Veneer treatment is more invasive than other forms of cosmetic dentistry. Unlike teeth whitening, dental bonding, and so on, it requires a dentist to remove some of your enamel. These facts may lead you to wonder: Will veneers make your teeth sensitive? To put this worrying question to rest, your Herndon dental practice is here to offer an answer. Keep reading to discover whether veneers would (or wouldn’t) make your teeth feel sensitive.
Treatment Removes Some Enamel
Admittedly, a dentist must remove some of your enamel to place a veneer. Doing so is crucial to the overall procedure; the final shells won’t work otherwise.
Dentists perform the enamel removal for two big reasons. For starters, it allows the shells to fit seamlessly and elegantly over the treated teeth. (Your veneers would bulge or “stick out” if enamel wasn’t shaved away.) The removal also ensures your restorations adhere firmly, as they might fall off if your teeth aren’t prepared first.
Of course, enamel is your smile’s topmost protective layer. It’s natural to wonder whether removing (some of) it leads to aches, pains, etc.
Veneers Can Briefly Make Teeth Sensitive
Due to how they’re placed, veneers can briefly make teeth sensitive. This effect (when present) is mild, though, and fades very quickly.
The issue is the removed enamel. When a dentist scrapes off this material, they may accidentally expose your dentin – the layer of your smile that has sensitive nerves. Hot and cold temperatures can easily stimulate this region, so foods or drinks could “upset” treated teeth and cause minor aches.
With all that said, the sensitivity in question is mild and short-lived. Veneers ultimately act as “replacements” for your lost enamel, so they’ll protect you from hot and cold temperatures. They’ll thus end your sensitivity within a week or two of placement.
Ways to Avoid Veneer-Related Sensitivity
For safety’s sake, you can always take steps to avoid veneer-related sensitivity. All you need to do is the following:
- Monitor Your Meals – In the days after treatment, don’t have very hot or cold foods or drinks. Examples include coffee, ice cream, etc.
- Take Medicine – The right over-the-counter pain medicine can counter post-treatment sensitivity and keep it at bay.
- Rinse with Saltwater – If you rinse with saltwater, you’ll reduce post-treatment swelling and balance your mouth’s pH levels.
Even if veneers make your teeth sensitive, you needn’t fear or panic. Just follow the guidelines above, trust your aches will fade, and enjoy your gorgeous grin!
About the Practice
Premier Dental Care is based in Herndon, VA. Led by Dr. Bahktyari, our practice prizes every patient and does everything possible to protect, repair, and enhance your smile. We thus offer a great many dental services, from dental checkups and restorative work to cosmetic treatments like veneers. You can always trust us to help your grin, no matter the issue! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (703)-860-8860.