People with dental problems may be more likely to report feeling anxious because flaws in their smile, like chips, cracks, stubborn stains, and mild misalignments, can impact their appearance. If you’re overly worried about being judged for aesthetic issues, you might avoid spending time with others, which detracts from your daily quality of life.
Your dentist can place porcelain veneers to enhance your looks, but many people avoid this procedure because they’re concerned they’ll develop sensitivity. Continue reading to learn more about why this sometimes happens and how to prevent it so you can proceed!
How Are My Teeth Prepped for Veneers?
Many patients are surprised to learn that a small amount of enamel must be removed for these restorations to fit correctly. Although these ceramic shells are quite thin, they can look overly bulky or throw off your dental alignment if your dentist cements them onto your tooth without first thinning it slightly.
That means your provider must gently remove about 0.2 to 0.5mm of enamel from your pearly white before making impressions for your cosmetics. This protective outer layer doesn’t regenerate, making this an irreversible change to the structure of your teeth. Thankfully, veneers are strong enough to shield the underlying pearly whites from chips, cracks, and stains. Plus, they can last 15 or more years with the right care.
Do Veneers Cause Sensitivity?
Your enamel is your mouth’s natural defense to protect the tender materials inside your teeth. When it’s thinned, more of the underlying layer of dentin is exposed. This darker, softer tissue contains microscopic tubules that connect to the tender nerves inside and can transmit sensations, like hot and cold or hard and soft.
That means your teeth can feel tender after they’ve been prepped for veneers, and are also slightly more vulnerable to damage and decay. Your dentist will likely fit you with temporary restorations to safeguard your smile until your permanent shells arrive and can be cemented in place.
How Can I Avoid Sensitivity with Veneers?
The sensitivity of getting veneers is usually temporary and fades on its own after a few days as your pearly whites adjust. However, there are proactive things you can do to avoid exacerbating your condition in the meantime, including:
- Watching what you eat. Overly crunchy, sweet, sticky, hot, or cold foods can cause negative sensations or harm your veneers and should be avoided.
- Addressing any aches. Taking ibuprofen or Tylenol is usually a safe way to reduce any soreness resulting from your treatment.
- Rinsing with salt water. This can naturally soothe and disinfect your tender teeth and gums and restore your mouth’s pH balance.
If you’re still unsure whether veneers are the best way to help you reach your smile goals, consulting your dentist can provide answers based on your unique circumstances!
About the Practice
Patients at Marvel Dental & Orthodontics benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to helping families in Burleson build and maintain happy, healthy grins. They share decades of combined experience and collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof, including veneers. They combine a caring approach with advanced technology to enhance your comfort while delivering beautiful, accurate, and long-lasting results. If you want to improve your appearance, you can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or by calling (817) 933-3883.