Many people who have aesthetic issues in their teeth, like chips, cracks, or stubborn stains that can’t be whitened, worry about being judged for their dental condition. If you’re feeling self-conscious about one or more concerns, you might benefit from getting porcelain veneers.
This popular cosmetic treatment can be used to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence, but some patients worry that the process might cause sensitivity. Continue reading to learn more about why this can sometimes happen so you can make an informed decision regarding the future of your smile.
What Are Veneers?
These restorations are thin shells made from durable ceramic that can be customized to match the tone, size, and shape of your natural enamel. Then, they are cemented to the front surfaces of your teeth to mask one or multiple problems in your teeth, such as minor breaks, fractures, dental discoloration that can’t be whitened, and slight gaps or misalignments.
Furthermore, they’re less porous than enamel and coated with a glaze durable enough to help them better resist future damage and staining, and they don’t develop decay like natural enamel.
Does Getting Veneers Hurt?
Although these covers are typically only about 0.2 to 0.5 mm thick, they can look awkward or bulky, or potentially throw off your bite alignment, if they’re placed over your teeth without any preparation. Your dentist must therefore remove a small amount of enamel to ensure they fit correctly and rest flush against your gumline.
Your provider will likely numb the area before starting this process to help you feel comfortable throughout your appointment, but this can cause sensitivity afterwards.
Do Veneers Cause Sensitivity After They’re Placed?
Your enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth and is responsible for protecting the softer layers beneath. For instance, it shields the underlying section of dentin, which contains microscopic tubules that connect with the nerves inside your teeth. Once your enamel is thinned, sensations like changes in pressure and temperature can more easily travel through the lower layers and trigger adverse reactions in these tender receptors.
Fortunately, this side effect is usually temporary and starts to dissipate after a few days. Plus, your dentist will likely provide temporary veneers to safeguard your smile until the more permanent ones are designed and delivered, which can help protect your teeth from adverse sensations. If you do feel sore, it’s usually safe to take over-the-counter pain medications to reduce your discomfort.
Once your permanent veneers are cemented in place, you shouldn’t experience ongoing or persistent aches. If you experience severe pain or it doesn’t subside, contact your dentist so they can ensure your restorations fit correctly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Sujal Patel enjoys combining artistry with science to help people of all ages in Dallas build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He initially earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Manubhai Patel Dental College and then graduated from New York University with a Doctor of Dental Surgery. Today, he’s a member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association, and provides a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your family’s needs, including porcelain veneers. You can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or by calling (972) 818-5649.