If you’re considering veneers to improve your smile, you might be wondering whether the process will leave your teeth feeling more sensitive. Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments because they can transform your smile by hiding chips, gaps, stains, and uneven teeth. But since they involve reshaping your natural teeth, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect, including whether you’ll experience tooth sensitivity.
Why Sensitivity Can Happen After Veneers
Getting veneers typically involves removing a very thin layer of enamel from the surface of your teeth. This step ensures the veneers sit flush and look natural. Because enamel helps protect the inner layers of the tooth, its removal can temporarily expose your teeth to more temperature and pressure sensitivity.
You might notice:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Mild discomfort when biting down.
- A tingling feeling around the treated teeth.
This sensitivity is usually most noticeable in the first few days after the procedure, especially if you received several veneers at once.
How Long Sensitivity Lasts
For most patients, any sensitivity after getting veneers is temporary. Your teeth and gums need a short period to adjust to the new restorations. Typically, sensitivity fades within a few days to two weeks. If you still feel significant discomfort after that time, it’s a good idea to check in with your dentist to ensure your veneers fit properly.
Factors That Influence Sensitivity
Not everyone experiences the same level of sensitivity. Factors that can affect it include:
- Amount of enamel removed: Minimal-prep veneers usually cause less sensitivity.
- Pre-existing enamel wear: If your enamel was already thin, you may feel more discomfort.
- Number of teeth treated: Getting multiple veneers at once can increase initial sensitivity.
- Overall oral health: Healthy gums and teeth generally recover faster.
How to Manage Sensitivity
If you do experience sensitivity after your veneers are placed, here are some tips to make yourself more comfortable:
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help block nerve signals that trigger discomfort.
- Avoid very hot or cold foods for the first few days.
- Practice good oral hygiene to keep your gums healthy and prevent additional irritation.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed, but check with your dentist first.
The Good News
Once your teeth and gums adjust, veneers do not typically make your teeth permanently sensitive. In fact, veneers can help protect your teeth from further wear and damage, which may actually reduce sensitivity over time.
Some temporary sensitivity after getting veneers is normal, but it’s usually short-lived and manageable. With proper care and follow-up visits to ensure the perfect fit, veneers should leave you with a beautiful, functional smile — not long-term discomfort.
About the Practice
Do you have cosmetic issues? Have chips, cracks, or stained teeth made you shy to smile in pictures or social settings? Here at Goodyear Family Dentistry, we have just the answer for you with dental veneers. We’ll preview your new smile with digital imaging so you can see ahead of time what you’re paying for, and we guarantee gorgeous, natural-looking results that are customized for each and every one of our patients. If you’d like a glow-up for your smile, schedule an appointment online or call (520) 521-0387.