to avoid using your teeth to open packages or bottles, as this habit could break or chip your veneers.
Enhance your smile with dental veneers! Call your dentists in Morris, IL, Dr. Douglas Halkyard and Dr. Scott Halkyard of Halkyard Family Dental, at (815) 942-0830 to schedule your appointment.