Veneers are wonderful cosmetic dental appliances that can conceal a host of unsightly dental defects like chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and misshapenness, and they are the open secret behind many of the flawless smiles of media personalities and other celebrities. While these devices are remarkably natural feeling after the patient gets used to wearing them, they can cause mild dental sensitivity for a few days after they are placed. Here’s a quick look at how veneers work and how you can keep your smile comfortable after receiving them.
How Are Veneers Placed?
Dental veneers are placed through a specialized process that is rendered completely painless with effective anesthetics. Placement typically involves three stages that work like this:
- Consultation: During this meeting, your dentist will evaluate your oral health and discuss your goals to determine the best way to help you achieve a more gorgeous smile. If veneers are the right treatment for you, you’ll probably be scheduled for two additional appointments.
- Preparation: During the first appointment, your dentist will anesthetize the treatment area before removing a small amount of enamel from the teeth being treated. They will then take measurements of your smile and place temporary veneers so you can get used to wearing them.
- Placement: You’ll come back to your dentist’s office about two weeks later to receive your final veneers. This will involve your dentist removing your temporary devices, cementing your customized set in place, and making any final adjustments.
Do Veneers Cause Dental Sensitivity?
Many patients will experience mild and temporary dental sensitivity while their teeth are adjusting to wearing veneers. This should go away on its own after several days, but you can reduce it until then by:
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication
- Applying a topical oral analgesic
- Avoiding foods and beverages that are especially hot, cold, sweet, crunchy, tough, chewy, or acidic until you can enjoy them comfortably.
Your dentist will be sure to provide you with detailed aftercare instructions so you know exactly how to keep your teeth healthy and comfortable while recovering. Adhering to these guidelines will help you achieve a smile that looks and feels fantastic.
About the Author
Dr. Bret Gilsdorf earned his dental degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is a fellow with the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics. He is also a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Manhattan offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers. If you are interested in veneers, contact the office online or dial (785) 539-2314.