Dental veneers are popular among both celebrities and normal folks because they offer a quick and powerful way to transform the appearance of teeth. They can hide many imperfections, including chips, cracks, discoloration, and so much more. Of course, it is also important to think about how veneers may affect your oral health and wellness. Will they cause an increase in dental sensitivity? This blog post explains what you need to know.
Veneers and Temporary Sensitivity
First and foremost, you should understand that porcelain veneers are considered to be safe for oral health. Dentists prioritize the wellness of their patients, and a responsible practitioner would never provide them if they posed unacceptable risks.
With that being said, you should understand that the veneers treatment process requires that your dentist removes a small amount of enamel, usually about half a millimeter (roughly the thickness of a contact lens). This is necessary for the veneers to sit flush with your other teeth and look natural. However, since enamel’s job is to protect the inner layers of teeth, removing even a small amount may increase sensitivity.
Fortunately, veneers replace the lost enamel. Basically, this means that you should not experience a permanent increase in sensitivity. You may only notice sensitivity after your veneer prep appointment and after your permanent veneers are secured onto your teeth.
How Long Will the Sensitivity Last?
Most people find that veneer-related sensitivity wears off within just a few days to a few weeks. During this period, you can take practical steps to manage discomfort:
- Eat a mild diet that will not exacerbate sensitivity. Avoid hot, cold, spicy, and acidic foods.
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste that is designed to reduce dental sensitivity.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers when necessary.
- Soothe inflammation by periodically rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
- Call your dentist if the sensitivity gets worse or you have other concerns.
After you make it through your adjustment period, your veneers should begin to feel natural and normal in your mouth. You might even forget they are there!
Dental veneers are generally safe, and they should not cause long-term sensitivity. Talk to your cosmetic dentist to get more information about what you can expect from this treatment.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Schlessel and Hornstein are the leaders of our team at The Center for Advanced Dentistry. They adhere to a holistic philosophy on care, which means they prioritize the oral and overall health of patients. They strive to make all treatments, including veneers, as conservative as possible without compromising results. If you are interested in cosmetic treatments, we would be pleased to welcome you into our Beachwood office for a consultation. Contact us at 216-595-1710.