Veneers are widely known as one of the most versatile cosmetic dental procedures, with the ability to address every type of imperfection from gaps between teeth to dental damage and slight misalignment. For some patients, the benefits of this full-spectrum smile enhancement may be worth any after-effects; however, it’s still important to know what you can experience after the procedure, such as dental sensitivity or discomfort. Read on to learn more about tooth sensitivity after getting veneers and what to expect following your treatment.
What are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, yet durable, coverings that are custom-designed by a dental laboratory to fit the visible surface of your teeth. They’re individually crafted, allowing you to choose whether you want to improve the appearance of just one tooth, several, or your entire smile. Each of your natural teeth that you want to improve the appearance of is prepared to receive a veneer, and once they’re cemented in place, many patients are able to enjoy them for upwards of 20 years with good at-home and professional oral hygiene.
Why Does Tooth Sensitivity Occur After Veneers?
Just like after you receive a dental crown, it’s common for patients to experience dental sensitivity after getting veneers. This is because your cosmetic dentist in Dallas needs to remove about .5 millimeters (about the thickness of a contact lens) of your tooth enamel to allow the restoration to lay flush with your surrounding teeth. As a result, you may experience minor sensitivity to hot or cold items until you get used to your new restorations.
If you continue to experience dental sensitivity for longer than two weeks after your treatment, or you notice that it gets worse, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They may need to make an adjustment to ensure your veneers didn’t alter your bite. However, a bite problem isn’t always the culprit of prolonged sensitivity.
What to Expect After Your Procedure
After your veneers are placed, in addition to dental sensitivity, you can also expect to experience a few other temporary side-effects. The good news is that these effects typically only last one to two weeks and should go away after you adjust to your veneers. The effects include:
- Sore gums for a few days
- Speech difficulties as you adapt to the new feeling of your mouth
- Increased saliva production that can also impact speech
If you experience any unexpected effects, never hesitate to reach out to your cosmetic dentist.
Veneers aren’t for everyone, but many people feel that the dramatic transformation they can achieve is well worth the temporary after effects! The best way to learn whether the pros outweigh the cons for your unique situation is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They can help walk you through what the process will look like, answer any questions you may have, and help you feel confident in your decision to move forward with the procedure.
About the Author
Dr. Arrechea is a dental veteran with over 20 years of experience in the field. She has worked in dental laboratories as well as clinical settings, providing her with a wide breadth of knowledge and skills ideal for achieving the highest quality cosmetic results. To learn more about veneers and whether the treatment is right for you, visit Daily Smiles Dental Dallas’ website to book online or call 214-624-6221.