Can You Chew Gum With Veneers?

Can You Chew Gum With Veneers?

On paper, veneers sound great! They can effectively cover a lot of cosmetic imperfections, give you subtle or dramatic changes in your smile’s appearance, and with the right maintenance, they can last a really long time.

But are veneers as good as they seem on paper? What’s the catch?

As with any type of dental cosmetic procedure, veneers do require some adjustments in your lifestyle to maintain your smile’s appearance long-term.

But is never going near chewing gum one of them? Keep reading this short blog post to find out!

What Are Veneers, and How Do They Work?

Lots of people confuse veneers with dental crowns, but they’re actually completely different. Dental crowns are caps used to cover the entire tooth and restore both its strength and appearance.

Veneers will only cover the front surface of the natural tooth. They are made from porcelain and molded into very thin layers. The veneers get bonded to the tooth, and because they are so thin, people can get used to talking and eating with them very quickly.

But to get veneers, the dentist will shave a bit of tooth enamel to create a rough surface texture that allows the veneers to properly stick to the tooth. This stage is essential to make sure the veneers don’t fall off easily, but it also means veneers are irreversible.

Since enamel doesn’t grow back, if you get veneers, you need to commit to always replacing them if they’re damaged or worn down.

What About Chewing Gum?

Yes, you should have no problems chewing gum after you get veneers. Most gum you chew on isn’t sticky enough to pull out your veneers, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

However, gum with sugar can be an issue for your oral health. Exposing your teeth to high levels of sugar increases your risk for cavities. Veneers don’t offer protection for your teeth from cavities and other oral health issues. Switch to sugar-free gum just to be safe.

How to Properly Take Care of Veneers

Veneers can last 10–15 years, possibly even more with the right care. Here are a few tips that’ll help you care for your new smile:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss daily
• Avoid hard foods as much as possible.
• Don’t use your teeth to open packages, or cans, or chew on hard objects.
• Stop smoking
• Cleanse the mouth after every meal.
• See the dentist routinely for professional cleanings and check-ups.

Are You a Good Candidate for Veneers?

If you’re dealing with smile imperfections but have generally healthy teeth, you’re most likely a great candidate for veneers. However, the best way to know for sure is to see Dr. Rima Kanbaragha for a consultation and a thorough oral health assessment. Schedule a visit to Dentazure online, or call us at (703) 875-2200 for more information.