If your teeth have minor cosmetic issues, porcelain veneers can correct them to give you a more beautiful smile. To make sure that they adhere properly to your teeth and seamlessly blend in with the rest of your smile, a small amount of tooth enamel is removed. Since enamel protects the nerve endings in your teeth from harm, you may be wondering if this step in the veneer procedure can cause your teeth to be more sensitive than usual. Read on to learn if getting veneers will lead to sensitive teeth, how to relieve this issue, and four ways that they benefit your smile.
So, Will Veneers Lead to Tooth Sensitivity?
Experiencing mild sensitivity or discomfort is to be expected after any dental procedure. For veneers, sensitivity can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Even so, some people experience little to no sensitivity after treatment. If symptoms persist for longer than two months or your teeth are extremely sensitive, contact your dentist as soon as possible so they can get to the root of the issue.
How to Relieve Tooth Sensitivity
Veneers cover the entire front surface of the teeth. If your enamel was already worn or weak, having these porcelain shells attached to your pearly whites may actually lessen sensitivity by shielding them from hot or cold foods and other things that can cause discomfort.
However, if sensitivity arises following your procedure, your dentist may recommend ways to lessen it, such as desensitizing toothpaste. This type of toothpaste is designed for patients with sensitive teeth and contains active ingredients that block pain signals that travel between the surface of the tooth and the sensory nerves inside of it. Your dentist may also reinforce the importance of avoiding chewy or hard foods, as these can also lead to sensitivity after veneer placement.
4 Benefits of Getting Veneers
Though veneers may lead to a temporary increase in sensitivity, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Some of the most noteworthy perks of getting veneers include:
- Color-match – Your dentist will match your veneers with the color of your teeth to ensure that your smile looks natural and uniform.
- Stain-resistant – Porcelain is incredibly resistant to stains. So, with proper care, you can keep your smile looking bright and white for years to come.
- Low maintenance – Taking care of veneers is easy. All you have to do is brush, floss, and visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings to keep them looking their best.
- A healthier looking smile – Since veneers can fix issues like gaps, discoloration, chips, cracks, misshapen teeth, or minor alignment issues.
As long as you take good care of your veneers, they can help you maintain a gorgeous grin for upwards of 15 years. Though mild sensitivity is normal after having them placed, contact your dentist if it persists to ensure that your smile remains healthy and brag-worthy!
About the Practice
Led by Dr. George A. Hoop, the Fort Myers team at Total Dental Solutions for Adults aims to beautify their city one smile at a time. if you’re unsatisfied with the look of your pearly whites, they offer porcelain veneers to cover up imperfections and give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Are you ready to make an appointment with Total Dental Solutions for Adults or do you want more information on porcelain veneers? Visit their website or call their office at (239) 939-7299 to get started.