Temporary veneers are short-term covers placed on prepared teeth while permanent restorations are fabricated. They protect the tooth surface from sensitivity and maintain proper spacing and appearance during the waiting period. While eating is possible, it requires significant caution and a temporary diet adjustment to prevent damage. These temporary restorations are not designed to withstand the forces and conditions of final porcelain veneers.
Understanding Temporary Veneer Vulnerability
Temporary veneers are made from weaker acrylic or composite resin, lacking the high fracture resistance and durability of permanent porcelain. This material composition makes them susceptible to chipping, cracking, or breaking under normal biting and chewing pressure. The material is also porous, contributing to vulnerability to staining.
The adhesive used is temporary cement, intentionally designed for easy removal before the final bonding procedure. This cement is not strong enough to resist the shear forces and tension created by sticky or tough foods. Dislodgement or fracture of the temporary veneer causes discomfort and can delay the final placement of permanent veneers.
Foods to Strictly Avoid
Dietary restrictions focus on foods that exert excessive force on the temporary material or compromise the cement bond. Hard and crunchy items, such as nuts, ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels, and raw, firm vegetables, pose a significant risk of fracturing the acrylic material. Sticky or tacky foods are highly dangerous because they exert a pulling force, leading to dislodgement. Common culprits include chewing gum, caramel, taffy, and other chewy candies that can overcome the weak temporary cement bond. Tough, chewy meats that require excessive grinding should also be avoided.
Temporary veneers are highly susceptible to staining due to the porous nature of the material. Unlike stain-resistant porcelain, the temporary material readily absorbs pigments from dark-colored foods and beverages. It is advisable to strictly limit or avoid items such as coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, tomato-based sauces, and curry spices. Limiting exposure to these highly pigmented items helps maintain the aesthetic appearance of the temporary restoration until the permanent veneers are bonded.
Safe Eating Techniques and Practices
To protect your temporary veneers, you must shift your chewing mechanics and carefully prepare your food before consumption. The most important technique is to chew exclusively with your back teeth, or molars, which are built for grinding and are typically not covered by the temporary restorations. You must completely avoid using your front teeth—where the temporary veneers are usually placed—for biting, tearing, or incising food.
It is strongly recommended to cut all food into small, manageable, bite-sized pieces before placing them in your mouth. This practice bypasses the need to use the front teeth for biting and reduces the overall force needed for chewing. By reducing the size of the food bolus, you minimize the risk of a high-impact force that could chip or dislodge the restoration.
Another consideration is managing food temperature to protect the temporary cement and minimize sensitivity. Extremely hot or cold foods and beverages can sometimes compromise the bond of the temporary cement or cause temporary discomfort in the prepared teeth beneath the veneers. After eating, gently rinsing your mouth with water can help remove food debris and staining agents that may have lodged around the margins of the temporary restoration.