Can Veneers Cause Dental Sensitivity?

Veneers have transformed millions of smiles into beautiful new states by concealing dental defects such as chips, cracks, gaps, and stains. While this treatment is safe and effective, some patients may experience temporary dental sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. Here’s a brief guide to why this can happen as well as a few tips for staying comfortable while you enjoy your gorgeous new grin.

How Are Veneers Placed?

Veneers can be placed in as few as two appointments over several weeks. During the first appointment, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort before removing a small amount of enamel from the teeth being treated and taking bite impressions after they have been reshaped. They will then place temporary veneers on these teeth and send the impressions to a trusted dental lab where your permanent set will be carefully crafted.

You’ll come back to your dentist’s office after your permanent veneers arrive about two weeks later. Then, your dentist will remove the temporary set, cement the permanent ones in place, and make any final adjustments. You’ll then be ready to share your wonderful new smile with the world.

How Can Receiving Veneers Lead to Dental Sensitivity?

Since placing veneers involves removing a little bit of enamel, the process can leave the treated teeth more sensitive to temperature shifts. While the veneers will effectively protect the teeth from injury and infection while insulating them against temperature changes, it can take your teeth some time to get used to wearing them. You may experience dental sensitivity for a few days after receiving veneers while your teeth adjust.

How Can I Manage My Dental Sensitivity?

Luckily, there are a few easy ways to ensure that your teeth stay comfortable during this acclimation period. A few of these include:

• Using over-the-counter pain relievers
• Using toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth
• Sticking to a mild, soft, and room temperature diet while avoiding foods and beverages that are hot, cold, acidic, sweet, or salty
• Rinsing with a salt-water solution to reduce swelling and balance the acidity in your mouth

Any dental sensitivity after receiving veneers should be a mild and temporary problem. However, if the issue lasts longer than a week, contact your dentist to explain the situation and receive further guidance.

About the Author

Dr. Thomas G. Peters earned his dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine before completing a two-year residency at the same school. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Connecticut State Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Farmington provides general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers. To schedule your veneers consultation, contact his office online or dial (860) 677-8500.