How much alcohol can I drink after getting porcelain veneers without softening the bonding too much?

Hello there,In general, alcohol does not really affect the bonding of veneers.  However, alcohol is terrible for your gums, which can very easily lead to gum recession.  Gum recession is when your gums recede, slightly exposing your tooth roots.  This leads to dark borders around the top of your veneers and the need to have your veneers taken off and redone in order to cover up the exposed roots.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMDSt. Louis, MO area (O'Fallon, IL)Real Self 100

First of all, I have been in practice 33 years and have never heard of a direct correlation between alcohol, the compound, ruining bonding.However,a lot of people talk to one another and the truth gets twisted in the story.Truths1. I do tell my patients to stay away from dark liquids, tomato sauces, and red wine the first few days after bonding.  I want to make sure that the area is completely cured, and not bathed in dark liquids that could potentially cause microscopic staining....BUT I have never seen it.2. Bonding is very strong and secure, as are veneers when bonded. Alcohol will not effect the bond strength that I am aware.HOWEVER, it is excessive alcohol drinking, with the sugars and the alcohol that will RUIN AND DECAY THE SUBSTRUCTURE HOLDING THE VENEER, YOUR TEETH. The teeth will become soft, affecting the margins, the edges of where the veneer meets the gum and tooth, which will be ruined.3. Excessive alcohol, being an alcoholic, will ruin not only the teeth with the veneers, but will decay the surrounding teeth as well, cause gum problems and excessive plaque from dry mouth.This occurs especially at the gum line, the exact area that is so important to keeping veneered teeth healthy.4. Any problems caused, and  there are many, will be self imposed, and the result of gum and decay problems, reducing the longevity of your veneers.