You’re not alone if you’re frustrated by dental flaws that detract from your appearance. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans spend billions of dollars on cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain veneers, to enhance their smiles and boost their confidence.
But you might worry that the process of placing these customized restorations could hurt, or that they’ll feel unnatural in your mouth for years to come. Continue reading to learn what sensations to expect when getting veneers to help determine if this popular treatment is right for you!
How Do Veneers Work?
Veneers are thin shells that are usually made from resilient ceramic, which can be customized to match or improve the size, color, and shape of your enamel. Then, they’re cemented over the fronts of your teeth to mask one or several aesthetic issues. For instance, your dentist can carefully arrange them to hide chips, cracks, stubborn stains, slight overcrowding, or mild gaps.
These covers are usually incredibly durable and are coated with a glaze strong enough to help them resist additional damage and discoloration and help protect the underlying teeth from the same. They’re not meant to be removed once they’re cemented in place, and often last 20+ years with proper care.
Does Getting Veneers Hurt?
You might avoid this procedure if you’re convinced it will cause pain, but fortunately, that’s not usually the case. That said, it’s possible to experience temporary sensitivity because your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from the affected teeth so they fit correctly. This makes it easier for sensations like hot and cold to travel through the underlying dentin and trigger the tender nerves inside.
Most dentists numb your mouth before preparing your teeth for treatment, so you may feel pressure while they work but are less likely to experience outright discomfort. Then, associated sensitivity usually resolves itself after a few days and can often be managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
What do Veneers Feel Like?
If you’re scared that your veneers will feel awkward or bulky in your mouth for decades to come, you can thankfully set your fears aside. They’re crafted from durable porcelain with a consistency similar to enamel, so most patients have no issue with their texture.
Not only that, but these shells are only about 0.2 to 0.5 mm thick. Although the sensitive tissues inside your mouth may take a few weeks to fully adjust to their dimensions, most patients get so used to their veneers that they eventually forget they’re there!
If you are considering upgrading your grin with veneers but are unsure whether you’re a good candidate, you can learn more by making an appointment with your dentist!
About the Practice
At Bradford Young Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, patients of all ages benefit from two dentists who are passionate about helping them build the healthiest, most beautiful versions of their smiles. Dr. Young and Dr. Horani each have decades of experience, and today, they collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including veneers, under one roof. Their attention to detail is paired with advanced technology to deliver comfortable, lifelike results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (610) 439-1363.