When it comes to correcting compromised smiles, porcelain veneers are one of the best options available. These thin sheets of porcelain, once bonded to your teeth, do an incredible job of masking any visible imperfections and giving your pearly whites a wonderful new look. But in order to receive veneers, a small amount of your enamel usually needs to be removed—which has you wondering if you’re going to experience any hypersensitivity upon receiving your veneers. Keep reading to learn more about veneers and what you can do to manage any sensitivity that results from receiving them.
Why Do Porcelain Veneers Cause Tooth Sensitivity?
To make room on your teeth for veneers, your dentist will have to remove a very small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth (usually about half a millimeter). This is what allows the veneers to blend seamlessly with the rest of your natural smile. However, this is also what causes minor tooth sensitivity in some patients. It’s normal to experience mild sensitivity for a few days or weeks after receiving porcelain veneers; but if this persists for months, it might be a sign of an underlying issue.
Despite the temporary sensitivity that’s caused by receiving veneers, the treatment is actually quite effective for preventing future sensitivity. Once the veneers have been properly placed, they are essentially shielding your weakened enamel from things that cause discomfort like extremely hot or cold foods. It’s also worth noting that if you’re already missing too much enamel, you might not be an ideal candidate for veneers—only your dentist will be able to determine your eligibility.
Tips for Managing Tooth Sensitivity
If you’ve just received porcelain veneers and are struggling to alleviate the associated sensitivity, here are some tips to help:
- Watch what you eat – Certain foods, including very hot or cold items, can naturally increase the amount of sensitivity you’re experiencing.
- Rinse your mouth – Gently rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater mixture can help to decrease sensitivity, reduce any inflammation, and improve the pH levels inside your mouth.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers – Taking OTC pain medications like Tylenol or Ibuprofen as needed can also help to alleviate some minor soreness.
- Have patience – It might take some time for you to fully adjust to your new veneers, so don’t feel distraught if the first few days aren’t comfortable.
Even though porcelain veneers can cause some tooth sensitivity, it’s a small price to pay for the incredible transformation they deliver for your smile. That said, knowing what causes this sensitivity and how to manage it will ensure that your veneers don’t just look good—they feel good, too!
About the Practice
The team at North York Dental is honored to serve the dental needs of the North York area under the leadership of Dr. Eli Shem-Tov, Dr. Nada Harakati, and Dr. Sam Sharma. Their practice is proud to offer several available services including cosmetic options like porcelain veneers. If you have any questions about veneers or tooth sensitivity, or you’d like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone: +1 416-494-7878.