Veneers can transform your life, helping lift your spirits and confidence. However, the reality is that you now have new restorations covering your teeth, and if you want them to last, you may need to shift a couple of your habits. Will something as mundane as drinking your regular cup of coffee in the morning make them discolor? Read on to learn more about how drinking coffee will affect your veneers and what you can do to get your caffeine kick without impacting your smile’s longevity.
Can Coffee Harm Your Veneers?
Whether you love drinking coffee throughout the day to keep your energy up or just having a cup in the morning to get you started, it’s important to know how your daily habit will impact your new smile. Although veneers are durable and resistant to staining, it’s still possible for them to become discolored over time. For this reason, you’ll want to be mindful in order to get the most out of your veneers.
In addition to being able to stain teeth, coffee is also acidic. So, if you drink a lot of it throughout the day, it also has the potential to erode the dental cement that adheres your veneers to your teeth.
What Can You Do to Keep Coffee from Affecting Your Veneers?
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your coffee consumption has minimal impact on your new veneers:
- Sip your coffee through a straw to help the liquid avoid your front teeth and minimize the chances of staining.
- Brush your teeth twice a day (especially before you drink your coffee in the morning) and floss daily.
- Try to avoid drinking black coffee, as the darker the color, the higher likelihood of staining.
Are There Better Alternatives to Coffee if You Have Veneers?
If you’re not a die-hard coffee lover, you may also look into alternatives to coffee to help get your morning started. Green tea is lighter in color but still has caffeine, as well as matcha and oolong teas. You can also add milk to your coffee to dilute it, which will minimize the dark color and acidity of the beverage. However, be conscientious of using sugary flavoring to do this, as it could increase your risk of decay.
Your cosmetic dentist in Dallas will provide you with tips and tricks on how to extend the lifespan of your veneers after your procedure. So long as you follow those and reach out if you ever have any concerns about the color or stability of your restorations, you’ll be able to make the most out of your new-and-improved smile!
About the Author
Dr. Arrechea has over 20 years of experience as a dentist. Originally starting her career at Glidewell Dental Lab, she has unique experience and a great eye when it comes to cosmetic dentistry and achieving beautiful aesthetic results. To learn more about veneers or schedule a consultation to learn whether you’re a good candidate, visit Daily Smiles Dental Dallas’ website or call 214-233-9460.