Unlike other cosmetic dental options, veneers require a bit of prep work. A dentist has to alter your smile before they can place the porcelain shells. That said, you may wonder: Does getting veneers make teeth sensitive? The question is a fair one to ask, so your Bowie dental practice is here with an answer. Just keep reading to learn how veneers are placed, whether they make teeth sensitive, and how to prevent post-care sensitivity.
Context: How Veneers are Placed
To get veneers, a patient must attend two dental visits. The first one prepares the teeth for care, while the second places the actual shells.
A dentist takes several steps to prepare your teeth for veneers. For starters, they remove bits of your enamel to make room for the final restorations. They then make an impression of the “prepped teeth” and send it to a dental lab, which will craft your veneers over several weeks. You’ll wear temporary shells in the meantime to protect your smile.
You’ll only get your “final” or complete veneers at the second appointment. At that time, the dental team will place your shells and make last-minute changes to ensure they look good.
Do Veneers Make Teeth Sensitive?
Though not often, veneer placement can make teeth temporarily sensitive. You’ll want to take note of that before you pursue treatment.
It comes down to how treatment removes some of your enamel. In rare cases, this process can expose your smile’s dentin – the tooth layer that contains sensitive tubules and nerves. When this region is stimulated by hot and cold temperatures, it can often send pain signals to your brain and cause minor aches.
All that said, any felt sensitivity should fade soon after treatment. Since veneers bond to your teeth, they replace any lost enamel and protect against hot and cold temperatures. Your smile should be free of soreness or sensitive areas within a week (or two) of the placement.
Ways to Prevent Post-Care Sensitivity
While veneer sensitivity is short-lived, you can always take steps to prevent it entirely. Just remember to do the following things:
- Eat & Drink Carefully – in the first few days after treatment, avoid very hot or cold dishes as best you can. Examples include coffee, ice cream, etc.
- Take Pain Relievers – Often enough, you can reduce post-care sensitivity with over-the-counter pain medications.
- Rinse with Saltwater – By rinsing with warm saltwater, you’ll reduce post-treatment swelling and balance your mouth’s pH levels.
Veneers don’t always make teeth sensitive, but it never hurts to stay prepared. Remember the tips above ahead of your treatment!
About the Practice
Ambiance Dental Spa is based in Bowie, MD. Led by Drs. Hightower and Barrow, our practice strives to make dentistry soothing and relaxing for every patient. We thus perform tailored treatments in a quiet and calm space, all while noting your personal preferences. Whether you need a dental checkup or porcelain veneers, our team will take great care of you! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (301)-262-2624.