Veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They are strong, but they can chip with biting habits or heavy force.
First days
- Avoid chewing, hot drinks and biting your cheek, lip or tongue until the numbness wears off, usually within 2–5 hours. Watch children closely.
- Teeth may feel sensitive and your bite or speech may feel slightly different for a few days as you adjust.
Temporary veneers
- If you have temporaries, avoid biting into hard foods with your front teeth and avoid sticky foods. Floss gently.
Protect your veneers
- Do not bite nails, pens or ice, or use teeth to open packages.
- Cut hard foods such as apples and crusty bread into small pieces and chew with your back teeth.
- Wear your night guard if one was made for you, and a sports mouthguard for contact sports.
Cleaning
- Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Keep your regular checkups.
Call our office right away if
- A veneer feels loose, chips or comes off (keep it)
- Your bite feels uneven after a few days
- Ongoing sensitivity or gum swelling
This handout is general information. Always follow the specific instructions your dentist gives you, which may differ from this sheet. For a medical emergency, such as trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Content last reviewed: 2026-10.